Diver’s watches are undoubtedly some of the most popular timepieces in today’s market. Not only do they provide great levels of functionality but they are also visually pleasing to look at. Many brands now create these watches, so we are truly spoilt for choice. However, there are specific characteristics that a dive watch must feature. Our ‘Watches 101: What is a Diver’s Watch?’ guide will detail those and explain their importance, so keep reading to discover what they are.
What is a diver’s watch?
In simple terms, a diver’s watch is a tool watch that is water-resistant and made to record elapsed time underwater. However, it is important to be aware that just because a watch is water-resistant, it doesn’t mean it is suitable for diving. You may be able to swim with it, but for scuba or even recreational diving, you need a watch that can withstand the pressure and the depths of the ocean.
For a watch to ‘officially’ be recognised as a diver watch, it must adopt a set of certain characteristics that make it safe and secure. In 1996, the International Organization for Standardization set the ISO 6425 standard which clearly states that a dive watch must be able to withstand depths of at least 100 metres while still keeping time accurately. This is a minimum though, and thanks to screw-in crowns and screw-down case backs, many watches are water resistant to even 300 metres. While this characteristic is arguably the most vital, there are several more that a watch must adhere to in order for it to be categorised as a dive watch.
What are the common characteristics of a diver’s watch?
Water Resistance
The most important feature to look out for in a diver’s watch is the level of water resistance. The water resistance of a watch is represented by the amount of water pressure that the watch can handle; it is typically displayed in metres and the minimum is 100m. While almost all watches include a small gasket that seals the inside of the watch from the outside, dive watches contain more advanced water resistance technology. They have fewer openings for water to filter through, and have much heavier gaskets around the dial and case back.
It is important to understand that no watch is completely waterproof. Even the most advanced dive models have a limit on how much water pressure they can bear.
Screw-down Crown
Another essential feature of a dive watch is the screw-down crown. Every watch has one, however, a crown on a diver watch can screw down tightly. This helps to keep water from entering the watch. As well as this, some diver watches may also be protected by guards either side of the crown. This is to ensure that the crown is cushioned from possible knocks or impacts.
Screw-in Case Back
More often than not, a dive watch will also come with a screw-in case back. It is often secured by a rubber seal; its purpose is to keep out liquids and prevent moisture from getting inside the watch’s case and ruining the movement. Generally, diving watches with water resistant ratings greater than 100 metres will have this type of case back.
Unidirectional Bezel
As the name implies, a unidirectional bezel only rotates one way. To help a diver measure how long they have been underwater, the bezel is marked with numbers from 0-60; each number corresponds to one minute. The bezel only rotates anticlockwise, so it provides great safety. If it is accidentally moved underwater, it would only shorten the remaining dive time instead of lengthening it. With this type of bezel, you will never go beyond the capacity of your oxygen tank.
Luminosity
A dive watch has to be easy to read, even in low-light conditions. Hence why the hands and hour markers on the dial are filled with luminescent. Typically found to be bright green, they make telling the time in the depths of the dark ocean easier. As well as this, most dive watches have a luminous dot on the bezel insert; right above the 12 o’clock position. Even this small detail alone helps the diver accurately track time.
Our Diver’s Watch Recommendations
Certina DS Action Diver | Automatic | Grey Dial | Striped Fabric Strap C0328074808100
This Certina follows the brand’s DS concept, so the double security feature ensures the model is robust and long-lasting. The DS concept also increases the watch’s shock resistance. The grey dial of this watch is encased by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal and contrasted by blue Super-LumiNova indices and hands. Framing the dial is an aluminium and titanium grey bezel. Titanium brings lightweight strength to the bezel, whereas aluminium brings a durable, corrosion-resistant finish. Securing the watch is a black NATO strap with blue stripe detail. A titanium case houses a Swiss-made automatic movement with an 80-hour power reserve. As well as this, a Nivachron balance spring ensures that the watch is far more resistant to, and unaffected by, magnetic fields.
Due to its reliable construction, this Certina is water resistant up to 300 metres and according to ISO 6425, meets the standards for a diver’s watch.
LONGINES HydroConquest Quartz (32mm) Mother-of-Pearl Diamond Dial / Two-Tone Stainless Steel Bracelet L33703876
This HydroConquest is dedicated to those women looking for a high-performance diver’s watch that combines technical innovation and elegance. The centre of the model sees a mother-of-pearl dial adorned with luminescent hands and indices, and to ensure optimal readability, they are filled with Swiss Super-LumiNova. In addition to this, the dial is set with 11 Top Wesselton VS-VI diamonds; they reinforce elegance into the watch. The dial is protected by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a sturdy stainless steel case houses an L156 calibre that is exclusive to Longines. The unidirectional bezel is a key feature of this diver’s watch; it provides great safety whilst underwater and if you accidentally knock it, will surface you sooner than you think. A two-tone stainless steel bracelet completes the design, and to ensure it doesn’t slip off mid-dive, fastens with a double security folding clasp.
With a water resistance of up to 300 metres, this petite watch is a versatile piece that can be worn at a party one day and the depths of the ocean the next.
Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 Blue Dial T1204071104103
This Tissot watch is water-resistant up to 300 metres, so it is a great option for those divers familiar with deep waters. The watch has a distinctive diver’s watch design with large luminescent indices and sword-shaped hands. Both the unidirectional bezel and dial are in a dark blue, reminiscent of the colour of the ocean. A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the dial of the watch; it provides great durability. Thanks to the exhibition case back, the wearer can observe and enjoy the Swiss automatic movement that powers the watch. It has a power reserve of up to 80 hours, so, therefore, is extremely reliable. Completing the design of this Tissot is a stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet closes with a folding clasp; it has both a safety and diver extension.
This Tissot Seastar merges style and performance without compromising either. Regardless of how or why you wear it, it will never look out of place on your wrist.
Sinn T50 Titanium Diving Watch (Captive Safety Bezel) Grey Silicone 1052.010
This watch has a matte black dial with luminous hands and indices. Not only does this allow for precise timekeeping but also greater readability when underwater. As well as this, the watch has Ar-Dehumidifying technology which provides freedom from fogging. A captive diver’s bezel made with Sinn’s TEGIMENT Technology frames the dial and is therefore especially scratch-resistant. This bezel can be used to keep track of the amount of time spent diving, and due to the unidirectional rotation, provides great safety. For ultimate convenience, the crown is placed at 4 o’clock; so it does not put pressure on the back of the hand. A high-strength, bead-blasted titanium case houses the automatic movement that powers the watch. This SW 300-1 movement features a seconds stop function and is anti-magnetic as per DIN 8309. To provide great comfort on the wrist, this Sinn is finished with a high-quality grey silicone strap.
To verify its dependability, this Sinn T50 has been through rigorous testing. It is waterproof to European diving equipment standards, so a diver can be sure of an excellent performance up to 500m (50 bar) diving depth. This robust, reliable and masculine model is without a doubt the perfect partner for any deep-sea dive.
Citizen Promaster Diver Eco-Drive (36.5mm) Blue Dial / Blue Polyurethane Strap EO2028-06L
This Citizen watch exhibits a blue dial that features luminous hour markers and a date aperture. The dial features a silver hour hand, an orange minute hand and a blue second hand; they add nice pops of colour to the watch. Protecting the dial and increasing the durability of the model is a hardened mineral crystal. With an easy-grip dive bezel and screw-down crown at 4 o’clock, it’s no wonder that this watch is IOS compliant. Maintaining the robust standards of the Promaster collection, this women’s watch is water-resistant up to 200 metres (20 bar). This bold design is secured to the wrist via a bright blue polyurethane strap and is fastened with a pin buckle.
What makes this diver’s watch stand out from those recommended prior is that a solar-powered quartz movement powers it. Thanks to Citizen’s Eco-Drive Technology, you will never have to change the battery. You can scuba dive with ease, knowing that both natural and synthetic light will power your watch.
If a diver’s watch is of interest to you, but our recommendations weren’t to your taste, click here to browse our full selection.
What did you think of this ‘Watches 101’ guide? Do you now feel confident that you know what a diver’s watch is? Let us know in the comments!
