A divers watch is a special kind of sports watch that is designed for divers who need an accurate and sophisticated timepiece that can operate in an underwater environment. A divers watch must at a minimum be able to withstand water pressure at 10 atmosphere units which is equivalent to 100 meters or 330 feet, although a typical divers watch can withstand much more than this and are usually capable of achieving depths up to 200 meters or 660 feet, with some capable of going much, much deeper.
The International Organization for Standardization (or "ISO") has a special standard for dive watches. A certified dive watch must pass a series of tests and possess certain qualities to be ISO-compliant. A genuine diver's watch must pass a series of tests put forth in ISO 6425 and is is permitted to print the words "DIVER'S" on the case if it qualifies. A sports watch with this marking is guaranteed to be at least suitable for recreational diving.
A diver's watch that passes ISO 6425, has met certain requirements such as possessing a bezel that surrounds the watch face that must rotate unidirectionaly (if an analog watch). It must feature markings at at least five minute intervals and a pre-select marker to denote markings and specific minutes. The face minute markings must be clear and easy to read and these watches must be legible at 25cm (9.84 inches) from the wearer in complete darkness. Diving watches must be chemically resistant and must pass a test whereby the watch is immersed in a solution for 24 hours to test for rust resistance.
Diving watches have become more standardized over time, but in the early days were developed to meet the needs of professional and military divers. Many believe Omega is celebrated as the worlds first dive watch maker. The first Omega diving watch was the Omega Marine which first entered the market in the year 1932.
Soon after the release of the Omega Marine, other companies introduced functional diving watches for serious or recreational scuba diving missions. Designed as tool watches, many are also highly fashionable and sought after for their look rather than their features. More modern and sophisticated diving watches come in digital format and offer computer-like features, making them ideal for serious divers who need to keep abreast of a lot more information during their dives.
Dive watches are designed for both women and men and because they must be resistant to the galvanic corrosiveness of seawater, are manufactured from materials such as resin, plastic, titanium, ceramics and stainless steel. More expensive diving watches include the Breitling Avenger Seawolf Chronograph, the Omega Seamaster 300m Diver and the IWC Aquatimer minute memory. There are many cheaper, quite capable diving watches too, such as those from Citizen, Invicta and even Casio.
A divers watch is a robust sports watch, due to its requirement to comply with ISO 6425 and makes a great fashion accessory as well as a capable scuba diving tool. Unlike the average sports watch, and because of the rigorous testing it must satisfy, a certified diver watch offers you total peace of mind when you are in and around the water and despite a higher price, will last you many years.
Pros of a Divers Watch - Buying a Scuba Diver Watch For Total Peace of Mind in and Around the Water
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