Going Down: Diving Watches for Salt Water

Modern diving watches are so sleek and stylish that they are probably not used for diving. The most water activity that some of them may encounter is a short swim in the ocean. If it is a quality watch, you do not have to worry about it turning green from the sea salt. But if you have you ever visited a beach in the Caribbean and then realised that your waterproof watch was no match for the Caribbean Sea, then it’s time to go shopping.

When shopping around for a watch that can handle outdoor activities, you should not only focus on the price. Reliability, functionality, and quality are three additional features that can define your time piece. Finding a watch that you can wear while diving, snorkelling, surfing, or any other type of water activity is not difficult. However, finding a watch that will not corrode after two sea baths is where you may find a challenge.

Characteristics of Diving Watches for Salt Water

Although a diving watch may appear to be any other type of wrist wear, it has some features that regular watches may not have. The best diving watches are waterproof and can handle pressure at deep depths under the sea. Many of them may have sporty designs, and are pretty to look, which is a plus for a watch that can travel with you to the depths of the sea.

Some of the characteristics of diving watches, especially those that will be on duty in salt water are:

1. Anti-Corrosive: This is usually achieved through the material that the watch is made from. Materials such as titanium and stainless steel will stand up against the rigours of salt and other minerals in sea water.
2. Water Resistance: If you are a beginner or an expert, you will need a watch that can withstand various depths. The top dive watch should be able to withstands depths of at least 100 meters.
3. Durability: At minimum, a durable diving watch will have a strong strap that will not snap whilst underwater; a thick case that can resist external impacts; and a solid crystal that will not crack or scratch easily.

Here are some of the best diving watches for salt water:

1. Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster
2. Marathon 41mm Diver’s Automatic (GSAR)
3. Longines Orologio Heritage Legend
4. Timex Navi XL
5. Casio MDV106-1AV Dive Watch

Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster

The Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster is a classy diver’s watch that is worth your research. The watch has Eco Drive technology that uses light from natural sources including the sun, to charge the battery. As a result, you will never have to purchase a replacement. This watch was designed with sustainability in mind and it’s a good choice to accompany you to the depths of the Caribbean Sea.

Water Resistance: 300 meters (1,000 feet)
Band Material: Rubber
Band Colour: Black
Special Features: Luminates under water
Where to Buy: Amazon

Marathon 41mm Diver’s Automatic (GSAR)

Although the Marathon 41mm Diver’s Automatic watch is on the pricier side, it is lifetime timepiece. Some of the highlights of the Marathon are its Tritium gas tunes that ensure visibility when you deep under the water; it is made in La Chaux de fonds Switzerland, a historic watchmaking centre and it has a scratch resistant sapphire glass crystal that can be read in very low light.

Water Resistance: 300 meters (1,000 feet)
Band Material: Rubber
Band Colour: Black
Special Features: Built from 316L surgical grade stainless steel
Where to Buy: Amazon

Longines Orologio Heritage Legend

The Longines Orologio Heritage Legend is another pricey recommendation, but it is beautiful diver’s watch that exudes luxury. The watch is a reinterpretation of a diver’s watch from the 1960s and is a symbol of Longines’ rich heritage. One of the features of the watch is the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and layers of anti-reflective coating on the underside.

Water Resistance: 300 meters (1,000 feet)
Band Material: Leather
Band Colour: Blue
Special Features: Made with Swiss Super-LumiNova pigments
Where to Buy: Amazon

Timex Navi XL

The Timex Navi XL is one the most reliable diving watches for the salt water. Although this watch is not suitable for deep sea diving, it is fine for swimming and snorkelling. The watch was designed with 304 stainless steel which is resistant to the corrosive powers of salt water. The Navi was designed with the classic diver in style in mind with oversized markers and an elapsed time bezel.

Water Resistance: 100 meters (300 feet)
Band Material: Fabric
Band Colour: Blue
Special Features: Glow in the dark markings
Where to Buy: Amazon

Casio MDV106-1AV Dive Watch

The Casio MDV106-1AV Dive Watch is a budget-friendly dive watch that will make it to the bottom of the ocean and back. The bezel rotates and is inspired by deep-sea diving watches. Casio has a reputation for creating quality watches that last. This watch will stand up against salt water. Some of its useful features are a three-hand analog and date display, a balck resin band and luminous markers.

Water Resistance: 200 meters (650 feet)
Band Material: Plastic
Band Colour: Black
Special Features: Stainless steel case
Where to Buy: Amazon

Further Reading

Franck Dubarry: What is a Diver Watch and Can It Save Your Life? 
Crown and Caliber: Dive Watches
Watch Time: Dive Watches in Depth: A Dive Watch FAQ
Liv Watches: Dive Watches: What to Know Before a Swim
Longines: What Defines A Dive Watch?

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