Dive Watch Care and Maintenance Tips
Most diving watch manufacturers recommend divers to have their diving watch pressure tested by a service and repair facility annually or every two to five years and have the seals or gaskets replaced. Besides that, simple maintenance by the owner is also important.
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.
