Features of Scuba Diving Watch

Before we have discussed 5 features of a diverslume pigments marketed under brand names like
watch and now we will continue with some moreSuper-LumiNova or NoctiLumina and tritium based
features.self-powered lighting devices called "gaseous tritium
Pusherslight source" (GTLS) is applied on the dials and
Digital and some analog chronograph scuba divingmarkers. As for digital diving watches back lights are
watch - such as the Breitling Avenger Seawolfused for low light conditions legibility.
Chronograph, Doxa T-Graph, IWC Aquatimer MinutePower reserve indicator
Memory, the Omega Seamaster Professional ChronoA scuba diving watch with an electric battery
Diver series and Sinn U1000 - have specially-designedpowered movement must have an End Of Life (EOL)
push pieces that can be operated at depth withoutindicator, usually in the form of a jumping second
allowing water to enter the case.hand or a warning message on a digital display to
Helium release valvesafeguard against insufficient power reserve during
Some scuba diving watches intended for saturationunderwater activities. Some electric and mechanical
diving at great depths (typically greater than 100m)powered movement diving models have power
are fitted with a helium or mixed breathing gasreserve indicators that show the current power
release or escape valve to prevent the crystal fromstatus of the watch. Mechanical movements should
being blown off by a pressure build up caused bybe wound or in case of automatic movements given
helium that has seeped into the watch in heliumenough motion before a dive.
enriched environments as the watch and diver adjustCrystal
to normal atmospheric conditions. Other helium safeScuba Diving watches have relatively thick watch
for mixed-gas rated diving watches can withstandcrystals face. Sometimes domed crystals are used to
the helium used in certain diving situations by usingenhance the pressure resistance of the scuba diving
gaskets that simply do not allow helium gas to enterwatch. The typical materials used for crystals are
the watch case in a harmful way in the first place.acrylic glass, hardened glass and (synthetic) sapphire
Legibilitywhich all come with own pros and cons.
The dials and markers on the scuba diving watch* Acrylic glass is very break resistant but can easily
face and of course the bezel have to be legible underbe scratched but the small scratches can be buffed
water and in low light conditions. An indication thatout with polishing compounds.
the watch is running in total darkness also has to be* Hardened glass is more scratch resistant than
present. For easy legibility most diving watches haveacrylic glass and less brittle than sapphire.
high contrasting, none cluttered dials and markers* Sapphire is very scratch resistant but less shatter
with a large, easily identifiable minute hand. Theproof than the other crystal options. Anti-reflective
markers for 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock on the scuba divingcoatings are generally applied on sapphire crystals to
watch face and the zero marker on the bezel ofenhance the legibility of the watch.
analogue diver's watches are usually conspicuouslySome manufacturers use sapphire/hardened glass
styled to prevent disorientation induced read outlaminate crystals, where the scratch resistance
errors. For low light conditions luminoussapphire is combined with the better shatter
phosphorescent non-toxic strontium aluminate basedresistance of hardened glass.