Human beings are not naturally equipped to survive the depths of the ocean. Venturing into this hostile environment requires sophisticated technology, developed during the latter half of the 20th century, to manage the inherent limitations and risks. A critical question arises - what do divers need in terms of timekeeping to survive underwater?
In the early days of diving, numerous incidents prompted medical professionals to explore this new frontier. The mid-1950s saw Robert Workman leverage the decompression ratios established by J.B.S. Haldane in 1905. Workman developed a deeper understanding of how the human body copes with underwater pressure, enabling divers to calculate nitrogen tension and estimate safe ascent speeds to prevent decompression sickness.
Divers needed reliable tools to calculate their time underwater, leading to the creation of simplified "diving tables." These tables helped divers understand the maximum time they could spend at various depths. Essential instruments for survival included an air pressure gauge, a depth metre, and a watch. In the 1920s, Rolex developed the first waterproof cases, followed by Omega's Marine model. By the 1960s, rotating bezels were introduced, which only rotated counterclockwise to prevent accidental extension of dive time. As an example, take a look at the table below:
The French Navy (MN90) decompression tables. Note the 5-minute intervals at the depth times and the shorter ones at the deco stops. This explains the markings on the bezel of recreational dive watches, marked up to 200m. Deco stops of more than 15’ are rare at recreational diving, and a solution was to turn the bezel back to 0 when the 15’ were over. Despite the domination of portable computers in diving, the sound understanding and proper use of these tables is an indispensable element of modern training.
In 1996, the ISO 6425 standard outlined the specifications for dive watches to ensure they included all necessary lifesaving features. Key features of modern diver watches include:
Strong Case: Designed to withstand high water pressure.
Screw-Down Crown: Prevents water from penetrating the case.
Luminous Hands and Markers: Ensures legibility in dark environments.
Distinct Minutes Hand: Clearly differentiated from the hour hand.
Running Indicator: Typically a luminous insert on the seconds hand, visible at depth.
Citizen made an impressive entrance in the affordable dive watch market in the early 1990s with the Aqualand AL0005-01E and JP2000-08E with quartz movements and non-decompression tables on the strap. The first computers were reaching the shelves, and Citizen offered an affordable solution. Over time, computers became more sophisticated, and the approach “bottom time and depth” would soon become obsolete.
Water Resistance: Minimum of 100 metres (330 feet).
Durable Case Material: Able to withstand the corrosive effects of seawater.
Elapsed Time Measurement: Up to one hour, usually facilitated by a rotating bezel.
Rotating Bezel: Critical for measuring elapsed time underwater, traditionally unidirectional for safety, operating on a ratchet system with markers at every five-minute point.
Pre-WWII Innovations: Shortly before World War II, the Royal Italian Navy commissioned Panerai to develop a water-resistant watch. These prototypes laid the groundwork for modern diver watches, incorporating many features still used today.
Post-War Developments: The 1950s saw a surge in recreational diving, thanks to the invention of the Aqua-Lung, a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA). This increased the need for safety devices to track dive duration, oxygen levels, and decompression stops—roles effectively fulfilled by diver watches.
During the 1950s, Rolex introduced the Submariner, and Breitling launched the Superocean. These models, among others, pushed the technical boundaries of timepieces, advancing water resistance, material innovation, and robust design.
Rolex invited divers to tell their stories, detailing their underwater achievements and the performance of their watch. The Submariner became an icon. Even in 18k gold or steel-and-gold, its versatility allowed it to swim smoothly from black-tie parties to the sea floor in search of amphorae and coins of the ancient world
The diver watch's iconic status was further cemented by its appearance in popular culture. In the 1964 film "Goldfinger," Sean Connery's James Bond wore a Rolex Submariner 6538 Big Crown, pairing it with his white tuxedo. This association with adventure and style solidified the diver watch as a timeless accessory for explorers and fashion enthusiasts alike.
In 1980, Rolex produced ads leveraging their partnership with Comex, a leader in commercial diving in those days. The (helium) valve and the record depth of 501m are highlighted. See the article below:
Modern diver watches are now crafted from advanced materials such as titanium, ceramic, and even carbon fibre, offering increased durability, corrosion resistance, and a lightweight feel, thereby enhancing both functionality and comfort. The rise of smart technology has also led to the development of smart dive watches that integrate traditional mechanical features with digital enhancements, including depth gauges, digital dive logs, GPS, and connectivity with diving apps, providing divers with a wealth of information at their fingertips. Additionally, many watch manufacturers are focusing on sustainability, using recycled materials and environmentally friendly practices in their production processes, reflecting a growing awareness of environmental issues within the watch industry.
In conclusion, the evolution of diver watches reflects not only advancements in horological technology but also the human spirit of exploration and innovation. From their humble beginnings as essential tools for survival underwater to their current status as sophisticated instruments and fashion statements, diver watches continue to captivate enthusiasts and professionals alike. As we look to the future, it's clear that these timepieces will continue to evolve, incorporating new technologies and materials while maintaining the robust reliability and timeless appeal that have made them enduring icons in the world of horology and adventure.
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