Cheap Timex as backup Bottom Counter

[DandyDon]

I've used $14.95 Armitron watches for my backup timer since I started diving seven years ago. The buttons are fully functional at depth (well, down to 110 feet, the deepest I've been) and the digital screen is large and easy to read in low light. That's what I got it for...BIG letters that my aging eyes can read.

Mine has been to 182 ft with me. No problems. I do press the buttons for light, minute timers for safety stops, etc, but didn't at that depth. Mostly I don't worry about it.

I couldn't find this model at Walmart last January when my previous one croaked. Seems they've gone to smaller ones. Found them at Walgreens for a bit more, bought two.

 

[ItsBruce]

My Timex did just fine on all three dives on Wednesday. However, that evening, while washing my gear, it wigged out. First, it displayed wierd figures. Then it stopped altogether. I left it on the counter with plans on replacing it the next day. In the morning it seemed to be working just find (though I did have to reset it). It continues to work. Very odd.

 

[DandyDon]

My Timex did just fine on all three dives on Wednesday. However, that evening, while washing my gear, it wigged out. First, it displayed wierd figures. Then it stopped altogether. I left it on the counter with plans on replacing it the next day. In the morning it seemed to be working just find (though I did have to reset it). It continues to work. Very odd.

How old is the battery?

 

[trucker girl]

Mine has been to 182 ft with me. No problems. I do press the buttons for light, minute timers for safety stops, etc, but didn't at that depth. Mostly I don't worry about it.

I couldn't find this model at Walmart last January when my previous one croaked. Seems they've gone to smaller ones. Found them at Walgreens for a bit more, bought two.

My image of you is shattered!
All those cowboy hats... all that gear... and then you go buy cheapie Wal-Mart watches!

Oh. Me too (on the cheapie watch)

 

[H2ODoc]

All this talk about cheapo watches! I'm new to diving, but have always worn a dive watch. I guess I just liked the style of watch. I'm in the camp where a watch is somewhat of a fashion statement, not just a timing device. Maybe like shoes - they are not just there to protect your feet, right? They also make some sort of statement. In the case of dive watches, I like wearing it because is reminds me of this new-to-me sport, and maybe helps strike up a conversation with other divers that would otherwise not know that I dive.

Maybe I'm shallow (pun intended!).

All that being said, I think investing in a quality dive watch is not out of the question, when you consider you have invested big bucks on all the other gear that you dive with.

A good seiko dive watch can be had from on-line retailers for $120 to $300. I like www.chronograph.com and some of the on-line retailers. A GREAT Seiko / Citizen forum and classified site is http://www.network54.com/Forum/78440/

Here are some of my dive watches:

A classic for about $120:

another Seiko, also about $120

A little more expensive, but tough Marathon SAR:

 

[ItsBruce]

How old is the battery?

I haven't a clue. I bought the watch in April.

 

[DandyDon]

I haven't a clue. I bought the watch in April.

Take it back and request warranty replacement. It's not dependable. Either bad battery or a leak. I wouldn't dive with it.

 

[Diveral]

I've taken my $6.99 Kmart special armitron sports watch to 119' feet with no problems. It is a back-up dive timer. I use my dive computer as my primary device. I probably wouldn't rely on the cheap watch as my primary timer. I used a Casio G-shock rated for 200m as my primary dive timer for many years prior to purchasing my computer.