Watches

[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

[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

[JohnR]

Timex Ironman is a good watch

Originally Posted by spence

-spence

I'll lead with my ace

[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
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

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.