Characteristics of A Dive Watch

by Simon Hemmings

diver watches

The standards and features for a dive watch is regulated by the ISO 6425 standard. Besides the dive watch being water resistance to a minimum of 100 meter depth rating, the ISO 6425 also provides a minimum requirement for a mechanical diver’s watches, note that watches digital and watches quartz movement have slightly differing readability requirements.

* Watches with strap/bands solidity. Done by applying a 200N to each springbar (or attaching point) in opposite directions with no damage to the watch of attachment point.

* The presence of an End Of Battery Life indicator.

* A unidirectional bezel with at least at every 5 minutes elapsed minute markings and a pre-select marker to mark a specific minute marking.

* Presence of an indication that the watch is running in total darkness.

* Magnetic resistance. This is tested by 3 expositions to a direct current magnetic field of 4,800 A/m.

* The presence of clearly distinguishable minute markings on the watch face.

* Adequate readability/visibility the watch should be read from a distance of 25 cm in total darkness.

* Shock resistance. The shock is usually delivered by a hard plastic hammer mounted as a pendulum, so as to deliver a measured amount of energy, specifically, a 3 kg hammer with an impact velocity of 4.43 m/sec.

* Chemical resistance. This is tested by immersion in a 30 g/l NaCl solution for 24 hours to test its rust resistance. The testing water has a salinity of ocean salt water which can affect your diving watch.