Inexpensive dive-friendly watch for a new diver?

[DandyDon]

We get ours at Wal-mart: Sport watches rated to 100 meters. $15.

 

[okie]

If you only need time and not depth then check out the large selection of cheap watches at Walmart. I bought one for around 7 bucks that is rated for 165 feet. The display has large numerals and backlighting. If I loose it or it breaks, so what? Another 7 bucks and I have a new one.

 

[AlaskaDiver]

I'm all for saving money and those WalMart watches are great. I use them as gifts for kids when I travel to other coutnries.

 

[rjpv]

Sounds like a trip to Walmart/Target is in order...

One other question: I'm a fairly big guy, and my wrist PLUS thick wetsuit is no easy feat for a mere watch strap. And despite the potential cheapness of the watch, I'd rather not have to worry about it falling off or breaking during a dive or entry or something.

Is my concern legit and if so, any suggestions for dealing with it?

 

[DandyDon]

Sounds like a trip to Walmart/Target is in order...

One other question: I'm a fairly big guy, and my wrist PLUS thick wetsuit is no easy feat for a mere watch strap. And despite the potential cheapness of the watch, I'd rather not have to worry about it falling off or breaking during a dive or entry or something.

Is my concern legit and if so, any suggestions for dealing with it?

I actually bought my last two at Walgreens. I like the largest face and numbers possible....

 

[pickens_46929]

I have a ironman edition timex that has great features that I've used for the last 3 years of diving. I saw the newer version (new colors) today at Target for $30. Countdown timer and lap memory is a must if you use it as a bottom timer.

Ditto... works well

 

[spectrum]

There are still some TIMEX HELIX DM watched floating around at WalMart. I have some and they are nice with depth, dive time with auto start/stop, temperature and even the time of day. They are going for $20. Remember that they have been in the supply chain for a while and the battery may be on its way out a $3 fix.

Pete

 

[AlaskaDiver]

Big wrist? no problem ---> Go to Home Depot or a Sewing craft store in your area & get a Velcro strap. You can use it with a wetsuit or over a drysuit ring. This is good accommodate a normal sized wrist in warm water and also be able to fit over a dry suit ring.

 

[sewcopp]

I put my watch/backup timer on my regs. I actually have a velcro strap on it that is smaller than you'd use for a wrist. Oh it's a Casio from Walmart. I suggest you get the watch from a large chain that will refund your maoney in the first 30 days if ANYTHING goes wrong with it. I returned 2 before I got a watch that didn't flood. My husband gave me a St. Moritz for Christmas but I cann't wear it in the water over a dry suit so it has to wait until the water warms.......at least enough for a wet suit.

Sue

 

[sasscuba]

I have this one...
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-FREESTYLE-W...ryZ31387QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem