Gearhungry logo.
Gearhungry logo.
Gearhungry logo.
  • Home
  • Categories
    • Gear
      • Gadgets
      • Knives
      • Pens
      • Photography
      • Wallets
    • Grooming
    • Health
      • Fitness
    • Home
      • Appliances
      • Books
      • Coffee
      • Food & Drink
      • Furniture
      • Lawn & Garden
      • Kitchen
      • Office
      • Pets
    • Outdoors
      • Camping
      • Hiking
      • Sports
      • Skiing
      • Survival
      • Travel
    • Style
      • Apparel
      • Bags
      • Footwear
      • Grooming
      • Watches
    • Tech
      • Audio
      • Computers
      • Display
      • Drones
      • Gaming
      • GPS
      • Smartphones
      • Smart Home
      • TV & Video
      • Wearables
    • Tools
    • Toys & Games
      • Boardgames
      • Construction Kits
      • Outside Play
      • Puzzles
    • Rides
      • Bikes
      • Cars
      • Motorcycles
    • Vices
      • Cocktails & Spirits
      • Beer & Wine
    • View All Categories
  • Buying Guides
    • Audio
    • Apparel
    • Bags
    • Camping
    • Coffee
    • Fitness
    • Footwear
    • Gaming
    • Grooming
    • Home
    • Knives
    • Outdoors
    • Tech
    • Tools
    • Toys & Games
    • Wallets
    • Watches
  • Gifts
  • EDC
  • Blog
  • More
    • About Us – Learn More About Gear Hungry
    • Advertise
    • Brand assets
    • Contact
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Outdoor & Sports
Last updated: 12 Mar 2019

Tips For Choosing A Quality Dive Watch

Jordan Carter
By Jordan Carter
Published February 21, 2018
Support us! GearHungry may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn more

How To Choose A Dive Watch

Although there is a wide variety of so-called dive watches out there, lots of these are simply fashion pieces dressed up to look like dive watches. Perhaps they look the part, but underneath the surface, they are useless for underwater and won’t last too long at any serious depth when you dive.

To help you find a useful and great looking dive watch though, we will look at the six most important functions it should have.

Water Resistant

Unsurprisingly, a dive watch needs to be water resistant. This goes without saying, that you don’t want to be stuck in the middle of the ocean with a dive watch that can’t cope with the depths and water pressure. The recommended minimum a dive watch should be water resistant for is 200 metres in depth. It, therefore, should meet the ISO-6425 requirements which are an internationally recognised standard. This means that a dive watch should be able to handle a pressure rating of 25% than the stated depth. So if the manufacturer states it is capable of handling 200 metres, it should have passed a test for 250 metres.

Structural integrity and strength are therefore important when it comes to the engineering behind the watch. Extra components are often used, such as Helium escape valves, beefier cases or even thicker crystals to help withstand over 1000 metres depth.

Surgical grade titanium or 316L stainless steel should be used to make the case.

dive watch

Screw Down Back Case, Pushers and Crown

The case back and crown are considered to be the most vulnerable parts of a watch. So it makes sense that these are tightly sealed as possible, using a screw down kind of mechanism with robust gaskets to completely seal the watch off. Before each and every dive, make sure that the crown and every pusher is screwed tightly and ensure your watch is wound up.

Uni-directional Bezel That Rotates

Any good dive watch worth its price tag should have a bezel that is uni-directional and rotates with a luminously coloured marking at the 12 position. This crucial little bezel helps you to measure how much time has elapsed quickly and without much hassle. As it is uni-directional, it prevents the dial from moving backwards while you are diving, which can make you think you have more time left than you actually have. Even if it is knocked and moves, thanks to this safety feature it means you will probably go to the surface earlier rather than later.

Clearly Visible

It can be incredibly dark under the water, particularly the deeper you dive. You need to find a watch that is crystal clear and easy to read. All of the indicators such as the dial face, markers for hours and hands should be large and tidy.

Resistant To Corrosion

One crucial aspect of a dive watch that is forgotten about or only thought about as an afterthought is how resistant it is to corrosion. Cases should be made of high-grade titanium or stainless steel. Rubber and ceramics are also great materials. Plastics become brittle in time so should be avoided.

dive watch

Special Strap Or Bracelet

Look for a strap that works well regardless where you are, particularly if you intend on wearing your dive watch as a day to day piece as well as under the water.

Share

Sign up for our newsletter
Related Reads
best dive watches
#Sports

Best Dive Watches For Deep Sea Adventure in 2021

see more→
Best Watch Winders
#Watches

Best Watch Winders in 2021

see more→
Best Victorinox Swiss Army Watches
#Watches

Best Victorinox Swiss Army Watches For Men in 2021

see more→
best watches you can buy for under 1000
#Watches

Best Watches You Can Buy For Under $1000 in 2021

see more→
best waterproof watches for men
#Watches

Best Waterproof Watches for Men in 2021

see more→
best altimeter watches
#Watches

Best Altimeter Watches for Men in 2021

see more→
The best!
Gear, gadgets & stuff for men
Straight to your inbox
You May Also Like
  • Hamilton Watches
  • Stuhrling Watches
  • Fossil Watches
  • Bulova Watches
  • Calculator Watches
  • Rolex Watches
  • Watches For Boys
  • MK Watches
  • Watch Rolls
  • Gucci Watches
  • Thin Watches
  • Watch Straps For Men
  • Vintage Watches
  • Rose Gold Watches
  • Nixon Watches
  • Seiko Watches
  • Luminox Watches
  • Wenger Watches
  • Tritium Watches
  • Waterproof Smartwatches
  • Fishing Watches
  • Green Dial Watches
  • Freediving Watches
  • Triathlon Watches
  • Apple Watch Cases
  • Armani Watches For Men
Gearhungry logo
  • Home
  • Categories
  • About Us – Learn More About Gear Hungry
  • Contact
Gear Hungry ©2021 Privacy policy Affiliate Disclosure
DMCA.com Protection Status