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Post by Tusker on Mar 22, 2023 5:29:36 GMT -8
I don't think I used a computer until my second year of diving, and the only reason I even have one is because my dad's regulator had one in the console of his regulator. Fun fact — an Aqualung depth gauge module is the same size as the i300C, which can be placed in an Aqualung wrist-mounted depth gauge housing. My classes used computers, but they weren't a part of the rental equipment so we went off of the instructor's. I always wore a watch anyway, so I would keep an eye on my depth and time and taught myself tables since I was doing so much diving without one.
That computer later went out during a class and for about six months I was back to diving tables. I used the 120 rule (120 minus your planned max depth to equal your total bottom time) and checked it against my dad's computer. Never had any issues with it.
I agree with James that they aren't an issue, although I do rather worry that some diver's rely on them too much. Like James, I also use mine almost entirely for convenience of logging dives. On the rare occasion when I do something that it's an added benefit, I'm glad to have it.
Jacob
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Post by SeaRat on Nov 27, 2023 18:49:35 GMT -8
Well, we are doing some remodeling of our bedrooms, and I had to look at what I had accumulated on my night stand. Well, on the second level, in the back, I found a box which contained my newest Seiko solar watch. It was heavy, so I opened it and found another Seiko dive watch, again a self-winding watch, but much newer than the one I had started using. Well, this watch is gaining a lot of time. I sent it by my iPad about three hours ago, and now it’s 17 minutes fast. It appears to need to be sent to a Seiko repair shop for a cleaning and adjusting.
John
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Post by Tusker on Nov 28, 2023 14:00:38 GMT -8
It definitely sounds like a service would be beneficial. Hopefully they'll pressure test it for so you know it's water tight too. Many will recommend not diving with it, but if it passes a pressure test why not? Would love to see a picture if you get a chance to upload one.
Jacob
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Post by Tusker on Nov 28, 2023 14:13:35 GMT -8
Back in July, I attended the WindUp Watch Fair in Chicago. It was a long drive from where I was living at the time, but worth it to haul along my dive gear. On the Saturday morning of the show, I went out on a charter with several other divers that was paid for by the recently relaunched Benrus watch company. They sponsored the dive in order to launch their reissue of the Ultra-Deep, a mid-60s watch using the EPSA “super-compressor” case. It was actually sold by Healthways in 1965 and 1966. The new one is a 1:1 reissue, although it no longer uses the same case for its water resistance. We dove at a site called the “Mystery Wreck.” It was discovered during the pandemic and, as far as anyone knows, is the only wreck in southern Lake Michigan to still have its helm attached. It lies at about 50 ft. It was my first time in the Great Lakes. Water temp was in the high 50s. It’s a great dive!  The re-issued Ultra-Deep   I broke the strap on one of my jet fins right before the second dive. Luckily, there was a spare pair on the boat so I could make the dive. JB might recognize the mask! Jacob |
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Post by SeaRat on Nov 28, 2023 18:34:11 GMT -8
It definitely sounds like a service would be beneficial. Hopefully they'll pressure test it for so you know it's water tight too. Many will recommend not diving with it, but if it passes a pressure test why not? Would love to see a picture if you get a chance to upload one. Jacob Okay, Jacob, here's the photo of my most recent Seiko Automatic Dive Watch:  IMG_1582 by John Ratliff, on Flickr It does probably need service, but I will definitely be diving it. The band probably needs replacing too, as there is some deterioration in the band. John |
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Post by Tusker on Nov 29, 2023 4:20:44 GMT -8
That’s a nice SKX173 you have. It uses Seiko’s 7S26 movement. This was somewhat recently discontinued. The watchmaker may end up replacing the movement rather than servicing it, as they are still rather inexpensive and widely available. It’s also possible to swap in something from the newer 4R36 range which offers greater accuracy, hand-winding, and hacking (meaning the seconds hand stops when you pull out the crown, allowing you to achieve greater accuracy when setting the time). If you'd like, you can also have the mineral glass crystal replaced. Seiko uses a proprietary one they call hardlex. It can be polished with a fine grit sand paper, but a replacement is also available relatively inexpensively as well. Any 22mm strap will fit — with the popularity of these SKX models, you won’t have any issues finding one you like.
Hope your project goes well!
Jacob
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Post by antique diver on Nov 29, 2023 15:09:27 GMT -8
Here's my vintage Bulova watch that went diving with me in the 2016 Silver Springs Sea Hunt event.  The watch is a favorite since it was handed down to me from my Dad about the time I started diving in 57. It's still working, never been serviced, but runs just a tiny bit fast. Actually, the housing was acquired some years later... just don't remember when. |
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Post by SeaRat on Jan 3, 2024 23:36:31 GMT -8
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Post by antique diver on Jan 4, 2024 6:33:36 GMT -8
I was pleased to see my first real dive watch included in the list... the Caravelle. I think it was about $35 in 1968.
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