Casio Pathfinder/GShock for Diving? Or just go A/I Watch?

[JoeinLA]

After my relatively expensive Tag flooded after my last dive (rated to 200M), I've given up on buying "fancy" watches and would like to get something that's function and price effective.

I've looked at the latest Casio's the PAW 5000 and the GW3000. The PAW is rated for 100M and the GW is rated for 200M.

Would these survive recreational diving up to depths of 120ft or so? I rarely dive beyond 80 feet, but just in case...

Otherwise, I'm considering buying an A/I watch style computer like the OC1/Epic/Atom, but with the Atom 3 right around the corner, I suppose I should just wait on that..? I like the look of the OC1, but can't seem to figure out how it's $800+ better than the Epic/Atom...

I REALLY like that the Casio's are solar powered so I never have to change a battery...

Thoughts/comments would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[tc]

The fine print on the Casio's says to only use the ones rated to 200 meters for diving.

Haven't tried the 100 meter versions so no idea if it's accurate.

I've got one of the solar/gshock/atomic ones, it's great, don't need to change batteries and self corrects it's time every morning.

I've had it diving with no problem but don't take it too often- normally use a watch sized dive computer.

 

[k374]

I have a Casio SGW100 watch ($45) that is rated 200M and I've taken it diving to 110ft and several shallower dives without issues..although the user manual says to not use it for SCUBA diving. From what I gather, a watch has to be rated 300M for SCUBA. The 200M depth rating is a static pressure test limit which is not the same as the actual depth rating.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_Resistant_mark

 

[heydn62]

I bought a Casio G-Shock a couple of years ago right after I started diving. I rarely wear it diving now, as I wear a wrist computer, but it did hold up well at depth. I wear it on a regular basis topside though. I like the solar power and the wave ceptor function (auto time set each day) of my particular model, but it is hard to read at times, even in "decent" light.

Mine is the GW-810D, rated to 200M.

 

[fnfalman]

Just make sure you get the model that says it's OK to use buttons (activating your timing sequences) while you're underwater. Some watches are waterproof only if you don't push the buttons underwater.

Also not every TAG-Heuer watches is a dive watch even though it said water resistant to 200-M. Lots of watches said water resistant to 100-M or 200-M, but they're sport watches and not dive watches. Caveat Emptor.

 

[SailNaked]

My dad used his 25 year old micky mouse watch to 125ft a few weeks ago, I think it is rated to make you happy any time of the day.

 

[JoeinLA]

Welp, I just got the PAW 1500, which is rated for 200M. I sure hope it doesn't flood on my first dive

 

[lxchin]

have used the path finder SF-70 up to 40 meters (rated for 100m). still works find as a depth guage. But depending upon your diving, maybe a computer is the better choice. esp if you are doing multiple dives in a day.

 

[DuboisP]

i'm using a Casio GW700-DE, solar powered and radio-piloted, but i had to change the battery once (bad manufacturing on some).
rated for 200m, and often used at 50m (165 ft), without problem.
also used a couple of times a W-59, rated 50m (good for shower and cleaning dish), at 40m (130 ft).

 

[Cave Diver]

I've looked at the latest Casio's the PAW 5000 and the GW3000. The PAW is rated for 100M and the GW is rated for 200M.

Would these survive recreational diving up to depths of 120ft or so? I rarely dive beyond 80 feet, but just in case...

My current G-shock has survived multiple dives well in excess of 200'. I doubt you'll have any problems at recreational depths.

My previous answer about depth ratings:

I use the Casio G-shock Solar Atomic Watch.

Taken from the users manual:

Only a watch with a rating of 200m or 300m is suitable for use on SCUBA. Among the stated reasons are while the watch may hold up against the static pressure of depth, the dynamic pressure caused by the movement through the water may be greatly in excess of the rating. It also expressly states that you should not operate buttons underwater of any watch with less than this rating.