What Is A Dive Watch? How To Use A DiveWatch?
Frequently asked questions about dive gear include what is a dive watch? How to use a dive watch? Find the answers here…
An Essential Piece of Kit
Dive watches are designed for underwater diving. And the most common bezel markers are found on these dive watches. The scales go from zero to 60 – the number of minutes in an hour. After you’ve aligned the bezel to zero the minute hand will start moving – when it points to 15 on the scale, you’ll have been diving for 15 minutes.
Dive watches are used to keep track of time spent underwater – the deeper you dive the less visibility you have. Luminescent minute markers will ensure you’ll be accurately tracking the time.
Divers watches are designed for the best readability possible underwater.
Dive Watch Parts
In order to understand how to use a dive watch it’s helpful to know the basic parts. These are the:
- Case – keeps the internal mechanisms protected
- Bezel – the rotating component of the dive watch
- Dials – safety features making it easy to see
- Movement – ensures the watch keeps working
- Strap – made from rubber, stainless steel, or leather securing the watch to the wrist
The Rotating Bezel
Learn how to use a dive watch bezel below:
Before diving the 12 o’clock bezel marker should be aligned with the minute hand – up to 60 minutes elapsed time can be read on the bezel. The ratchet ensures that the time spent underwater is longer than actual time – providing a safety reserve.
You can track the remaining time by reversing the maths. If you set the bezel to match your bottom limit – say 35 minutes – it will take exactly the difference from 60 – 25 minutes to reach the zero marker.
The first 15-20 minutes on the bezel inlay are highlighted with the rest of the scale marked in five-minute increments – the first quarter measures ascent time of the diver.
Types of Rotating Bezel
External bezels are simple to use – although disadvantages include potential damage from sand and salt – they are practical and easy to operate with one hand. You can grip it directly and turn the bezel edge, and it can be disassembled easily to repair or replace.
Internal bezels located inside the watch are protected by the glass and operated with a push button through an additional crown – and can be fiddly and more difficult to use. And there’s the potential risk of water leaks through the additional opening.
Modern Safedive systems combine an unidirectional internal bezel that can only be rotated with a ratcheting external bezel – offering the best of both worlds.
Care and Maintenance
You need to look after your dive watch as it is frequently exposed to sand, sea, and salt. By cleaning it after every dive you’ll get rid of debris. Rinse the watch under running water and dry with a microfibre cloth. Or you could use a mild detergent and gently clean the surface – scrubbing will damage the glass and steel surrounds.
Getting it serviced on an annual basis will ensure that your watch is up to standard with robust seals, durable crowns, and reliable batteries. Bezels can be professionally cleaned to remove any particles. And water resistance can be checked to ensure there’s no decrease.
Enjoy Your Diving Experience
Go scuba diving in Playa del Carmen with Koox and get to use your dive watch! Whether you’re an accomplished diver or have never dived before you’ll be able to scuba dive in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea – with the Koox diving team taking care of everything for you. Get free rental equipment, location, transport, and entrance fees included in the cost. And record your underwater adventures with the GoPro and video lights package.