Dive Computer Watches vs. Dive Computers

[Blackwood]

Hi. First post here, sorry if this is a repeat topic (if so, kindly point me to other threads).

I'm just getting into recreational diving, and am curious about equipment.

I'm looking into dive computer options and dive watches.

Are the watches with built in dive computers (eg. the Citizen Cyber Aqualand Nx) as good as dedicated "dive computers?"

I'm thinking about getting the above watch, but I'm afraid I'll find out later that I ALSO need a dive computer, and I don't want to waste 900 bucks on a watch if it is better to get a simple depth-rated watch and a standalone computer.

Thanks in advance!

 

[H2Andy]

that particular model looks very nice for recreational diving (including Nitrox).
it doesn't do mixed gases, but then again, neither do most recreational computers
(such as the one i have). also, it is not air-integrated, if that is a concern.

looking at the features, it looks like a very nice package

the only issues i would have with it is

1. how easy is it to see the display? and

2. how easy is it to manipulate the buttons while diving?

because most computers tend to have larger displays and buttons.

other than that, in my opinion, it looks like a nice watch/computer

 

[Uncle Pug]

Welcome to Scuba Board Blackwood. It is entirely possible to scuba dive without a dive computer. I do it all the time. Every dive.

IMO dive computers are way over sold and work best at extracting money out of new divers who should be spending it on other necessary gear.

(I always amazes me to see cold/semi-cold water divers forego the purchase of a drysuit to buy a dive computer.)

If you have the bucks by all means buy it all. But my advice would be to get the watch... at least that way you have something useful for those times when you are not in the water.

 

[Blackwood]

Welcome to Scuba Board Blackwood. It is entirely possible to scuba dive without a dive computer.

Well sure, people dove long before microprocessors.

But I wasn't really meaning to ask about the necessity of a dive computer. It was more to determine whether these watch/dive computer hybrids are as capable as standalone dive computers.

Dry suits aside, what else would you consider to be "necessary" beyond the obvious (things you need for basic diving class, BC, reg., etc. being "obvious")?

H2Andy: Good concerns. Hitting those small buttons would be a pain, especially while wearing gloves.

Thanks for the replies, guys.

I think I'll probably just get a depth rated automatic watch and maybe invest in a computer in the future.

Thanks again!

 

[PerroneFord]

$900 for a WATCH??? for DIVING??? Whoa!

My vote, get a Casio G-Shock. $69.99. If you drop it, or lose it, no big deal. Keeps good time, has a stopwatch, works to 200m-300m depending on model. That's useful. And if you DO get a dive computer, it will have a FAR larger and clearer display, and will have functions that watch won't. Unless I wanted a computer to manage mixed gases, I couldn't see spending more than $300-$400 on it.

I'm with you Uncle Pug, leave those expensive computers alone until you have the other necessary gear. But I think I am going to pick up one of those Atmos computers for $165. That's worth it to me, just to have some way to upload my profiles. That little sensor box looks pretty cool too, but it's nice having a wrist unit. I'd like to find a nice used Nitek3. That would suffice as well.

 

[H2Andy]

i've seen this model for under $500

still pricey, since i can get an Aeris Atmos 2 for under $300

but it's a nice watch, and would work great as a computer, if that's what
they guy wants

 

[Uncle Pug]

Computers rot your brain Andy.

 

[divewriter]

Have always been a big fan of learning tables and times before moving into a computer - that way you'll have a better understanding what the thing is telling you.

When you do decide to buy, and start reading specs, you'll find that most every device from the smallest to largest offers a full software suite. As others have said, themore important question is function. tiny screens can be hard to read in low light or if your vision is less than perfect. Tiny buttons are difficult to access with gloves, and small watch-like straps don't fit well on thick wetsuits or drysuits. Small is cool, but sometimes, too small is not.

 

[H2Andy]

Computers rot your brain Andy.

like, too late, dude, like... all gone....

oooh... pizza!

 

[PerroneFord]

Dry suits aside, what else would you consider to be "necessary" beyond the obvious (things you need for basic diving class, BC, reg., etc. being "obvious")?

List is pretty short. Fins, mask, exposure suit, BC, regs, pressure guage, timer, tables. You'd probably want to add a knife of some kind to that list for entanglements. Maybe a compass. A light of some kind might be prudent if only for signaling purposes.

But that's about all I'll be stringing off me.