Can anyone recomend a good dive watch to start with?

[shakespear]

I am getting certified next month and wanted something to start out with. To learn my tables and such.

I figure if and when the time comes, that I need a computer I will get one, but for now I am just looking for a good, reliable watch, preferably analog, preferably less than $300.

Any sugestions?

 

[WarmWaterDiver]

Wow - for that budget, you can get a wrist mounted dive computer that handles 2 different O2/N2 gas mixes you can switch between.

http://www.divers-discount.com/viewprod.cfm?DID=1&CATID=27&objectgroup_id=114

You could take that price quote and see what Scubatoys will do to match or beat it, in fact. A TUSA IQ-700 DC Hunter Wrist Mount for $275 is a pretty good deal. I own this computer (among others) and have been very happy with it.

For a dive watch, I'm assuming you're not including a water depth reading or function, just ability to tell time underwater at sport diving depths, but the Timex Helix series has its following on this board, and has a depth function. Might look into those.

 

[BrianS]

You can get a dive computer for less than $300.00

 

[shakespear]

Ohhhh, I just saw the thread about the tag divers watch....


Errrr what about a watch for $100 or less? (still going to need one for backup)

 

[Wayward Son]

Aquatech. At Walmart for less than $7.00.

 

[wunat]

Seiko makes good divers' analog watches.

If you intend to use this watch for diving only, I would probably get a dive computer................for USD300, I don't think you have a problem getting a wrist-mounted dive computer.

(I don't use my Seiko for diving other than confine water assistances in the pool.)

 

[cnctina]

Casio G-shock, $50, set the countdown timer and it beeps when your time is up. I have a computer and I still use my tables and watch.

 

[*Floater*]

shakespear,

You could buy a Timex Helix DM watch. They are water activated (once placed in dive mode) and measure dive time, temperarate and depth - just don't press the buttons underwater and keep the plastic sticker sheet in place to protect the screen from scratches. I got mine new from ebay for $35 (with shipping) some months ago. Not sure what they are going for right now.

For less than $300, you could get a new Oceanic Versa Pro wrist computer from scubatoys.com with the USB download cable - they are on special offer now, and if you call you could ask for the 10% scubaboard members discount. There are other good deals below $300 out there, or you could probably find a decent, used air/nitrox wrist comp for less than $200 if you have some time to bargain hunt - I just saw two used versa pros sell for $155 and $166 (with shipping), respectively, on ebay.

 

[shakespear]

This seems nice too

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/UTCASPW.html

 

[RonFrank]

I am getting certified next month and wanted something to start out with. To learn my tables and such.

I figure if and when the time comes, that I need a computer I will get one, but for now I am just looking for a good, reliable watch, preferably analog, preferably less than $300.

Any sugestions?

Timex made a watch (now discontinued) called the Helix Depth. I got mine for under $30 new on Ebay. Some Wallmarts were closing these out for a while.

I just did 18 ocean dives on this watch, and use if for my vacation watch. I has a Dive Track, and Drive Crono modes. Both track Depth, Time, BT, and you can use the crono to do safety stops. That said, I purchase my Aeris Atmos II computer for under $300 new (can't remember exactly what I paid). That computer is awesome, and I generally don't even look at my watch UW because the computer shows me everything I need to see.