December 18, 2000


What's a good diving watch rated to 200 meters?

While diving on my honeymoon in Belize, my old favorite (eight years) Casio 100m watch bit the big one. I really liked the watch. It had an analog face with a digital readout, stainless steel case, and plastic straps. I am trying to decide whether to buy a completely new style of watch or just stick with the Casio model (AMW320D). The only problem I have with the Casio watch is that it's only water resistant to 100 meters, and I would prefer 200 meters. I do not want or need a complete dive computer on my wrist, as I don't dive often enough to justify it. I would like a simple 200 meter watch that has dual time zones (for my frequent trips to the U.S.) and an alarm. Is there anything out there for a reasonable amount of Marks? Thanks,

— Leslie Munich, Germany

As with all things, Leslie, it depends on what you mean by "reasonable." But I think we can come up with something.

The Casio watch you've had, the AMW320D, is a good basic watch. As you note, it's water-resistant to 100 meters, has an analog face, and digital day/date function. Going price in U.S. dollars is abut $140. You wouldn't go wrong simply replacing it, in my view.

Of course, there are options. One is another Casio watch, the Frogman DW-9900. It's a 200-meter watch that also allows you to record the time in ten different sites around the world, so it would easily cover your U.S. to Europe journeys. Lots of other features: Elapsed dive time, interval time, hands-free display illumination while underwater. All exposed metal parts are titanium to protect against rust and saltwater corrosion. Two problems with it: One, it's $299 U.S. Two, it's incredibly dorky looking. Casio goes into full Geek-mode with this one, with buttons, dials, bulky "armor" and various other bits of hoo-ha. But it's certainly a capable device.

If you want a watch that doubles as an everyday watch, you might look into a St. Moritz Transformer. This is a wonderful watch —- comfortably waterproof to 200 meters, solid titanium case, and handsome black analog face. As a bonus it's solar-powered — just expose it to light for a few hours every week or so and you're all set. About $200 U.S.

Citizen, of course, makes a wide range of high-end diving watches. One very good choice would be the 200-Meter Professional Diver. As the name implies, it's waterproof to 200 meters. It also has a rotating elapsed-time bezel, 12-hour chronograph and date function. Great looking, too. Retail in the U.S. is $350, but I've found at least one sale price of $210.

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