Diving watches

[JUMP]

I met someone on a recent trip who complained that they could not get their 10+ year old hyperaqualand serviced anymore (Citizen offered to sell them a new one). I guess that would be true for most dive computers too, but a bit disappointing, if I got the facts accurately (second hand is always risky).

It is true that manufacturers will stop servicing older models, but you can never know after how many years. It's probably a function of how many models they crank out each year and how different they are.

There are however, plenty of private watch repair 'gurus' who service weird vtg stuff. If a quartz watch (like the hyperaqualand) has been well looked after, all it should need is a new battery and some fresh gaskets, which is easily done (you know, provided you can find a gasket kit).

Dive computers are pretty much the same. If you have one you really like, it doesn't hurt to pick up a few spare parts for it while you can so you or someone else can service it instead of the manufacturer.

 

[boulderjohn]

It is true that manufacturers will stop servicing older models, but you can never know after how many years. It's probably a function of how many models they crank out each year and how different they are.

There are however, plenty of private watch repair 'gurus' who service weird vtg stuff. If a quartz watch (like the hyperaqualand) has been well looked after, all it should need is a new battery and some fresh gaskets, which is easily done (you know, provided you can find a gasket k

I know a pawn shop owner who delights in taking in non-functioning watches and then making them work before reselling. He often has to go to the reselling market himself to get parts for a rare old watch, but he thinks he can get pretty much any watch working. Another friend had a non-working vintage watch that he had gotten as a gift as a child about 70 years before, and the company told him it could not be fixed. The pawn shop owner I know fixed it for him--no charge.

 

[Saboteur]

I know a pawn shop owner who delights in taking in non-functioning watches and then making them work before reselling. He often has to go to the reselling market himself to get parts for a rare old watch, but he thinks he can get pretty much any watch working. Another friend had a non-working vintage watch that he had gotten as a gift as a child about 70 years before, and the company told him it could not be fixed. The pawn shop owner I know fixed it for him--no charge.

Hey BoulderJohn would you mind posting the name of the shop and town? I have a circa 1978 Bulova accutron diver that I think would be nice to fix up.

 

[boulderjohn]

Hey BoulderJohn would you mind posting the name of the shop and town? I have a circa 1978 Bulova accutron diver that I think would be nice to fix up.

I will send it privately.

 

[Saboteur]

I will send it privately.

Thanks

 

[davehicks]

I will send it privately.

I'd like that as well. I have an old Hamilton electric gold watch that was a retirement gift to my grandfather. I've tried to have it fixed or even have the movement updated, but no dice so far.

 

[denfire621]

Hello. I got infatuated with scuba diving a couple of months. Still fresh (60 dives, Master diver, Deep diving and Science of Diving certified,...). I am also a big fan of watches and collect them. I have never been interested in Rolex. Too bulky or over rated for me. I buy things that I like not because I can resell them.
Now, for me, there is no real added value in having a diving watch compared to a diving computer. Even less when you wear two diving computers. Am I wrong? Then, the real question of this thread: is it worth buying a Rolex Submariner, the self called ultimate diver watch?

I actually got certified back in 1987. When I got out of the navy in 1992 I had an unfortunately long diving hiatus. I still loved my diver’s watch (some random Seiko diver’s watch). After getting married and introducing my wife (and reintroducing myself) into scuba, I wanted a new watch. I found a Tudor Pelagos and fell in love!
To your question? With the amazing dive computers out there, a diver’s watch is virtually obsolete. That said, the bracelet on my Pelagos is adjustable for fitting over three and five millimeter wetsuits (maybe even seven?). For whatever reason, I like having it with me on dives.

 

[Bigbella]

With the amazing dive computers out there, a diver’s watch is virtually obsolete. That said, the bracelet on my Pelagos is adjustable for fitting over three and five millimeter wetsuits (maybe even seven?). For whatever reason, I like having it with me on dives.

I began diving before the advent of dive computers -- with watches and tables, and feel a bit naked without them.

Coupled with an analogue depth gauge that I have long carried in my BC, I can still perform dives and safety stops, in the event of a computer failure.

Over the years, I have had all manner of electronics crap out on me, while diving -- but never any of my old watches. While working on boats, in years past, I saw that many divers were completely hobbled when any of their electronic gear "kacked" out -- which was an all-too common occurrence, when dive gear was often stored away all year; seldom maintained; and only used while on holiday . . .

 

[BoltSnap]

I actually got certified back in 1987. When I got out of the navy in 1992 I had an unfortunately long diving hiatus. I still loved my diver’s watch (some random Seiko diver’s watch). After getting married and introducing my wife (and reintroducing myself) into scuba, I wanted a new watch. I found a Tudor Pelagos and fell in love!
To your question? With the amazing dive computers out there, a diver’s watch is virtually obsolete. That said, the bracelet on my Pelagos is adjustable for fitting over three and five millimeter wetsuits (maybe even seven?). For whatever reason, I like having it with me on dives. View attachment 746334

Beautiful watch, almost as beautiful as my Omega watch

 

[JUMP]

Hey BoulderJohn would you mind posting the name of the shop and town? I have a circa 1978 Bulova accutron diver that I think would be nice to fix up.

Bulova can be a special bag of worms to get serviced, particularly early Accutron models. My bother has a 218 which I sent to Thailand to be serviced by this Australian gentlemen who's supposed to be The Guru for these things.

Let us know if it gets running again, and post pics regardless! Those Accutron divers are gorgeous.