Watches

[GregW]

I am looking for a watch I can wear while fishing,I am doing some research on this and am looking for some clarification.

According to a website or two a water resistant watch (300 m), can be submerged for 2 hours as long as it is not over 30 meters. Does anyone have any experience with these "water resistant" watches, or would I need a true dive watch when swimming out to rocks?

[fishbones]

Greg, call me in a few minutes. I'm leaving work now.

[spence]

Water resistant can mean many things, you'd have to look at the specs on the specific watch. That being said, if I was going to be swimming in it I'd either want a dive watch or something equivalent. If you're just going for function I think there are some good low cost options out there.

-spence

[Fly Rod]

TIMEX....the watch that keeps on ticking....

[JohnR]

I've become a bit of a watchsnob the past few years and have looked into this a lot. So I suggest you get a real dive watch that you can beat the snot out of and you'll be fine. You want something seriously rated for 200m depth. A Rolex Sub tool watch from the late 50s, properly sealed, has better dive water resistance than the Fugly Fossil at the mall kiosk.

Next option to consider is movement: Automatic (selfwinding) or Quartz/Battery powered. Autos are typically more money and could use a service every few years if you are really diving, quartz needs a battery replaced every couple years and if not done correctly WILL lose waterproof.

A Seiko Orange or Black Monster is a great piece with long lasting bright lume - $130-180 and a cool watch to wear when not fishing

A Tritium dive watch where the lume lasts for 12 years you could get a Marathon TSAR (great watch, I have one that I use fishing) used for about $250-300 and is built like a tank and used by Canadian Rescue Divers.

I can sell you my old Luminox tritium for $100 with a commercial diver's strap but I cannot guarantee it will be always waterproof as it does not have a screw down crown (important in dive watches). There are better watches out there and what i did not know at first, the SEALS really don't use them (I figured if they were good enough for them then...)

Or you could get a Casio G-Shock for $100 and have a great watch

One recommendation is whatever watch you get, put it on a NATO dive strap - they are both cool and will save your watch if in the water and a springbar fails. Commercial dive strap is extra long and you can put it on the outside of a wetsuit / drytop. These ones are great for $20. You are probably already familiar with them

maratac

Links to big pics:

Orange Monster:

http://linesiders.com/watches/omonster/om-aug11-2.jpg

http://linesiders.com/watches/omonster/om-aug11-3.jpg

Marathon TSAR

http://linesiders.com/watches/tsar/marsar.jpg

Luminox:

http://linesiders.com/watches/lumino...ox-3057-1b.jpg

http://linesiders.com/watches/lumino...057-lume1a.jpg

[Rockport24]

You probably don't need a dive watch, as they can get pricey and are built to withstand the pressure of being deep underwater. I would go with something like a G-shock, they are a solid watch. I did some snorkeling with mine this year for hours and had no issues...

edit: just read John's post, some good options there for sure! I can't comment on the gshock's lasting power as I just got it this year..

[spence]

Originally Posted by JohnR

I've become a bit of a watchsnob

Oh really?

-spence

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by spence

Oh really?

-spence

I am to classic tool watches like you are to Ascots

Originally Posted by Rockport24

You probably don't need a dive watch, as they can get pricey and are built to withstand the pressure of being deep underwater. I would go with something like a G-shock, they are a solid watch. I did some snorkeling with mine this year for hours and had no issues...

edit: just read John's post, some good options there for sure! I can't comment on the gshock's lasting power as I just got it this year..

The thing about a dive watch is that it is sealed in every conceivable place water can enter, have strong casebacks, thick crystals, and screw down crowns - this is vital. I wouldn't go in a pool with something not rated for at least 100m - depth really has nothing to do with it. This is a classic discussion on watch forums. The equivalent of mono or braid.

[spence]

Originally Posted by JohnR

I am to classic tool watches like you are to Ascots

-spence

[redlite]

I have had my timex iron man for 4 years and beat the #^&#^&#^&#^& out of it. No water problems what's so ever swimming. I like it because I love indiglo as u can actually read the time in the dark. I pull my wetsuit sleeve down over it so I don't have to worry about it popping off swimming
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[JLH]

Second the timex ironman - I have a couple and I never had any issues with mine. They have spent a ton of time in the water doing laps in the pool and wetsuiting...

[Pete F.]

I've worn the same battery powered Timex since before 2001. It has a white face, hands and if you push the stem it lights up. I wear it 24/7 and almost never take it off. I think it cost me $25 maybe $30, keeps perfect time and has had a few batteries. I swim to rocks, dive when I swim as far as my lungs let me and wear it in the shower. I replaced another Timex with it because the face was scratched on that twenty year old one. If it dies I'll buy another.

[JohnR]

Timex Ironman is a good watch

Originally Posted by spence

-spence

I'll lead with my ace

[spence]

Nice, Tudors are great. I nearly bought one a few years ago.

Ended up with this instead. I don't swim in it

-spence

[Swimmer]

Originally Posted by JohnR

Timex Ironman is a good watch



I'll lead with my ace

So this is how you new when to head home when you were in the back seat at the drive-in........

[GregW]

Originally Posted by redlite

I have had my timex iron man for 4 years and beat the #^&#^&#^&#^& out of it. No water problems what's so ever swimming. I like it because I love indiglo as u can actually read the time in the dark. I pull my wetsuit sleeve down over it so I don't have to worry about it popping off swimming
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Originally Posted by JLH

Second the timex ironman - I have a couple and I never had any issues with mine. They have spent a ton of time in the water doing laps in the pool and wetsuiting...

That is actually the watch I wore when I was in the military. It was definately a tough watch.
It stood up to a lot. I only got it wet when it was raining and in the pool during the combat water training, or whatever they called it, but it never gave me an issue. Definately a quality watch , especially for the price.

[justplugit]

Who needs a watch, never wore one after age 30.
If you like what your doing stay, if not leave.

[JohnR]

Nice Speedy - I looked at a pre-moon last year, but decided my first Omega must be a vintage Seamaster 300m - bought a beater but the deal fell thru.

Bought a Tudor Ranger (real ones are rare) instead and flipped that 2 weeks ago. I have another great "birth year" classic I'm rehabbing that will be done this spring.
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[striperman36]

you rehabbing watches while doing backups now?

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by striperman36

you rehabbing watches while doing backups now?

I wish...

[johnny ducketts]

I have the king g, beat the snot out of it and its still going strong.
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[5/0]

Spence...Nice piece hands down,to nice for you
If I was a snob with coin I go with a rolex oyster sub.....I'm just a grunt down range so this is what I roll with.
A G-Shock and a Citizens Titanium Eco Drive Dive.

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by 5/0

If I was a snob with coin I go with a rolex oyster sub.....I'm just a grunt down range so this is what I roll with.

Originally Posted by 5/0

A G-Shock and a Citizens Titanium Eco Drive Dive.

Both Great pieces

[JFigliuolo]

Ummm.... Walmart special. ~$10. surprisingly bulletproof for fishing. Digital, alarms, light. canvas strap which can fit around wetsuit, splash top cuff, bare wrist.


You lose it? no problem.
Battery dies? no problem.

I swim/kayak/leave it ANYWHERE. Things are freaking awesome for $10. I can't kill them until the battery dies, usually 2-3 years. Then just buy another.

[Clogston29]

if its just for fishing and looks don't really matter, can't go wrong with a g-shock.

if your looking for style, it will all come down to budget and what you like. Seiko diver's 200 is a good watch for the money (~$190, used to be more, discontinued but still easy to find) IMO with a classic dive watch style, and its automatic if you like that. I'd recommend upgrading the strap and springbars. Either a nato as john recommended or a heavier duty rubber strap, which is what I went with as I like the look.

[macojoe]

When I have a few bucks I am going to get one of them Orange Monsters!! Thats nice John!

[bassballer]

I have G-Shock for boating, fishing, snowboarding, hiking ect. Great watch for the money.

[striper junkie]

I got a victorinox Swiss army watch from REI a couple years ago and the watch is a tank. The band sucks, but the watch itself is great. Cost around 200 I think. I think they might have stopped making the exact one I wear though. And being rei, if anything goes wrong I get my money back!
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[PaulS]

I also use a Victorinox watch. I haven't had any problems with and it is about 5 years old. Plus if I hit my head on a rock, it also looks good to the person saving me.

[fishbones]

Originally Posted by PaulS

I also use a Victorinox watch. I haven't had any problems with and it is about 5 years old. Plus if I hit my head on a rock, it also looks good to the person saving me.

If you hit your head on a rock, you might damage the rock.