Diving watch

Diving watch is a type of watch specifically designed for underwater diving that features, among other things, water resistance greater than 1.0 MPa (10 atm), the equivalent of 100 m (330 ft) depth, and some type of luminosity.

History

The first diving watch was developed in the early 20th century, when diving was beginning to be recognized as a professional and recreational activity. The need for divers to be able to track their underwater time led to the development of the first water-resistant watches. The Rolex Oyster, released in 1926, was one of the first water-resistant wristwatches.

Design

Diving watches are characterized by their robustness, luminous dials and hands, and corrosion-resistant cases. They often have a rotating bezel with 5-minute increments to allow divers to easily track their dive time. The watch is typically designed to withstand pressure at the maximum depth of water, which can be anywhere from 100 to 1000 meters depending on the model.

Functionality

The primary function of a diving watch is to monitor the amount of time that a diver spends underwater. It is crucial for divers to know this information to avoid decompression sickness, a potentially fatal condition that can occur if a diver ascends too quickly after a deep dive. Some diving watches also include a depth gauge and a helium release valve, which allows helium to escape from the watch during decompression.

Notable Brands

Several notable brands manufacture diving watches, including Rolex, Omega, Seiko, and Citizen. Each of these brands has a range of diving watches that vary in price, features, and design.

See Also

• Watch
• Diving equipment
• Rolex
• Omega SA
• Seiko
• Citizen Watch