How to Test a Diving Watch

A dive watch is one of the most important pieces of equipment that a scuba diver can carry. It is used as a timing device to let the diver know how long he has been submerged. A number of dive watches now incorporate depth gauges and dive computers, which monitor the diver's decompression limits. A problem with dive watches can be life-threatening so they should always be tested meticulously after any work is done on them.

Things You'll Need

  • Watch pressure testing unit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the locking screws, plate glass and lid from the top of the testing unit. A testing unit is a sealed pressure chamber that can be filled with water and pressurized to simulate taking the watch to specific depths of water. These are available through pressure testing equipment dealers and some watch companies.

    • 2

      Place the dive watch to be tested inside the testing unit. Fill the unit with water to the brim. Replace the plate glass on the top, place the lid on top and tighten the locking screws.

    • 3

      Apply pressure to the testing unit using by turning the pressure wheel on the side in a clockwise direction. The maximum capacity of watch pressure testers is 125 atmospheres. The unit should be pressurized to 125 percent of the watch's depth capability. So for a watch rated to 100 meters, it should be pressurized to 125 atmospheres. This is indicated on the pressure gauge mounted on the side of the testing unit.

    • 4

      Leave the watch in the pressurized unit for the length of time specified by the watch manufacturer's guidelines. Release the pressure slowly by turning the pressure wheel counter-clockwise. Remove the locking pins, lid and plate glass. Withdraw the water from the test chamber and remove the watch. The watch must show no evidence of leakage to pass the pressure test.