Best Rolex for Scuba

[Xasroma]

I am an avid scuba diver. First post at the forum.
I would like to purchase a Rolex for Scuba.
I have done a search and I have a difficult time finding precise info. Most owners of submariners and sea dwellers have reviews on their watches but could not find much info/ reviews on owners that Scuba dive with them.
I dive at least once a week; not planning on diving in my lifetime deeper than 50 meters / 150 feet.
My question to you: Which model/ strap/ bezel should I get? Depth ratings are more than enough for any human. Should I look at other models that do not have the obvious aquatic adjective next to them. Scratches/ sea water/ cleaning.
I would purchase new.
Looking for a Rolex now as a backup bottom timer plus carrying a separate depth gauge since Rolex does not make one.
Thanks in advance.

[Tools]

If you dive regularly get yourself a good dive computer..

Then get whichever Rolex that you want to look good in that demontrates your lifestyle........

[lipjin]

For recreational diving, any Oyster watch will do - you can even dive with a YM if you so please (don't trust the bi-rotational bezel though!)

Deepsea would probably be the most versatile - the diver extension makes it super easy to fit over any wetsuit

[Keith1]

The Submariner, Sea-Dweller, or the DSSD will all work great. I prefer the DSSD for diving because of the clasp (adjustment), larger size, and domed crystal. I dove for years with a Sub before the DSSD came out, and it was always reliable. Let us know what you decide, and good luck.

Welcome to TRF!

[Pete26]

Originally Posted by lipjin

For recreational diving, any Oyster watch will do - you can even dive with a YM if you so please (don't trust the bi-rotational bezel though!)

Deepsea would probably be the most versatile - the diver extension makes it super easy to fit over any wetsuit

This is true, when I did my open water diving certification in the 80's my diving partner wore a Datejust on a jubilee on dives in open water.

[HogwldFLTR]

There are many charts relating water resistance to activity; here are a couplr. Check on line and you'll find ones to help you make your decision.






200M depth is at the edge of what I'd consider acceptable. Most sites don't recommend less than 200M for jet-skiing either.

[Pete26]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

There are many charts relating water resistance to activity; here are a couplr. Check on line and you'll find ones to help you make your decision.

Great info, but doesn't apply to Rolex. They are guaranteed waterproof to 100 metres, in fact the only watch in the world that is guaranteed waterproof, not water resistant.

[Piloto]

I'd go stainless only, and either Submariner, Deep Sea or Sea Dweller.

As my Sub is TT, I won't wear it when I dive. I'm worried about catching the soft gold on a piece of coral, or something on a wreck. I can just see catching the bracelet on a piece of metal and watching my Sub disappear down a cargo hold.

I take something "disposable" on my dives in case anything happens. The watch is because I ALWAYS wear a watch. I use the integrated dive computer for everything else.

[Nycturbovr6]

Nice shot!

[thomaspp]

Submariner ceramic! Welcome.

[beaglehusky]

Welcome to TRF!

I've tried a Sub, SD, and Pelagos and all of them were fine.

For some reason the Pelagos' bezel sort of locks at the 12:00 position, I went to RSC for them to fix it and they said it was supposed to do that and allowed me to try three other Pelagos and indeed all did the same thing. I found this to be annoying. That been said, it's my only piece with the spring loaded clasp and I found that to be superb, as I always dive with a dry suit. The Pelagos has the best visibility of the three, IMO.

I don't like the Sub's and SD's diver extensions, so I just put them on a NATO to dive. This is addressed on the ceramic models with the glidelock.

Enjoy the hunt and post some pics once you've made your purchase!

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by Xasroma

I am an avid scuba diver. First post at the forum.
I would like to purchase a Rolex for Scuba.
I have done a search and I have a difficult time finding precise info. Most owners of submariners and sea dwellers have reviews on their watches but could not find much info/ reviews on owners that Scuba dive with them.
I dive at least once a week; not planning on diving in my lifetime deeper than 50 meters / 150 feet.
My question to you: Which model/ strap/ bezel should I get? Depth ratings are more than enough for any human. Should I look at other models that do not have the obvious aquatic adjective next to them. Scratches/ sea water/ cleaning.
I would purchase new.
Looking for a Rolex now as a backup bottom timer plus carrying a separate depth gauge since Rolex does not make one.
Thanks in advance.

i'd say any rolex diver naturally works (i should hope so), but you may want to check Tudor! they come with multiple band options and they're quite good!

[V.lats97nsx]

I am in cancun and the datejust worked just fine for the scuba adventure I went through. I only went under half a meter but it still worked good. Cheers guys

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

[T. Ferguson]

I'm not a diver (so take it for what it's worth, lol) but if I was I'd use a pre-ceramic Sub or SD. I like the idea that popping off the bezel to clean out sand, salt and stuff is a DIY job.

[AK797]

Subc if your wrist is under 7.5 inches, if over look at the DSSD.

[Flstfirider]

[Tokyo Time]

I take my Sub Date backed up with an old school Oceanic Versapro and Atom 2. Pic is me on the San Francisco Maru in Chuuk. Sorry you can't see the Sub.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by Pete26

Great info, but doesn't apply to Rolex. They are guaranteed waterproof to 100 metres, in fact the only watch in the world that is guaranteed waterproof, not water resistant.

Interesting however, the point isn't solely about depth but about activity and warrantee. If the watch is out of warrantee then "guaranteed" means little. I'd still follow the charts. Firm believer in engineering margin.

[mjclark32]

No date sub on NATO, but as a back up to your dive comp

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by mjclark32

No date sub on NATO, but as a back up to your dive comp

How would you know what day it is?

[Mystro]

I dive regularly on vacation with my TT Submainer. It is built for way tougher and extreme diving than I could ever do to it. It is over built to begin with and that while it has the reputation of THE dive watch. There is nothing I could do while recreational diving to compromise it.

[77T]

Welcome to TRF!

Any new Sub would work for you. But remember you need to keep up with the recommended pressure checks once a year goes by. Pressure checks tell you that seals and gaskets are still doing their jobs to keep water out.

The thing about "guaranteed" waterproofness is this: Once it leaves the AD, future waterproofness is also a product of you "proving" that moisture intrusion wasn't your fault.

[gr33n]

All Rolex watches are over-engineered, regarding waterproofness.

Even if a twinlock crown (explorer - datejust) is sufficient, I would get a rolex with Triplock for redundancy.

Submariner, deepsea, sea dweller, but also gmt-masterII are litterally MADE to live in water, as soon as you change gakets every 5 years or so (with complete servicing).

I swim, snorkel and shower with mine: it is a pre-ceramic submariner (16610LV).

Take your time, as try to listen to your heart: as there is no bad choice as soon as it is a Rolex, which one really sings at you, which one does make your heart bounce, deep inside you (and just you, not the forum members)?

Try googling these references: 16610LN / 16610LV / 16600 / 14060M / 116610LN / 116613LB / 116619LB (ouch - price!) / 116622 / 116600 / 116660 / 116710 / 116710BLNR ...

As I like a touch of colour, and if I was in your socks, it would be for me 116710BLNR (or 16610LV, but is is not produced anymore).

Have fun! (searching is the most exciting part)

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by Mystro

I dive regularly on vacation with my TT Submainer. It is built for way tougher and extreme diving than I could ever do to it. It is over built to begin with and that while it has the reputation of THE dive watch. There is nothing I could do while recreational diving to compromise it.

X2

[Keith1]

Originally Posted by v.lats97nsx

I am in cancun and the datejust worked just fine for the scuba adventure I went through. I only went under half a meter but it still worked good. Cheers guys

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

A "under half a meter" is a snorkel adventure, not scuba diving.

[Keith1]

Originally Posted by Tokyo Time

I take my Sub Date backed up with an old school Oceanic Versapro and Atom 2. Pic is me on the San Francisco Maru in Chuuk. Sorry you can't see the Sub.

The San Francisco Maru is the best dive in Chuuk with the two Japanese tanks. We did 170 feet on this wreck, deepest dive we did there.

[Xasroma]

Thank you everyone for posting, I can't believe how many replies I have received. I already own a dive computer (OC1/liquivision lynx) and Oris depth gauge. I am GUE (global underwater explorers )trained recently and for that reason,it's all about the the bottom timer and depth gauge instead of relying on dive computers.
What is NATO?
I love the pictures of the fellow scuba divers! Rolex looks beautiful when used as a tool as well!
So it seems to be that it needs stainless steel all over since will be scratched, and I need a different strap for adjustment if I do not go with the deep sea model? I love rubber straps for diving however I saw some beautiful straps in the pictures you guys sent. Where do you get those?
Thanks again and impressed with this forum


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Very busy at the office, I need to go back to work. I will dissect further the reply's. Just wanted to thank everyone for the input. I sent longer reply through Tapatalk, I do not know why it takes long to upload the post. Thanks again

[vertigo s2r]

You mean to tell me that no one dove wearing an Explorer II without having it flood?

[Piloto]

Originally Posted by Xasroma

So it seems to be that it needs stainless steel all over since will be scratched, and I need a different strap for adjustment if I do not go with the deep sea model?

Stainless is perfect. It's hard to scratch and buffs out easily if you do. All of the modern Rolex oyster bracelets have extensions built in for wet suits. The latest incarnation on the Submariner even has a glidelock clasp that would help here.

I love rubber straps for diving however I saw some beautiful straps in the pictures you guys sent. Where do you get those?

Ebay or Amazon.. Type in nato strap. The results will be many. Many colors and patterns. Just know the lug diameter of the watch you want to buy one for.

[Piloto]

Originally Posted by Tokyo Time

Pic is me on the San Francisco Maru in Chuuk. Sorry you can't see the Sub.

No Sub, but the tank is cool. That dive is on my bucket list. Nice!