Scuba Watches and Straps: How to Care and Maintenance

Scuba watches are one of the most popular pieces of scuba equipment. After all, we can use them out of the water too – double duty is good.

So should you make a huge investment or a more modest one in your timing device?

It’s up to you but whatever you choose, you should take proper care of your watch so it will be good for many dives to come. Here’s how to protect your investment:

(For more information on dive watches, read our Scuba Diving Watches Buyer’s Guide.)

Dive Watch Care and Maintenance Tips

It doesn’t take alot to properly maintain your scuba watches. Here are some easy steps to follow to ensure your dive watch will last you for years:

• Rinse after each dive – Thoroughly rinse your watch in fresh water after each dive. You should also rinse it after getting out of a pool to get the chlorine off.
• Turn the bezel – While you are rinsing your dive watch, if you have a bezel, turn it to get rid of any grit, etc. that may have gotten under the dial.
• Check gaskets – Scuba watches are waterproof due to rubber or plastic seals inside the watch. These gaskets will eventually deteriorate and affect the water resistancy of your watch. Manufacturers suggest that these be changed and/or inspected anywhere from every 18 to 36 months. If you dive frequently, it is recommended that the watch be pressure tested and the gaskets be changed/inspected annually.
• Don’t wear in sauna, Jacuzzi or hot tub – Extreme changes in temperature may affect the sealing capabilities of your dive watch. To be safe, take off your watch when you are enjoying yourself in these places. Lucky you!
• Screw/Push Crowns – If you have a screw down crown make sure it is screwed all the way down before getting in the water. In the same vein, push in crowns should be pushed in all the way before going in the water. Do not use the crowns or push down devices while you are underwater.
• Avoid chemicals – Do not expose dive watches to aerosol sprays, strong chemicals or solvents. They may damage or dry out parts of dive watches.

So with a little care, your dive watch should last you for many years and dives to come.

Dive Watch Strap

The band on scuba watches can be rubber or metal (stainless steel or titanium). Rubber bands on dive watches should last a long time but they will eventually start to deteriorate. Just make a habit of checking it periodically to make sure it has no tears or other flaws.

If you have a dive watch strap made of metal, it should be stainless steel or titanium since they are resistant to corrosion from salt water. (Read more about titanium watches here).

If you are going to be wearing a wetsuit, decide where you band on the dive watch to go – on top of or under the wetsuit. If you like to wear your scuba watches on top of your wetsuit, check to make sure the dive watch strap will fit around the wetsuit.