How to Use a Diver Watch

A diver watch is a special watch that complies with several specific standards, not the least of which is water resistance to a minimum of 100 meters. Though the features of a diver watch may look complicated at first, they are actually quite easy to figure out, and once the functions are mastered, a diver watch becomes a critical piece of your regular diving gear.

Things You'll Need

  • Diver watch
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Instructions

    • 1

      Inspect your watch before every dive. As with the rest of your gear, the dive watch should be examined for any loose clasps or straps and to make sure it is functioning correctly.

    • 2

      Turn the rotating bezel to mark the minute you begin your dive to calculate elapsed time. Turn the bezel counterclockwise, aligning the 0 mark with the minute hand on the watch face. This allows you to count the elapsed minutes from the 0 marking instead of having to subtract the current time from the starting time while underwater.

    • 3

      Shift the bezel marking to indicate the end of your dive time if you are planning a dive with a specific bottom time. Subtract the ascent and safety stop time from the total bottom time, and then set the bezel marking that many minutes ahead of the time when you get in the water. When the minute hand reaches the 0 bezel marking, it's time to begin your ascent.

    • 4

      Lock down all moving parts before entering the water to ensure the water seal is intact and the watch is fully operational. Analog watch crowns and stems will generally stop the watch from telling time at all if they are pulled out.

    • 5

      Unscrew the helium release valve at the beginning of your ascent. This is especially important on prolonged, deep-water dives because helium molecules can get into the watch during the dive. If these helium molecules are not released, they may expand and shatter the crystal.

    • 6

      Extend the diver extension deployment strap by unhinging the clasp completely and using the smaller, concealed diver clasp. This allows the watch to open further to accommodate the sleeve of a wetsuit or a diving glove.

    • 7

      Check to make sure the watch has enough power to last your dive before entering the water. Analog watches indicate low power with a 2 or 4 second jump on the second hand while digital models will either display a blinking or trailing second hand or have a separate power indicator on the watch face.

    • 8

      Rinse your diver watch with fresh, clean water after each use in salt or brackish water. You can also leave the watch in a glass of clean water overnight after each day of diving to prevent corrosion.

    • 9

      Include your watch in the regular maintenance schedule for your diving gear. Bring your diver watch in to an authorized service provider once a year to have it properly cleaned and inspected.