Watches

[avpoh8]

Looks like a decent watch is going to be an important part of diving. Can any of you recommend a good watch that is not too expensive?

 

[H2Andy]

well... my theory is to buy cheap (Timex for $30.00 or under at WalMart) and
rated to no less than 100m (300 feet).

i've had awesome luck with my cheap watches, and when i lose them (i almost
invariably do), I don't miss them. i've only ever had one flood on me, a cheap
CVS watch... last time i buy one of their crummy watches.

 

[boney]

Are you just using it for bottom time? You could also get a bottom timer... I ended up getting one instead of a watch as it provides depth and temp and keeps the last 10 dives logged. I also use it to make sure my instruments are sane by comparing the depth on the bottom timer to my SPG... I also compare my readings with my buddy or buddies to see what everyone else got as well...
Or if you just want a plain jane watch and nothing else, go with H2Andy's suggestion it works and the price is right...

 

[H2Andy]

oh, good point above.

i use my computer as my primary depth gauge/timer
but carry a spare watch as well to back up possible computer failure.

 

[cmalinowski]

I just use the sun as a reference

 

[StingRob]

Got my Momentum M1 watch... the best $100 I have ever spent. They have a large variety of dial colors, great crystal glass, great warranty.
My Citizen $500 diving watch got flooded on the first dive I took with it... go figure.

http://www.st-moritz.com/pages/m1-gallery.php

Robert

Looks like a decent watch is going to be an important part of diving. Can any of you recommend a good watch that is not too expensive?

 

[H2Andy]

Got my Momentum M1 watch... the best $100 I have ever spent.

man, those are some good looking watches

however, i like digital. that way, i can set the chronometer running
on descent, and know exactly how long i've been under.
the SLK's look good:

http://www.britton.com/index.php?cPath=24_109

 

[StingRob]

They are good looking and best of all reliable. Initial warranty is 2 years, after that send the watch for service where they replace the o-rings, pay another $20 and you get 2 more years of warranty. After two years you can do it again... you end up with 6 years warranty final.
Digital are great too, I just find more difficult to read the dial at low light.

Robert

man, those are some good looking watches

however, i like digital. that way, i can set the chronometer running
on descent, and know exactly how long i've been under.

 

[mike_s]

I've got a SWISS ARMY dive watch and really like it. Though I have no clue what it costs to buy one. The one I've got I couldn't find on their website, so it must be an "older model". But I really like it as wear it as an everyday watch also.

I'm really hard on watches and break them easily and this Swiss Army has been very good not to break or scratch. It also has a "diver extention" that allows you to extend the metal band to go over a 5mm wetsuit sleeve. Also has the ratcheting bezel which is nice for bottom timing (though I use it most for timing steaks on the grill).

It's similar to this one, but with a black face and gold numbers and a stainless/gold mixed band.
http://www.swissarmy.com/webstore/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=3670&category=158

This one also looks nice
http://www.swissarmy.com/webstore/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=4131&category=192

They have an entire line of other Dive watches also
http://www.swissarmy.com/webstore/category.cfm?Category=165&ViewAll=true


I reccomend this watch highly if it fits your likes/taste/requirements.

-Mike

 

[BigboyDan]

Seiko Quartz Diver's 150m watch - black face, blue and red bezel; bought in 1982 ($200.00), four batteries replaced, over 1500 dives.

Present day models are rated to 200m - everything else is the same:

http://www.princetonwatches.com/shop/SHC033.asp