Making a steel dive computer - input needed!

[Landau]

Here's what would make me get a new computer:

Easy to Read screen,
Display Customization,
Easy to use menu system -

For a pretty good example of the above features look at the Suunto Eon Core - though I'd love a lot more customization. My Garmin bicycle computer is has great display customization, I'd love similar in a dive computer

Individual control over whether warning beep or not.

Air Integration

Rechargeable, user replaceable battery - best of both worlds

Bluetooth interface that can connect to MacDive for iOS

Same Buhlman algorithm as Shearwater - with configurable conservativeness

GPS - log my waster entry, descent, surface and exit points (Which could be different due to surface swims)

Strap that I will never worry about disconnecting, breaking or falling off

I'm a little worried abut the one button - even if it twists to change settings that would be hard to do underwater with gloves

 

[lowwall]

Random notes:

Sealing the corners is going to be an issue. They are called O-rings for a reason. Or will there be a round hatch in the back for battery? Or will it be a non-field replaceable rechargeable battery? If the latter, the battery will need to have twice the battery life you think you need to allow for the battery ageing. And you'll still need to make it replaceable by a service technician, including published replacement info, if you want people to take a chance on this.

I can't figure out the inspiration behind the decorative design. The shape of the face says pre-war wrist watch, but the giant crown/button is the opposite of what watches were trying to do then (i.e., not look like pocket watches). And the handle thing is inexplicable. There's also a mismatch in feel between the steel bezel and the inner steel traceries. The whole thing is an ungainly muddle.

As to functions, you have to let us know your target customer. Start with one gas only or multi-gas.

I do like the strap

 

[axluba]

pilots WW watched are known to have fat crown! looks a bit like that

 

[lowwall]

pilots WW watched are known to have fat crown! looks a bit like that

But invariably round faces.

Edit: The most prominent crowns were on Luftwaffe pilot's watches. Not a surprise that a German would think of this

 

[axluba]

yup! (however I recall that some Japanese held their own regarding big crown)

anyway. not sure it is the right move underwater.. and using a rotating bezel wouldn't seem much better because of particles going under...

 

[scubadada]

Seabear T1

 

[axluba]

is in working well? if yes (and somebody wants to build an "original" computer based on a watch) we could imagine a scrolling function by the bezel and then 2 button for select and esc

 

[M-Cameron]

whats the ring on the left of the case for?

also ide ditch the crown, and go with face mount buttons.....that crown looks like a nightmare to use with 5mm gloves.

i dont dislike the nato strap.....just make sure its long enough to fit around a thick wetsuit or dry suit

if possible i would make the watch strap lugs solid (ie dont rely on spring bars)

 

[CT-Rich]

Military vs. Art Deco? As a watch, I think it is a nice looking piece of jewelry. The little handle on the side might be for a fob (I have no idea). If this is a cool recreational dive computer, it is pretty nice. Could a device like this be used on a NDL dive vacation? Sure.

Would I use this for a typical cold water NE diving over a Drysuit? Probably not

I see this as a piece of functional jewelry, not really as a piece of dive gear for all situations. It the same with a $10,000 Rolex. A beautiful watch that could be used for diving, much more useful in the bar after diving.

 

[-JD-]

All of my other thoughts have been covered in the deluge of posts, but On thing has been bothering me since I first saw this when I awoke and maybe I just missed it, but ...

The display STRIKINGLY resembles a (maybe-photoshopped) SW Teric. May I suggest you work on your own branding-art, even for such a focus-group setting?