A bottom timer is a.....

[nshon]

<newbiew mode>Can I confirm that a bottom timer is nothing more than a water proof watch that has stopwatch function and not another fancy equipment that I have to convince my wife I need?</newbie mode>

 

[The Kraken]

Watch and depth gauge combination.
A watch alone will not keep you from exceeding your NDL's . . . it's depth and time.
They're not too expensive, about $150 through Leisure-Pro.

 

[DORSETBOY]

Great inexpensive backup for a computer too.

 

[rab]

Bottom Timer == single device that tracks both depth and time

However, you really just need a backup for both functions. For a while I dove with my dive computer (primary), a cheap water-resistant (50m) watch (backup timer), and a buddy (backup depth). Now I have a Timex Helix which I've used to track depth and time (primary) while the dive computer was in the shop (it's now been warranty replaced). On my next dives (next week!), I'll have dive computer (primary depth, time, and NDL), bottom timer (backup depth and time). The watch now graces my son's wrist. Oh, and I'll typically have a buddy for a secondary backup, too.

Having said all that, please don't let me be the one to stop you from adding to your collection of dive gadgets... er.. equipment.

-Rob

 

[DA Aquamaster]

The most commonly available bottom timer is made by Uwatec but just comes in different colors and graphic combos for various companies creating the impression that there is actually some choice. It offers digital depth, ascent warning, bottom time temperature and log functions but the $150-190 price is little higher than it should be for what you get. The downside to Uwatec bottom timer is that it does not have user replaceable batteries so in 10-12 years you'll have to buy another one.
Scubapro sells their version for an MSRP of $170 but dealers can discount this another 10% which cuts the cost to $153.

For about another $100 ($235-$250) you could get a hockey puck style dive computer with a gauge mode that would serve the same purpose plus have the potential to be used as a backup dive computer if needed. They both fit in the same type of generic wrist mount. Unlike the Uwatec bottom timer, the batteries in nearly all hockey puck computers are user replaceable. But also unlike the Uwatec bottom timer, most hockey puck computers are also not known for actually lasting 10-12 years without developing serious depth errors or quitting all together. So the battery issue is pretty much a draw.

You could also go with an inexpensive waterproof watch like a Casio G-shock or Timex Ironman and pickup a backup depth gauge. You can still find cappillary depth gauges and these tend to be very simple, very reliable, very accurate at deco stop depths and are thin and easy to carry on a wrist or in a pocket.

 

[simbrooks]

Personally i am thinking of getting a suunto D3 - nicer display than the uwatec and its only another $50-70 more. Looks good to me BT as described above.

 

[matt_unique]

The most commonly available bottom timer is made by Uwatec but just comes in different colors and graphic combos for various companies creating the impression that there is actually some choice. It offers digital depth, ascent warning, bottom time temperature and log functions but the $150-190 price is little higher than it should be for what you get. The downside to Uwatec bottom timer is that it does not have user replaceable batteries so in 10-12 years you'll have to buy another one.
Scubapro sells their version for an MSRP of $170 but dealers can discount this another 10% which cuts the cost to $153.

For about another $100 ($235-$250) you could get a hockey puck style dive computer with a gauge mode that would serve the same purpose plus have the potential to be used as a backup dive computer if needed. They both fit in the same type of generic wrist mount. Unlike the Uwatec bottom timer, the batteries in nearly all hockey puck computers are user replaceable. But also unlike the Uwatec bottom timer, most hockey puck computers are also not known for actually lasting 10-12 years without developing serious depth errors or quitting all together. So the battery issue is pretty much a draw.

You could also go with an inexpensive waterproof watch like a Casio G-shock or Timex Ironman and pickup a backup depth gauge. You can still find cappillary depth gauges and these tend to be very simple, very reliable, very accurate at deco stop depths and are thin and easy to carry on a wrist or in a pocket.

I use the Uwatex digital depth gauge as my backup device. It is calibrated for fresh water so the depth readings will be slightly different compared to a salt water calibrated device. The difference is negligible in recreational depths. (I am assuming you mostly dive in salt water).

--Matt

 

[derwoodwithasherwood]

The principle difference between a bottom timer and a watch is that a bottom timer automatically starts once you descend, then stops and switches to timing the surface interval when you surface, displaying both. Some can track multiple dives. A watch must be started and stopped manually and often has only one display.

 

[Humuhumunukunukuapua'a]

FWIW, those Timex Helix watches mentioned above have been discontinued. They used to be ~$150, but can be found on ebay these days for ~$29-$50.

In case anyone is looking...

 

[crpntr133]

You can also order the Aeris Atmos 1 dive computer from Scubatoys for the sale price of $169.85. It does a bit more than the BT and has a user replaceable battery.

Right now I have been using a console depth gauge and a watch($6) but want to go with the computer for many reasons. Another good thing about the Aeris is that you can trade it in for another Aeris computer.