Realistic water resistance at depth. Exp 2.

[Commander C.]

Are you going to be wearing a wetsuit? If so, as a precaution, I would wear the watch under my wetsuit.

[gerry100]

make sure the crown is tight

[Exceeder]

id do it long as it was serviced in last year or two

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by dmash

Lol at articles like this one stating you shouldn't take a 200m watch scuba diving, you know, like literal Submariners were rated to as recent 1989?



Utter nonsense

The oceaneva piece says any 100m rated watch you plan to scuba dive with should have an HEV

They've completely missed the entire point of the HEV and why its considered necessary for saturation divers operating in a helium/oxygen environment

Safe to say that whilst the first of those linked articles should be read with some amount of caution, the second is absolute rubbish

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by Commander C.

Are you going to be wearing a wetsuit? If so, as a precaution, I would wear the watch under my wetsuit.

I'm curious - in case of spring bar/link pin failure?

[chunk2020]

To how the watch would hold up I can’t speak to but as a Divemaster and having prev been in the industry the main reason I would rarely ever wear one of my “proper” watches out/down is simply because you’re generally on a wobbly boat, surrounded by metal corners/edges and in close quarters etc and when you’re getting your (heavy) kit on don’t want to snag it on the head of the watch etc. unless you take it off, kit up, then put it back on. But where do you put it then? On a shelf, in your fin, get someone else wobbling about to hold it.

I just kinda just having something on your mind instead of being clear headed going down.

if you're wearing it to then have the memory attached to the watch or because you don't want to leave it in the hotel then go for it.

just my personal thoughts. and generally as a DM we'll always be watching closely as to how people get ready before going in.

if someone is faffing around with a non essential/superfluous piece of equipment, we'll be keeping a bit of a closer eye on them underwater. i guess it just saves you a few seconds once you've descended as you'd figure it pretty quick anyway. same would just as easily apply to someone without much experience faffing with their go pro.

obv the mele pre dive is often dictated by the sea conditions, entry method and then water temp for whether youre in a rashie or a thick wetsuit etc

MOST IMPORTANT may i please stress.. have an awesome time doing one of the coolest activities on earth. good on you for making the effort. enjoy!


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[chunk2020]

May I ask where you’re going diving out of interest


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[Commander C.]

Originally Posted by Devildog

I'm curious - in case of spring bar/link pin failure?

No. I am thinking more of (1) additional protection against banging it against metal, coral, rocks, etc., and (2) because watches are tested at static pressure, eliminating the effect of water movement at depth. I understand why someone would want to wear their watch while scuba diving rather than leaving it on the boat or in their lodging, but really, watches rated to 10 ATM are not designed for scuba diving. And I consider a 40-50 meter dive (mentioned by the OP) to be a deep dive -- certainly deeper than I've ever gone (or would want to go).

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Commander C.

No. I am thinking more of (1) additional protection against banging it against metal, coral, rocks, etc., and (2) because watches are tested at static pressure, eliminating the effect of water movement at depth. I understand why someone would want to wear their watch while scuba diving rather than leaving it on the boat or in their lodging, but really, watches rated to 10 ATM are not designed for scuba diving. And I consider a 40-50 meter dive (mentioned by the OP) to be a deep dive -- certainly deeper than I've ever gone (or would want to go).

Well my 16600 SD had a very hard life working as a real tool watch as PADI/BSAC instructor and dive guide, with well over 600 hours underwater. And it got bashed often and sometimes abused but never wore it under my wet suite. It was regularly serviced in its life by a few different RSC world wide, now almost 25 years old still looking good and will still be ticking when my now old ticker stops.

[hellobandit]

I have already dived several times between 20 and 38 meters deep with my Submariner, my Explorer 1, my Seiko SKX, my GShock. I have never had any problems. You can go there without any problem in my opinion.

[SearChart]

I'd trust my perpetual at 200m deep, even though it is rated to 100m. I'd most certainly see no issue in going to scuba diving depths with an explorer 2.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by luk4s83

What you see printed on the dial is a static depth rating and has pretty nothing to do with how deep underwater you can go in real life. Even though it will probably handle it just fine the Explorer II is definitely NOT rated by Rolex for scuba diving. There's a ton of articles about it, here are just two:
https://www.watchaffinity.co.uk/buye...ngs-explained/
https://oceaneva.com/blogs/watch-edu...PnoFez26c66EId

I agree with Dirt, Bas and others.

But both those links have misinformation and should be deleted.

But they were slightly amusing.

Along with some of the other misinformation on this thread.

We do have a joke section ion TRF.

[Commander C.]

Originally Posted by Andad

I agree with Dirt, Bas and others.

But both those links have misinformation and should be deleted.

But they were slightly amusing.

Along with some of the other misinformation on this thread.

We do have a joke section ion TRF.

What is the misinformation in the Watch Affinity link?

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by Commander C.

…and (2) because watches are tested at static pressure, eliminating the effect of water movement at depth.

I remember when I started here there were many statements, jokes, memes and even a few diagrams about why you shouldn’t wear your Rolex swimming or in the shower to protect it from ‘water movement.’

[Commander C.]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

I remember when I started here there were many statements, jokes, memes and even a few diagrams about why you shouldn’t wear your Rolex swimming or in the shower to protect it from ‘water movement.’

The point is that a wetsuit will help protect the watch against damage and water ingress. The OP is not using his watch as a dive computer anyway, so he doesn't need to see it. And the fact is, watches rated to 100 meters are not designed to be dive watches. I'm surprised anyone is suggesting otherwise. Sure, someone may go scuba diving with their 10 ATM watch and not have an issue, just like someone may fall into a pool with their 3 ATM watch and not have an issue. But to suggest to the OP that he does not need to worry about diving with his 10 ATM watch, especially when he mentions depths of 40-50 meters, is not doing him any favors.

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by Commander C.

What is the misinformation in the Watch Affinity link?

The other link has this little gem which is ridiculous: "But do keep in mind any 300m rated watch, from a reputable brand, should have a helium escape valve to equalize pressure" Inclusion of such information would indicate the author has no idea what they are talking about and would lead me to distrust any other information printed there.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

The other link has this little gem which is ridiculous: "But do keep in mind any 300m rated watch, from a reputable brand, should have a helium escape valve to equalize pressure" Inclusion of such information would indicate the author has no idea what they are talking about and would lead me to distrust any other information printed there.

Well, to be fair.
The HEV is indeed a pressure equalization devise.

It's just that it's designed to vent excessive internal Helium pressure out of the watch case.
As we all know, it has nothing to do with water resistance and in one case reported here on this forum years ago. It was a liability on a DSSD worn in a hot tub due to being faulty.
It is after all. Another opening in the watch case

The original Ploprof was a good thing in that regard

[Tools]

Don't overthink it.

DownThereW.jpg

[ROlesorusLEX]

Originally Posted by Dirt

I think Sylvia Earle has been known to scuba wearing her DJ



A properly maintained 100m watch should be no problem for you.

If in doubt, have it pressure tested before you go for some peace of mind.

Had never heard of Sylvia Earle before. Read some articles. What a person.

The Sturgeon General. Good stuff.

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[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Dirt

Well, to be fair.
The HEV is indeed a pressure equalization devise.

It's just that it's designed to vent excessive internal Helium pressure out of the watch case.
As we all know, it has nothing to do with water resistance and in one case reported here on this forum years ago. It was a liability on a DSSD worn in a hot tub due to being faulty.
It is after all. Another opening in the watch case

The original Ploprof was a good thing in that regard

The previously mentioned Seiko Tuna did away with the need for an HEV back in the 1970s with a simple L-shaped gasket that made the case impervious to helium.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

The previously mentioned Seiko Tuna did away with the need for an HEV back in the 1970s with a simple L-shaped gasket that made the case impervious to helium.

Quite right
I was going to mention that one as well as a prime example of sound engineering.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

The previously mentioned Seiko Tuna did away with the need for an HEV back in the 1970s with a simple L-shaped gasket that made the case impervious to helium.

Great information Adam

[geoach]

Originally Posted by Commander C.

The point is that a wetsuit will help protect the watch against damage and water ingress. The OP is not using his watch as a dive computer anyway, so he doesn't need to see it. And the fact is, watches rated to 100 meters are not designed to be dive watches. I'm surprised anyone is suggesting otherwise. Sure, someone may go scuba diving with their 10 ATM watch and not have an issue, just like someone may fall into a pool with their 3 ATM watch and not have an issue. But to suggest to the OP that he does not need to worry about diving with his 10 ATM watch, especially when he mentions depths of 40-50 meters, is not doing him any favors.

wrong

[77T]

Originally Posted by Offshore

I'm planning on diving with it in a couple of weeks for the simple reason I'd prefer to have it on me than leave it ashore in a dive bag. It won't be used for timekeeping as I'll have a couple of dive computers.

My suggestion is wear it while on the boat heading out, then doff it into your backpack when suiting up.

If you can't trust the crew or your fellow divers, pick another dive co.


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[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Dirt

Quite right
I was going to mention that one as well as a prime example of sound engineering.

Originally Posted by brandrea

Great information Adam

Imagine Rolex doing something like this in the mid 1970s

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Imagine Rolex doing something like this in the mid 1970s

Rolex must have decided that HEV has better marketing potential


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[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Rolex must have decided that HEV has better marketing potential


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Sure. Many brands use them and I've heard them described as a gimmick quite a few times

[Offshore]

Thanks to all for the helpful & informative replies.

To answer specific questions

Yes - I will be using a computer & the watch will be under a wetsuit & on the underside of the wrist.

I'm only really wearing it so I don't have to leave it in a dive bag. I could leave it in my accomodation but then I wouldn't have a watch for the majority of the day and would have to check the time on my phone - which as I'm sure you will all agree is an undesirable outcome.

I appreciate the input regarding distractions. Having said that I'm pretty relaxed and generally carry a fair bit of baggage anyway (SMB, reel, torch, camera, slate etc etc) so hopefully wont be an issue.

I'll be diving in Malta. I've dived there well over 100 times & can fully recommend it. Great clarity of water, fantastic & accessible cave diving but I think the biggest attraction is the huge variety of wreck diving available at at all depths. Some wrecks are well prepped and deliberately sunk ferries and so forth - these are usually between 18m and 40m - but there are also a lot of historical wrecks, usually from WW2 & at depths ranging from 12m to 100m plus.

Thanks again for the input and advice.

[Old Expat Beast]

I'd love to dive in Malta. My grandad was there in the very early 1900s when he was in the Royal Navy. I have a photo of him and his shipmates in Valletta somewhere.

I suppose you've seen Malta Story (1953) with Alec Guinness? There's a quite good quality copy here: https://youtu.be/EhFB6WxmAwY?si=cQsnW3wv7T3i5nA1

[Offshore]

Yes - that's an excellent film!

My Grandad was also there but 40 years later (RAF). There is a huge amount of well preserved history from all periods. It's a great place both above and below the water.