Entry level watch questions

[Lukiedukie]

I am probally going to soon be shopping for a dive watch. What are some needed features? How much money should I be looking to drop on a watch? Are watches still needed with the use of a computer? I just started shopping and I am amazed at the cost of some of these watches. Any help would be great thanks in advance?

 

[Buccaneer]

I am probally going to soon be shopping for a dive watch. What are some needed features? How much money should I be looking to drop on a watch? Are watches still needed with the use of a computer? I just started shopping and I am amazed at the cost of some of these watches. Any help would be great thanks in advance?

First let me welcome you to Scuba diving. I am sure you can't wait to get certified. Now about that watch- my humble opinion is you don't need it. Don't take this wrong because I am the first to admit, I love a good dive watch. Anything oversized and made of steel or titanium with all the bells and whistles- Let me tell ya the salesman can see me coming! But the fact is, dive watches have lost there significance. Before computers you really needed one to monitor your bottom time. They do make good back-ups in case of computer faliure. Some of the higher end watches really are dive computers now. That is great, if you don't mind trying to read the smaller display screens. I would reccomend you first buy a good computer. Then decide if you need a back-up, and go with a watch if you have ruled out another computer first (i.e use console computer w/ wrist one as back-up) Personally, I sometimes dive with my "Dive watch", but I don't really use it. Rather it has become something I wear when NOT diving. Sort of as a conversation starter. It has sparked more conversations with other divers, in situations where I never would have made that diving connection with out the watch. So bottom line: I say if you just want a cool watch then go for it! Otherwise it is not an essential piece of diving equipment.

 

[Iruka]

I have always used any of the various models of "G Shock" watches, which usually run $50 to 80 or so. I've gotten over 1,000 dives on some of them, (no typo, 1,000)....with some dives to over 70m. About the only features I want are 1) it tells time 2) 200m rated and 3) has a light function of SOME sort, for night dives. Don't HAVE to have one, if you have a computer, but as buccanneer said, it's nice as a back-up, and often, if I'm doing very shallow dives, I don't bother with a computer.

 

[MgicTwnger]

A lot of divers are using the Timex Helix DM, a discontinued model that is still available at Campmor, eBay, and some WalMarts. It has dive chrono/timer functions as well as depth and temp. They are going for around $40-50. I've had mine for almost two years, and it's been through some pretty rough dives with no problems. An old diver once told me: "No matter if it costs $10 or $10,000, they all end up as pieces of rusty junk strapped to your wrist".

 

[J75]

I concur with the above posters. A watch really isn't necessary if you've got a computer. Your watch basically becomes a back up timer in the rare event of computer failure. Don't waste a lot of money on a "dive" watch, unless you just happen to like the watch (and aren't into it for it's dive features). Many of the dive watches, especially the Citizen Aqualand series, are VERY over-sensitive to depth changes and will beep non stop. Moving your arm too quickly can set these things off. If you want to dive with a watch, get yourself something cheap that you won't be upset about in the event that you lose it. Many divers put a velcro strap on their watches so that if 1 pin breaks, the watch is not lost.

J.

 

[tedwhiteva]

A lot of divers are using the Timex Helix DM, a discontinued model that is still available at Campmor, eBay, and some WalMarts. It has dive chrono/timer functions as well as depth and temp. They are going for around $40-50. I've had mine for almost two years, and it's been through some pretty rough dives with no problems. An old diver once told me: "No matter if it costs $10 or $10,000, they all end up as pieces or rusty junk strapped to your wrist".

I use it also, but all you really nead is the least expensive something that will
a. survive down to 130 feet
b. easily read underwater

It will get lost or broken, so don't spend ton of money - use the money for a computer or advanced courses. But Dive!

 

[halocline]

My suggestion depends on your watch preferences for life in general; I bought a small seiko dive watch from an online watch store (They tend to have much better prices than dive shops) for about $175 and have been very happy with it; I don't regret spending the money at all. It's nice to have on a dive, especially for me with my computer in the console. And it's not so clunky or heavy that it's out of place just wearing around. I guess what I'm saying is, if you want a decent watch, which IMO is a really useful thing to own, why not get a dive watch that will last and you don't mind wearing in general?

If you're a big guy, the seiko mechanical movement self winding watches are terrific; no batteries, no winding, etc, but they're pretty big. I'm fairly small, and I ended up with a quartz that recharges the battery with solar power. So far it's been a couple of years and the thing works great.

 

[uberspeed]

A lot of divers are using the Timex Helix DM, a discontinued model that is still available at Campmor, eBay, and some WalMarts. It has dive chrono/timer functions as well as depth and temp. They are going for around $40-50. I've had mine for almost two years, and it's been through some pretty rough dives with no problems. An old diver once told me: "No matter if it costs $10 or $10,000, they all end up as pieces or rusty junk strapped to your wrist".

Do you have another option? Perhaps a newer model or even from a different manufacturer? I looked for the Timex Helix DM online just about everywhere and couldn't find one. I have Citizen's Eco-Drive and love it, but need to find something for my girl, thanks in advance.

 

[Buccaneer]

Do you have another option? Perhaps a newer model or even from a different manufacturer? I looked for the Timex Helix DM online just about everywhere and couldn't find one. I have Citizen's Eco-Drive and love it, but need to find something for my girl, thanks in advance.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=74000&item=7153280427&rd=1
GO here. there are aton of them on ebay search 'Timex Helix' Most include Depth meter in the description. Hence the "DM" e\mentioned above

 

[MgicTwnger]

Do you have another option? Perhaps a newer model or even from a different manufacturer? I looked for the Timex Helix DM online just about everywhere and couldn't find one. I have Citizen's Eco-Drive and love it, but need to find something for my girl, thanks in advance.

Here's where to find it: http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&productId=37466554