Typical Characteristics Necessary For Diving Watches
Case: The case of a diving watch is generally relatively thick. The case and lugs are integrally formed from a single piece of metal, rather than assembled from multiple parts. In terms of design, it is relatively simple, and there are few complex geometric figures or multi-faceted designs. In the past, most diving watches were stainless steel cases. In recent years, titanium and ceramic materials have become popular, which has become a major attraction of diving watches.
Dial: The design of the dial and needle of the diving watch also needs to be concise and reduce unnecessary functions. At the same time, the shape of the hands and scales must be as conspicuous as possible, and a set of special-shaped hands such as Mercedes-Benz hands, arrow hands, and geometry have gradually formed Unique dial design routine consisting of graphic time scales. In order to enhance the watch’s underwater and dark environment, many dive watches use a black dial to contrast the fluorescent coating.
Table mirrors: Diving watches generally use thicker mirrors to increase their pressure resistance. Arched mirrors used to be standard on early dive watches, especially some of the Navy’s heritage dive watch series, such as the Blancpain 50 that had been equipped with the French diving unit and the Panerai that had been equipped with the Italian Navy. Nowadays, whether the watch lens has a strong protrusion is no longer a key factor determining the performance of a diving watch, it can only be regarded as a retro design element and a brand of the times.
Bezel: The bezel of the diving watch is mostly a unidirectional rotating bezel with a fluorescent scale, which can help the diver to record the remaining oxygen in a countdown manner. Just turn the bezel counterclockwise to turn on the countdown function. When the bezel returns to its original position, it means that the oxygen is depleted. Before that, you should dive in for ventilation. The bezel of some diving watches is made of curved sapphire crystal glass and metal, such as Blancpain 50 search. Also made of high-tech ceramics, such as Rolex Submariner and Chanel’s J12 Marine.
Crown: The diving watch basically uses a screw-in crown with excellent water resistance and a thick shoulder to prevent touching the crown and misoperation during exercise.
Strap: Diving watches mostly use stainless steel or rubber straps with folding safety clasps. There are also more retro canvas-like fiber straps and pin buckle designs.