The 10 Must-Have Features in Dive Watches for 2024/2025
From technicality to pure elegance, dive watches can do it all. As the market for dive watches increases, so do new designs, specs, and functions. Today, we're going to highlight our picks for must have features when purchasing a dive watch, ensuring you're ready for a day out on the water, or a stroll in the city.
1- ISO 6425 Certification. Set in 1996, the International Standardization Orginzation deemed that for watch to be considered a dive watch, it must have at least 100 meters of water resistance. This ensures manufactures have tested the watch’s ability to function underwater, a key trait for any diver or amateur swimmer.
2- Rotating Bezel. If you have ever thought the rotating bezel on your dive watch is just to play with, think again. Divers use the bezel by aligning the bezels marking with their start time. They then use the bezel as a reference point to see how much time has elapsed, indicating how much oxygen they have left before having to resurface. Although many of you reading this (Including myself) will never aim to explore the depths of our oceans, calculating how much time has elapsed isn’t exclusive to diving, and is a practical function we can all benefit from!
3- Screw Down Crown. To eliminate the risk of water getting into your watch, using a screw down crown is the best way to ensure that doesn’t happen. The mechanism works by creating a seal when the crown is screwed in, using the watch’s internal threads and gaskets to create a barrier against water, dirt, dust and other small particles. Without this mechanism, a normal push crown runs the risk of opening at any time and letting water in— something any watch aficionado can’t afford to have.
4- Luminous Markings: Visibility is critical when diving, especially in low-light conditions underwater. A dive watch with luminous hands, markers, and sometimes even a lumed bezel ensures the wearer can easily read the time. High-quality dive watches often use luminescent materials like Super-LumiNova or tritium tubes for enhanced visibility in the dark.
5- Unidirectional Bezel: While a rotating bezel is essential, it must also be unidirectional for safety purposes. This design prevents the bezel from accidentally moving backward, which could incorrectly indicate more oxygen time than is actually available. It’s a crucial feature for divers and adds a layer of reliability to the timekeeping mechanism.
6- Durable Strap or Bracelet: A dive watch needs a strap that can withstand water, salt, and pressure. Common materials include rubber, silicone, or stainless steel. Some high-end dive watches also offer NATO straps for additional durability and comfort. These straps often come with extra adjustability, allowing them to fit over a wetsuit.
7- Helium Escape Valve: For saturation divers working at extreme depths, a helium escape valve is a must. This feature releases built-up helium gas that can enter the watch during extended decompression stops in a pressurized environment. While not necessary for recreational diving, it showcases the technical prowess of certain dive watches.
8- Shock Resistance: Dive watches are not only submerged but often subjected to significant physical activity. ISO 6425 certification ensures a level of shock resistance, but additional robust construction, like reinforced cases and durable movements, is an added bonus for divers and adventurers alike.
9- Anti-Magnetic Properties: Underwater environments and professional diving equipment can sometimes create magnetic interference. Many high-quality dive watches feature anti-magnetic technology to ensure precise timekeeping under such conditions, meeting ISO 764 standards for magnetic resistance.
10- Sapphire Crystal: The crystal of a dive watch should be highly durable and scratch-resistant. Sapphire crystal, with its excellent hardness and clarity, is the preferred choice for most high-end dive watches. It also often features anti-reflective coating for better legibility underwater and in bright sunlight.
Attributes like cutting-edge functionality to enduring style, dive watches truly bridge the gap between utility and elegance. As the market continues to grow, the combination of innovative features and timeless designs ensures there’s a dive watch for every enthusiast, whether you're plunging into the deep blue sea or strolling through the heart of the city. By keeping these essential features in mind, you’ll be equipped to choose a watch that not only looks great but also performs flawlessly in any adventure you take it on. Dive in and discover the perfect companion for your wrist!