Diving with an old depth gauge

[jborg]

I just acquired an old Poseidon branded allemano sub depth gauge. I would guess it's from the early eighties. It's in pristine condition, literally not a scratch on it so I expect it's seen very little use, if any. Question is though, is there a forty year old o-ring or two in there that will disintegrate on first contact with pressure, flooding the whole thing? Is it safe-ish to open up and take a look, in terms of not inadvertently destroying it? Anyone know what the internal design is like?

 

[Sifossifoco]

That's actually an Italian made gauge that was popular in the eighties.
There is some information and a pic of the open gauge here:
Forum der Historischen Tauchergesellschaft e.V. • Thema anzeigen - TM "Allemano Sub" öffnen
Google translate does a good job translating the page.

 

[jborg]

Ah, nice, thanks. Yeah, I'd traced Allemano sub already.

 

[Bigbella]

I just acquired an old Poseidon branded allemano sub depth gauge. I would guess it's from the early eighties. It's in pristine condition, literally not a scratch on it so I expect it's seen very little use, if any.

A great find.

I had one very similar to that one, from the late 1970s; and it lasted decades, until a car break-in, a couple of years back. Never replaced any parts; worked, accurately, without missing a beat.

Poseidon gauges were typically made in Italy -- aye, paisan -- or, now, a bit more euphemistically, the "EU" . . .

 

[JMBL]

Until 10 years ago, I dived each summer with a guy who still dove his late 60's early 70's equipment, on a regular basis, depth gauge included (although he had a Beuchat Aladin Pro as well). He told me that take maintaining the equipment during winter months was part of the fun.

 

[Bob DBF]

Question is though, is there a forty year old o-ring or two in there that will disintegrate on first contact with pressure, flooding the whole thing?

I usually use vintage gear until there is a problem. The reason is that in a number of cases instead of an o-ring, there is a proprietary seal which is no longer available, and an o-ring won't work. In your case it looks like there is a manual and you will know what you are up against. Thanks to @Sifossifoco.