Diving watches, history, features and model selection!

A brief history of diving watches

Diving watches came into being with the rise of scuba diving in the early 20th century. The first models were intended for the military and professional divers, before becoming popular accessories for the general public.

• 1926: Rolex patents the Oyster, the first waterproof watch.
• 1932: Omega launches the Marine, the first watch specially designed for diving.
• 1953: Blancpain presents the Fifty Fathoms, one of the first watches truly adapted to diving.
• 1954: Rolex responds with the Submariner, now a watchmaking icon.
• 1965: Seiko introduces the 62MAS, the first Japanese diving watch.
• 1980s : Appearance of electronic watches and the first dive computers.

Over time, these watches became more sophisticated, incorporating more resistant materials, helium valves and advanced technologies such as depth sensors.

From standard water-resistance to a true diver's watch

Since 2010, a watch is considered waterproof when it meets the ISO 22810 standard, guaranteeing resistance to an overpressure of at least 2 bars. However, this certification is not enough to ensure prolonged use underwater.

Genuine diving watches, on the other hand, must comply with ISO 6425, which imposes strict requirements, including minimum resistance to 100-meter immersion and a time-control device. To guarantee their reliability, these watches undergo a series of rigorous tests:

• Prolonged immersion at various temperatures for 50 hours.
• Thermal and mechanical shock resistance tests.
• Pressurization in a chamber simulating extreme deep-sea conditions.
• Exposure to salt water and magnetic fields.
• Internal condensation control to avoid any risk of moisture in the mechanism.

For example, a watch with a water-resistance rating of 200 meters is tested in static immersion at 125% of this depth, or 250 meters. These standards guarantee optimum reliability for both amateur and professional divers.

Designed with diving in mind

Dive watches are distinguished by their robust architecture, specifically designed to withstand the extreme conditions of the deep.

1. An ultra-resistant case: made of stainless steel, titanium or ceramic, it protects the mechanism from high pressure and incorporates high-performance gaskets.
2. A screw-down crown: an essential element in preventing water infiltration, it reinforces the watch's water-resistance.
3. Screw-down caseback: ensures hermetic closure and prevents accidental opening under pressure.
4. A unidirectional rotating bezel: essential for measuring immersion time in complete safety, it prevents miscalculations due to mishandling.
5. Optimum legibility: dials are designed for instant readability even in the dark, with indexes and hands coated in luminescent material.

Their reinforced construction and specific components explain why these watches are thicker than conventional models, guaranteeing maximum reliability underwater.

Today's diving watches: from classic watchmaking to advanced technology

Far from the iconic models from brands such as Casio, Rolex or Seiko, modern diver's watches are transformed into sophisticated dive computers. These high-tech instruments display real-time data essential to diver safety, including :

• Instantaneous depth and maximum depth reached.
• Dive time and no-deco time.
• Decompression stop indications, including duration and depth.
• Water temperature and ascent rate, with audible and/or visual alerts.
• Nitrogen saturation rate, to assess the accumulation of inert gases in the body.
• A new safety curve, essential for planning your next dive with complete peace of mind.
• A logbook recording the parameters of recent dives.

Thanks to these advanced functions, these computer-watches provide precise, reliable monitoring, essential for ensuring controlled immersion and a safe return to the surface.

Diveavenue's selection of dive watches 

Casio G-SHOCK GD-350-1ER

Both robust and functional, the Casio G-2900F-1VER features a 53.4 × 50.8 × 18 mm case and water resistance to 200 meters. Perfect for divers, it integrates practical functions such as alarm, calendar and precise chronometer. Its shock-resistant design and mineral glass make this watch an ideal companion for all your dives.

Technical features :

• Water resistance 200 meters
• G-Shock resistant
• Solar recharging
• Tide and moon phase display
• LED lighting

Casio G-Shock GW-7900B-1ER for Men

The Casio G-Shock GW-7900B-1ER is a hybrid analog-digital model designed for those who like to push their limits. With its digital dial with inverted display and large black resin case, this watch is equipped to face all extreme conditions. Shock-, vibration- and water-resistant to 200 meters, it's ideal for divers and adventurers.

Technical specifications:

• Case dimensions: 55 × 51.2 × 16.9 mm
• Weight: 70 g
• Case and frame material: Resin
• Resin strap
• Shock and magnetic resistance
• Water resistance: 200 meters
• Battery life: 2 years (CR1220 battery)
• Mineral glass
• Movement: Quartz
• Digital display

Additional functions :

• Alarm, automatic calendar and countdown timer
• World time (48 cities)
• Tide function and tide chart
• Moon phase indication

Casio G-Shock GW-9400-1ER Rescue

Robust, practical and multifunctional, the Casio G-Shock GW-9400-1ER is distinguished by its Tough Solar system and water resistance to 200 meters. Its tide function and moon phase display make it an invaluable ally for divers seeking essential information during their underwater explorations.

Technical specifications :

• Waterproof to 200 meters
• Tough Solar system
• Shock and vibration resistant
• Digital display with LED backlighting
• Tide and moon phase functions

Discover our complete selection of diving watches on Diveavenue.com.