The FActs and viewpoints in this section ARE NOT NECESSARILY THE VIEWS OF x-ray mag. ITEMS PRESENTED IN THIS SECTION HAS NOT BEEN tested BY x-ray MAG STAFF, NOR ARE THE ITEMS warranted, information PROVIDED IS CONDENSED from manufacturers DESCRIPTIONS. Texts are usually edited for length, clarity and style Links active at the time of publications

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Time, Technology & Style

Edited by Kelly LaClaire Gunild & Peter Symes all photos courtesy of the MANUFACTURERS OR VENDORS Dive Watches

When trying to determine if resistance ratings provided out of materials like stainless in so it seals tight against the means it must go in for a renewed pres- a particular watch is suitable by manufacturers result from steel, titanium, ceramics and o-ring to prevent any seepage sure test in hyberbaric chamber, so make for diving, first of all, look for a testing done under controlled synthetic resins or plastics. around the stem. sure you return your precious time piece water-resistance rating of at circumstances. Basically, they Gold may be a problem just to an authorized dealer. least 200 meters, or 20 atm. The indicate resistance to water because it’s softer. testing apparent overkill on the depth penetration, assuming there Changing batteries in a Bezel rating means that the watch is no movement by either the Seals must be used at each dive watch invariably also Analog diving watches will often fea- should hold up fine underwater watch or the water, at a par- point where the case can be ture a rotating bezel, which allows for most normal diving condi- ticular depth. The ratings do not opened, and at other joints. The Rolex Oyster for an easier reading of elapsed time tions. But a watch claiming to take into account what hap- This is primarily the case-back Perpetual Submariner of under one hour from a specific be water-resistant to 100 meters pens if the watch is bumped or and crown (covering the stem). is a line of watches point. This is also used to compute (330 feet) should be sufficient jarred. They may also be placed manufactured by the length of a dive. The bezel is ‘uni- for recreational , between the crystal and case Rolex, designed for directional’, i.e. it contains a ratchet, diving and known especially since those safe div- In reality, several factors are at unless a sealant is used. These so it can only be turned counter- for their resistance ing limits are set at 40m (130 work simultaneously on a watch seals, or gaskets are usually to water. The first clockwise to increase the apparent feet). while underwater. Pressure is o-rings made of rubber or some Submariner was elapsed time. This is an important ‘fail the most significant, but as a other synthetic. Every watch introduced to the safe’ feature. If the bezel could be So what’s the deal? diver moves through the water, made for diving should also public in 1954 at turned clockwise, this could suggest It is a matter of conventions additional pressure is exerted. feature screw-down case- the Swiss Watch Fair. to a diver that the elapsed time was that are, if not outright mislead- The watch cases of diving backs and crowns. A case- Copied by other shorter than it was, thus indicating a ing, then certainly grounds watches must be adequately back that screws down tight watch makers, the falsely short elapsed time reading, and for a great deal of confusion. water (pressure) resistant and against a seal works much bet- Rolex Submariner is therefore, falsely low air consumption However, the table (below) be able to endure the galvanic ter than any type of back that recognised as a classic assumptions, which are highly danger- which has has appeared should provide some guidelines corrosiveness of seawater. So, is pressed in. The same goes for ous. Some dive watch models feature a in eleven James Bond for buyers. First of all, the water- the cases are generally made the crown; it needs to screw movies lockable bezel to minimize the chance of unintentional bezel operation under water. Classification of diving watches Ornamental feature of the past Watches are classified by their degree of water resistance. With the advent of digital dive watches and the widespread use of dive computers, the Water resistance rating Suitability Notes exclusive use of a rotating bezel is now con- Water Resistant to 50 m Swimming (no related activity) and fishing. NOT suitable for diving sidered a rudimentary diving technique. Most Water Resistant to 100 m Recreational surfing, swimming, snorkeling, sailing and water sports NOT suitable for diving contemporary dive watches with conspicuous Water Resistant to 200 m Suitable for professional marine activity and serious surface water sports NOT suitable for diving. 15 or 20 minute markings on their bezels are the result of copying a Rolex bezel design of Diver’s 100 m Minimum ISO standard (ISO 6425) for recreational scuba diving. 100 m and 150 m ratings are mostly seen on older watches. the 1950s. Back then divers typically planned Diver’s 200 m or 300 m Suitable for recreational scuba diving. The most common ratings for modern dive watches. a dive to a certain maximum depth based on Diver’s 300+ m for mixed-gas diving Suitable for saturation and advanced Watches designed for mixed-gas diving will have an additional now obsolete U.S. Navy dive tables, and dove marking d i v e r ’s w a t c h L M f o r m i x e d -g a s diving. ■ according to the planned . ■

59 X-RAY MAG : 37 : 2010 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Standards for dive watches Timeline The standards and features for dive watches are regulated by the International Organization for Standardization in the ISO 6425 standard. Besides water resist- Early dive watches were ance standards to a minimum of 100-meter depth rating, ISO 6425 also pro- often developed in Dive Watches vides minimum requirements for mechanical dive watches—quartz and digital response to military and watches have slightly differing readability requirements. ■ professional needs. Later, they were designed for , which IWC started to appear in the Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen, partner and sponsor 1960s. As a result, profes- of the Jacques-Yves Cousteau Society, has dedicated sional dive organisations a fifth special edition to “Le Commandant” in honor came into being, touting of his 100th birthday: the Aquatimer Chronograph needs for “tool” watches to Galapagos Islands Edition. This finely crafted time- help conduct dives safely piece begins with a stainless-steel casing coated at great depth. with matte black rubber making the watch pres- sure resistant to 12 bar (120m, 393ft) and comes 1927 Rolex is credited with with a barrage of special features. The sapphire creating the first water- glass dial makes the face nearly scratch proof proof watch. (you can mar the surface with a diamond but nothing else will affect it) and the mechani- 1932 Omega introduced cal chronograph movement is self-winding and the Marine, considered to has a 44-hour power reserve. Each watch has be the first dive watch. an external rotating bezel, date and day display and a patented quick-change bracelet system for 1930s Panerai produced a use with business or formal attire. IWC makes a siz- number of dive watches able contribution generated by proceeds from the sale for the Italian Navy, water- of the Aquatimer to the Galapagos-based Charles Darwin proof to 650 feet. Foundation. For 50 years, the foundation has been mak- ing visitors aware of the archipelago’s uniqueness 1953 Blancpain produced and providing them with guidelines to ecologically TAGHeuer the Fifty Fathoms dive sound behavior and acting as sentries to ensure THE AQUARACER 500M CALIBRE 5 is as nice watch worn by Jacques that the waters are not plundered and that a dive watch as you will find anywhere and Cousteau in the film, Le Oris the animals do not fall victim to poachers or gives the wearer all the high-end options Monde du Silence. Swiss manufacturer Oris has predators imported from other seas. needed. The brushed stainless steel casing joined with the Australian www.iwc.com houses an ultra fine chronograph move- 1954 Rolex introduced the Marine Conservation Society ment with automatic date surrounded by a Submariner—the watch of (AMCS) by launching the Great unidirectional, soft-touch rubber bezel and choice for James Bond in Barrier Limited Edition dive is water resistant up to 30 bar (300m, 984ft). the first ten films. watch. Fifty Swiss francs from each The crystal face is made of sapphire glass piece sold will be donated to Poseidon making scratches a virtual impossibility and 1957 Omega Seamaster AMCS to help protect and preserve Poseidon takes a more traditional the antireflective coating lets the lumines- was introduced. the world’s largest and most stun- approach to dive watches by cent hands and face indexes stand out in ning reef system. Water resistant to a offering the Chrono. Each watch any light. For serious sport and technical div- 1967 Rolex Sea-Dweller staggering 100 bar (1000m, 3281ft) the has a large, easy to read rotating ers, the 500M has a fine-brushed automatic introduced,first “ultra water Oris boasts a host of impressive design ele- bezel, ultra accurate chronograph valve which allows gas buildup in the resistant” dive watch, ments: multi-piece stainless steel casing with super movement, super luminescent face watch to release due to time spent in pres- capable of depth to 610m. scratch resistant sapphire face; automatic mechani- index and hands as well as three sure chambers or diving stations. The black cal movement; easy to read centralized hour and separate timing dials for seconds, rubber strap has a solid titanium clasp with 1970 Omega Seamaster minute displays with dark orange luminescent hands minutes and hours. Chrono’s casing safety push buttons for easy release and Professional introduced, and face markings; helium buildup release button is made of stainless steel and is water changes. www.tagheuer.com capable of depth to 600m. for divers who use pressure chambers; neoprene resistant up to 20 bar (200m, 660ft) and ■ carrying case with logo and key fob. Also comes comes in a plethora of face colors mak- with a customized AMCS diver’s log book. ing this a fine timepiece for any serious www.oris.ch diver. www.poseidonwatches.se

60 X-RAY MAG : 37 : 2010 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED RedSea Holystone Watch strap RedSea, a new company started just this year by two avid watch enthusi- The choices you have Dive Watches asts, offers the Holystone, a profes- for a strap are typically sional dive timepiece with all the Rubber, Stainless Steel or rugged extras you need when div- Titanium. ing. Water resistant to 30 bar (300m, 984ft), this beautiful dive watch Rubber: If its genuine— comes in your choice of stainless make sure to check—rub- steel or black PVD (a long lasting ber is strong, comfortable protective coating used on high and flexible. It will last for friction cutting tools). Each watch quite some time but will crystal is made of sapphire glass eventually deteriorate, and the arms and face mark- and become brittle and ings are layered eight times with susceptible to tearing. special Lume-Tech coating for ultimate brilliance in dark areas. Stainless Steel: Is fine for Both colors of the Holystone dive watches; the only come with three separate thing to watch out for is bands—a five link steel brace- checking that it is genuine let for dressing up, Black nylon for more casual wear or a dark rubber dive stainless steel since other strap for saltwater use. The large clicking bezel is easy to grab, even with metal straps will rust or cor- gloves, and best of all, this new watch is priced below US$600. All watches rode. will be available this winter, and if you place a pre-order, you will be auto- matically entered to win a free RedSea timepiece of your choice. Titanium: The best choice, Redseawatches.com if you can afford it, since it is stronger by a third over stainless steel and signifi- Luminox cantly lighter too, making Luminox has been the watch of choice for it feel more comfortable Halios BlueRing professionals like Navy SEALs, SCUBA legend as well. It’s also more The Halios BlueRing is an aesthetic and , the U.S. Coast Guard, law durable and more corro- beautifully crafted dive watch from a great enforcement divers and many more. After sion resistant than stainless independent brand in Vancouver, British 20 years of making 200 meter water resis- steel, and hypoallergenic, Audemars Piguet Columbia, Canada. With only 100 mod- tant watches, Luminox has announced its too, which may be anoth- The high-class Royal Oak Offshore diver watch els of each dial color, it offers exclusivity 50 bar (500m, 1500ft) Deep Dive series. er consideration. by Audemars Piguet can withstand of in ownership that extends beyond the Specifically designed and constructed 30 bar due to fine quality gaskets and the unique distinct design and excellent pack- for use by professional divers, these Further consideration: wet- hexagon screw design mounting the case and aging. If you missed your chance on watches can be taken to the deepest suit clasp. This is a special face as secure as a sub hatch. With a new twist, earlier models, such as the Holotype, depths by technical divers doing their clasp that makes the classic click bevel has been replaced with an the BlueRing should be secured quickly jobs, with all the attributes a true diving the strap extend- internal rotating ring with diving scale that is con- since previous editions sold out in watch needs, including: stainless steel, able so it’s trolled by a rubber coated crown mounted at 10 months, and the BlueRing is setting a PVD coated casing; screwed on crown easy to o’clock on the case. This keeps a diver from inad- pretty fast pace as well (as of late sum- with guard cover; sapphire glass face adjust vertently moving the bezel while diving, always mer only the silver dial with brushed sil- with anti-reflective coating; highly and assuring any headings are taken and kept accu- ver case is still in stock). Features include: durable rubber strap; automatic wear rately. The finer points of the timepiece are just as water resistant up to 30 bar (300m, 984ft); helium release valve. The night vision over a impressive: self-winding, Calibre 3120 movement; highly calibrated ETA 2824-2 movement; sil- tubes covering the dial, hands and wet- stainless steel casing; luminescent coatings on ver dial with black bezel; domed sapphire bezel are ultra bright and are rated suit. ■ watch dial and hands; hours and minute dive time crystal for outstanding scratch resistance. Now to last twenty-five years. This is seri- measurements. We especially liked the rugged, is the time to order a highly exclusive dive watch ous gear for serious divers. octagonal face shape that dominates the face. from a trusted and well known brand. www.luminox.com www.audemarspiguet.com www.halioswatches.com/bluering

61 X-RAY MAG : 37 : 2010 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED Porsche Design The first dive watch by Porsche Dive Watches Design since 1983, the P’6780 is not only uber-cool to look at but meets every high performance demand that can be placed on it. Capable of withstanding pressures at up to100 bar (1000m, 3281ft), the stainless steel case houses an ultra fine automatic movement and bright luminescent dial that is easy to read even in the darkness at its furthest depth range. The strap has a special extension that allows a diver to easily slip it on a covered wrist without the has- sle of popping the clasp open. But perhaps the most unique and functional design element is a special hinge that allows the watch case to swing upwards out of the titanium bracket. This allows the wearer to quickly move the crown without interference and blocks accidental movement while diving. Warning, if you’re ADD like some of us folks with Breitling fins, you’ll be flipping it up and down endlessly. Breitling has revived the design of the legendary diver’s www.porsche-design.com instrument it launched in 1957. While the technical quali- ties that have forged the Superocean’s reputation have been always been respected, the timepiece has been given a thoroughly updated look. The rubber- molded unidirectional bezel features sloping numer- als that look and feel like a dive compass, and the notched edges make it easy to manipulate underwater even with heavy gloves for cold water diving. The strikingly distinctive dial is a continua- tion of the same vigorous design with oversized numerals and hour markers standing out nicely Victorinox Swiss Army against the matte black face. This sleek and Precision timing meets extreme diving in the classy watch is water resistant up to depth of new Dive Master 500 Black Ice Chrono, now 1,500 meters and has all the attributes of a Reactor equipped with precision, self-winding move- professional instrument, like the safety valve “Our new Poseidon has a number of ment in the same ultra-rugged and highly that automatically releases the accumu- firsts for us in terms of technology. In functional 43 mm sport watch from Victorinox lated helium when the internal over-pressure addition to the extreme 1,000m depth Swiss Army. The 50 bar (500m, 1650ft) water reaches around three bar, the self-winding rating, the watch features an internal resistance, which gives its name to the Dive chronometer certified movement and the rotating bezel that can actually be Master 500 line, is maintained in this Chrono extremely scratch resistant sapphire crys- adjusted underwater,” stated Jimmy version which boasts a screw-in case back tal that is anti-glare coated on both sides. Olmes, president of Reactor, on their and crown, sapphire crystal with anti-reflective For deep and dark dives, the hands and website. Their most seaworthy model treatment. Of course, you’ll find a unidirectional hour markers are brilliantly lit making to date, Reactor’s Poseidon is built from bezel and luminescent hands, hour markers, timed calculations a breeze. Several stainless steel and has a substantially logo and bezel markers for super bright readings bracelet designs (rubber or steel) and thickened case back and crystal face. in deep or dark waters. This dive watch features inner dial color combinations (yellow, The watch is available with a black and enhanced legibility of its separate twelve-hour red, blue, silver and black) are avail- red dial with rubber strap, a yellow and counter at 10 o’clock, date window and small sec- able. www.breitling.com black dial with two-tone black stainless ond counter at 6 o’clock. The strap is genuine rubber bracelet, or a limited edition black and and comes in several colors to match the dial you orange combination that will include both choose (black, red and orange). For a more stylish, bands. The stainless bracelets include a sophisticated look, a stainless steel bracelet with wetsuit expander, another first for Reactor. gunmetal coated PVD is also available. www.reactorwatch.com www.victorinox.com

62 X-RAY MAG : 37 : 2010 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED The Hammerhead Chrono XL by Freestyle

Dive Watches performer with analog men and women? If so, what are and digital readout with a they? nightvision backlight. CL: Not necessarily for the Arctic diver Freestyle consumer, they are —technical diver, generally looking to us for a diving the extremes in dependable dive watch at a fair Just for Kids the polar regions: The price. Speedo Junior UV analog Hammerhead. Why? watch —Kids will love It’s the staple of our dive GS: What is the future of dive this fun and entertain- line, no-nonsense style watches? New technologies on ing watch as the strap and durability. the horizon? New fashion and changes color when style attitudes? New philosophies outside in the sun while Researchers in watches in general? simultaneously offer- —conservationists and ing UV protection to eco-conscious divers: The CL: For now we don’t have the skin underneath. Submersion. Why? Choice any plans on investing in new Features include: fashion between metal or technologies, as most of the forward design and fun graph- in our product standards. Every polyurethane band time new technology will drive ics; water resistant to 100 meters; Freestyle Speaks watch we make is water resistant and comes with a nightvision the price of watch up. We unique comfort strap with pin- to minimum 100 meters, all dive backlight. like our position in the market less buckle; lightweight and Freestyle dive watches specific watches to 200 meters, catering to the entry level diver, waterproof case. Available stand out from the pack. and we back all of them with a Economy-minded and we want to concentrate on in other sporty colors. limited lifetime warranty. —middle class divers and offering the most durable and Retails for US$40.00. X-RAY MAG’s Gunild university students: The dependable dive watches we www.speedousa.com Symes interviewed GS: There are different types of Hammerhead. Why? We can make in the US$100-175 Freestyle’s marketing divers out there. Which watch do challenge anybody to find a range. If anything, we will find manager, Chad LaBass, to you recommend for each type of better dive watch for under $100. ways to make them even more diver and why? stylish and comfortable. Caretaking find out just what makes Weekend warrior Subjecting your watch to quick hot and cold chang- them tick. CL: Freestyle offers entry level —occasional diver who wants GS: Tell us about your es makes it much more likely to leak due to rapid expansion and dive watches. We aren’t in the to impress peers with a great sponsorships in the field of diving. contraction of the metal. In addition, chemicals like chlorine are GS: What makes your dive business of competing with dive watch: The Hammerhead hard on seals. watches different from the others dive computers or expensive Chrono XL. Why? For a stylish and CL: Currently, we don’t have Take time following any saltwater diving, or swimming in a chlo- on the market? dive watches. We offer quality bold look in and out of the water. any sponsorship agreements rinated pool to rinse off your watch with fresh water. Rotate the and value-packed dive with divers, however we do bezel also to flush out any CL: Affordability and durability watches from US$100-$175 for GS: Which models of your men’s plan on adding that category salt and add up to an overall value the price-conscious diver. Our and women’s dive watches are later in the year. In fact, we that separates us from our recommendations: the most popular and why? have recently opened up a competitors. We understand sponsorship application for that investing in dive equipment Warm water diver CL: The Hammerhead is our most aspiring divers: can be very expensive; we are —dives in the tropics, lodging in popular model and has been www.freestyleusa.com/ sand. Taking an extra cou- proud to make dependable dive luxury resorts and : for years. It’s just one of those sponsorship ple seconds for rinsing will make a big difference watches that don’t have to be The Hammerhead Chrono XL. things, whether from word of in terms of longevity, same as it does for expensive to be effective. Why? For a stylish and bold look mouth or just its classic dive style, GS: Anything else you would to the rest of your dive gear. ■ in and out of the water. the Hammerhead is always on tell our readers about your dive GS: What makes your company top of our best seller list. watches and your company? different from others on the Cold water diver market? —technical diver, wreck diver, GS: Are there differences in CL: We are working on a new diving in the temperate zones: preferences of features and women’s specific dive watch due CL: The Freestyle difference is The Precision. Why? It’s a proven styling in dive watches between out Holiday 2010. Stay Tuned! ■

63 X-RAY MAG : 37 : 2010 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY EDUCATION PROFILES PORTFOLIO CLASSIFIED