Article: Is the Dive Watch Dead?

[edutravel]

I consider a dive watch an essential part of my dive equipment. I do have a classic, very old Rolex but my watch of choice is a 300m, solar powered Citizens watch with a large screen. OK I take it off for the TSA. It is heavy. But the next time your fancy dive computer fails or the battery dies, (and I love my Shearwater), there is nothing like having an analog depth and pressure gauge console (with magnetic compass) and a reliable watch.

 

[doctormike]

You can't get a better backup to your computer than a watch and tables.

..and a depth gauge.

Or just get another cheap computer!

 

[Freewillow]

I consider a dive watch an essential part of my dive equipment. I do have a classic, very old Rolex but my watch of choice is a 300m, solar powered Citizens watch with a large screen. OK I take it off for the TSA. It is heavy. But the next time your fancy dive computer fails or the battery dies, (and I love my Shearwater), there is nothing like having an analog depth and pressure gauge console (with magnetic compass) and a reliable watch.

Sorry, but I do not agree. A watch with tables is OK for a single dive. But it becomes a poor backup for consecutive dives unless you have planned your consecutive dives on tables with remaining nitrogen from previous dives. Who does this if he has a primary dive computor?

 

[Blasto]

I'm surprised to hear people talking about how their watch leaked. Human error. You need a screw down crown and it must be screwed down tight for starters.

The crown is easy, you don't use it a lot and it's usually well-sealed. It's the chronograph pushers that cause the trouble. Either they're non-screw-down, in which case they will leak if pushed, or screw-down, in which case they're not as solid as the crown and completely non-water-resistant if not screwed down.

 

[Freewillow]

.
Or just get another cheap computer!

There you go

 

[BoozerWS]

I agree the chronograph pushers are usually the culprit. Unless specifically noted, a watches pushers should not be used underwater. Dive computer yes, watch no.

When I was looking to replace my gauge pod I went to one of the local shops to check it out. Not one single gauge in the place. I asked the young guy and girl behind the counter if they had any. They looked at me with this idiotic blank expression. The guy says " I just run 3 computers". Whatever. Good thing I have multiple shops to choose from.

 

[Freewillow]

I
When I was looking to replace my gauge pod I went to one of the local shops to check it out. Not one single gauge in the place. I asked the young guy and girl behind the counter if they had any. They looked at me with this idiotic blank expression. The guy says " I just run 3 computers". Whatever. Good thing I have multiple shops to choose from.

For analog gauges, try an antique shop

 

[BoozerWS]

That just means you have to let technology do your thinking for you.

 

[doctormike]

That just means you have to let technology do your thinking for you.

Exactly. That's why I'm commenting on this thread using my ham radio rig that I built myself in the 1970s.

73 from WB2SQQ..!

 

[Tournesol2000]

What is the 60/60/120 rule? As a new diver I am interested in learning
More than just doing what is taught and relying on dive computer.