Mistakes to Avoid When Using Diving Watches

Diving watches are precision instruments designed to withstand the challenges of underwater exploration. Whether you’re a professional diver or an enthusiast, it’s essential to understand how to properly use and care for your diving watch to ensure its longevity and accuracy. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using diving watches:

1. Ignoring the Water Resistance Rating

One of the most significant mistakes divers make is assuming their watch is waterproof without checking the water resistance rating. Diving watches come with various water resistance levels, usually ranging from 100 meters to over 1000 meters.

Mistake: Using a watch beyond its rated water depth.

Solution: Always check the watch’s water resistance rating and use it within the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you plan to dive deeper than the recommended limit, consider upgrading to a more durable watch.

2. Not Checking the Rotating Bezel Before Diving

The rotating bezel on diving watches is crucial for timing your dive and ensuring your safety. If it’s not properly set before you dive, it can lead to incorrect time tracking, which could be dangerous in certain diving situations.

Mistake: Not resetting the bezel correctly or failing to check it before diving.

Solution: Always set the rotating bezel to the minute hand before entering the water. This allows you to track elapsed time accurately and avoid going beyond safe limits.

3. Forgetting to Secure the Crown

Many diving watches have a screw-down crown to ensure they are fully sealed and water-resistant. Forgetting to screw the crown back in after adjusting the time or date can allow water to seep in, damaging the watch’s internal mechanisms.

Mistake: Leaving the crown unscrewed during or after adjusting the time.

Solution: Always ensure the crown is screwed down completely before entering the water to maintain the watch’s water resistance.

4. Using a Diving Watch for Everyday Tasks Without Maintenance

While diving watches are built to handle harsh underwater conditions, they can still suffer from wear and tear if not properly maintained. Some divers use their watches for daily activities, which can cause unnecessary stress on the watch’s components.

Mistake: Using the diving watch for regular daily tasks without maintaining it.

Solution: Regularly maintain your diving watch to ensure it’s in optimal condition. This includes cleaning it after saltwater exposure, checking for wear, and ensuring the gasket is in good condition to maintain water resistance.

5. Submerging the Watch Without Regular Servicing

Over time, the seals and gaskets on a diving watch may degrade, compromising its water resistance. If the watch hasn’t been serviced regularly, even a slight crack or damaged gasket can let water into the watch.

Mistake: Taking the watch underwater without servicing it regularly.

Solution: Have your diving watch serviced every 2-3 years to replace worn-out gaskets and seals. This ensures your watch remains water-resistant and accurate.

6. Overlooking the Watch’s Battery

If you have a quartz diving watch, the battery may not last as long as you expect, especially if it’s been sitting unused for a while. A dead battery can cause issues when you rely on it for timing underwater.

Mistake: Forgetting to replace the battery regularly.

Solution: Keep an eye on the battery life and replace it as needed, especially before planned dives. Some divers prefer solar-powered watches or automatic models to avoid battery issues altogether.

7. Using the Watch in Extreme Conditions Without Proper Testing

Diving watches are designed for water activities, but that doesn’t mean they can withstand extreme conditions without proper testing and maintenance. Extreme temperatures, strong magnetic fields, and high-impact environments can damage a diving watch if it’s not built to withstand such conditions.

Mistake: Using the diving watch in extreme conditions without checking its specifications.

Solution: Always verify your diving watch’s durability for specific conditions such as extreme heat, cold, or high altitudes. If you plan to use your watch in more extreme environments, consider a watch designed for those conditions.

8. Exposing the Watch to Saltwater Without Cleaning It

Saltwater can be corrosive, especially on the metal components of your diving watch. After each dive, it’s essential to rinse the watch thoroughly with fresh water to prevent salt buildup and corrosion.

Mistake: Leaving the watch exposed to saltwater without proper cleaning.

Solution: After every dive in saltwater, rinse the watch with fresh water and dry it thoroughly to prevent corrosion. This will help maintain its appearance and functionality.

9. Overstressing the Watch’s Mechanical Features

Diving watches, especially mechanical ones, are sensitive to shock. If you bang your watch against hard surfaces or expose it to intense physical stress, the internal movement can be affected, reducing its accuracy or causing damage.

Mistake: Subjecting the watch to unnecessary physical stress or impacts.

Solution: Handle the diving watch with care, especially when not in use. Avoid sudden shocks or impacts to ensure the longevity of its mechanical components.

10. Not Using the Correct Strap for Diving

Some divers may use the wrong type of strap for underwater activities, such as leather or metal bands that can absorb water or become damaged over time.

Mistake: Using a non-waterproof strap for diving.

Solution: Always use a silicone, rubber, or other waterproof material strap when diving. These materials are more durable and won’t degrade when exposed to saltwater or moisture.

Conclusion

Diving watches are essential tools for underwater exploration, but like any specialized equipment, they require proper care and attention to ensure their longevity and functionality. By avoiding these common mistakes and following the correct usage guidelines, you can keep your diving watch in optimal condition, allowing you to track time accurately and dive safely for many years to come.