One of the most revolutionary inventions in the history of wristwatches is that of the underwater wrist watch. Underwater wristwatches are used by swimmers, divers, submariners and those who spend numerous amounts of time at sea where their watch will be in constant contact with moisture; Navy sailors, fishermen, yachters and Coast Guardsmen are all examples of individuals who would use one of these slightly unusual timepieces.
One of the most important things to understand about underwater wrist watches is that there are two kinds: diving watches, which are often referred to as “waterproof” and water-resistant. Water-resistant watches are often mistakenly called waterproof, but there is actually an incredible difference between the two.
Water-resistant wristwatches are the most commonly found and purchased type of underwater wrist watches.
What sets a water-resistant watch apart from a waterproof piece is the depth in metric units which it will sustain its resistance to water pressure affecting it and the ISO test standards. Water-resistant watches are made with a gasket seal that will hold under the static pressure found in certain ranges of water depths – some seals are able to withstand a much stronger pressure than others. For example an underwater watch designed for depths between 30 and 50 meters is suitable for wearing while washing hands, swimming above water and showering. Water-resistant watches designed for depths of 100 meters are used for underwater swimming, snorkeling, surfing, sailing and light water sports. Extreme water sports or activities performed by marine professionals require the strongest water-resistant watch, which has a range of 200 meters. Another defining factor distinguishing water-resistant watches is the ISO standard test. Any watch that is only suitable for the ISO 2281 water-resistance mark is named a “water-resistant” watch and will be useless to scuba divers or those who travel under very deep waters.
Unlike water-resistant watches, waterproof timepieces are built to be much more durable.
The gaskets in waterproof or diving wristwatches must withstand incredible pressure for such a small object. Generally in the world of horology, most will say that a waterproof watch is one that withstands water pressure depths of more than 100 meters. While this is partially true, it is important to consider the ISO stamp as well. Any watch that will be eligible to be considered waterproof must hold the ISO 6425 stamp. This stamp verifies that the watch will withstand much stronger static pressure. In fact, while the ISO 2281 test is based on 100% of the rated water pressure, the ISO 6425 is measured by considering 125% of the rated water pressure, meaning that readings have a further allowance in metric depth. This test also has 8 additional strict requirements for watches to receive its stamp. Watches rating 100 meters with the ISO 6425 stamp are considered dive watches, meaning they are suitable for deep-sea diving. Wrist watches designed for 200 to 300 meters are used by divers who do not dive far enough to require helium; those who do require helium will need a watch designed for 300 or more meters.
In order for a wrist watch to literally be completely waterproof, it would need to withstand static pressure at all depths. Thus far, one such watch has been labeled as a true 100% waterproof wristwatch – the Sinn UX EZM 2B. Certified for 12,000 meters, this watch’s capabilities exceed the deepest ocean depth observed by men, which is an area called Challenger Deep and is measured at a depth of 11,000 meters. Diving watches for extremely deep water where divers must spend alternating amounts of time in the water and a pressurized gas chamber are specially marked “Diver’s Watch LM For Mixed-Gas Diving.” In addition to the 8 requirements outlined in ISO 6425 test, diving watches for mixed-gas diving must meet three additional requirements; one being that the watch must be marked and the other requirements are related to added pressure capacity and endurance.
By now, many readers may be wondering where the idea for an underwater wrist watch came from. Well known for his sophisticated styles, the famous French watch maker Louis Cartier created the first underwater watch. In 1933 the Pasha of Marrakesh had requested that Cartier design a watch for him to use in his swimming pool – Cartier obliged, naming the watch design “Pasha Chronograph” and selling several similar models later.
Cartier's Pasha Chronograph
The Radiomir, one of the most famous water-resistant watches in its time, was made by Italian watchmaker in 1938. Originally created for the Royal Italian Navy men, this watch design set both the model example and new trend for water-resistant watches.
The stylish Radiomir Wristwatch by Giovanni Panerai
Be careful when buying an older underwater wrist watch: until recent years many underwater wrist watches were erroneously labeled as “waterproof” even though they were only slightly water-resistant!
Because most people are unaware of what each metric measurement or ISO stamp on a watch indicates, many watch box inserts will now specify what activities are acceptable with that wristwatch.
There are plenty of places to purchase water-resistant wristwatches in stores and through the internet today.
Simple watches suitable for hand-washing and showering are found everywhere.
Seiko makes quite a few good lower scale water-resistant watches. Casio and Timex also sell several 200-meter water-resistant watches for those who need a watch for swimming or water sports.
Dive watches require more thought and research before a purchase.
Divers must invest in a wristwatch that will be large enough to fit over a wet-suit, preferably have an illuminated dial, include non-corrosive materials and divers must never unscrew the back of the watch compartment; doing so would pose the risk of ruining the clock.
Panerai and Rolex make excellent diving watches. Anyone who chooses to purchase a water-resistant watch should be certain the watch meets the requirements of what exactly it will be used for before purchasing it in order to get the best out of their underwater wristwatch.
So, without further ado…OnlineClock.net is gone fishin’…underwater, of course, with one of our beloved underwater wristwatches!
Related Alarm Clock Blog Posts: