Why Dive Watches?

The Blackout Night Dive Watch

I have an affinity for dive watches. I’ve been diving for 35 years and teaching as a dive instructor for 29. To me, they’re not just accessories — they’re tools. A proper dive watch allows you to plan dives, monitor decompression, and track safety stops.

When I started diving, there were no dive computers. You relied on your decompression charts, depth gauge, and watch to plan every dive. Even today, a good diver still plans their dive, uses a computer, but also keeps a watch as a backup. Murphy’s Law should always be part of the dive plan — especially when life-support equipment is involved. A dive watch provides that redundancy and peace of mind.

The Functionality

A true dive watch is water-resistant, built to withstand pressure changes, and often rated to at least 10 ATM (300 feet). The rotating bezel serves an essential purpose: tracking elapsed time underwater. It should always be unidirectional, so you don’t accidentally shift it the wrong way.

Before descending, you align the bezel’s zero marker with the minute hand. This marks the start of your dive. From there, you can easily track how long you’ve been underwater and monitor nitrogen saturation. You can even use it to mark the beginning of your safety stop for decompression.

Illumination is another key feature. In low light, poor visibility, or on night dives, luminous markers make the watch readable. When planning a dive, the three most important factors are depth, bottom time, and air consumption. These elements become critical for complex or technical dives. Back when I taught Nitrox and Rebreather certifications, I always made my students plan their dive — and dive their plan.

The Parallels to Military Life

Planning a dive has always reminded me of planning missions during my time in the military. Both require careful equipment setup and checks, redundancy of life-support systems, and detailed briefings with timelines and accountability. Just as battle buddies look out for each other, dive buddies do the same. These two chapters of my life are what inspired the Oosik Tactical Timepieces slogan: Time is Tactical.

The Cool Factor

Beyond utility, dive watches carry undeniable style. They’re a statement of lifestyle and experience. A dive watch says your adventure-minded, travel-ready, and equipment-focused. It speaks to resilience, grit, and dependability.

For decades, dive watches — like the Rolex Submariner, Seiko SKX, and Omega Seamaster — have been worn by military divers, explorers, and even James Bond. They project confidence, capability, and timeless masculinity.

More than just a tool, a watch reflects who you are. A dive watch embodies ruggedness, versatility, and adventure. It has a timeless elegance — equally at home with a wetsuit, a pair of jeans, or a blazer. Many wear one to honor tradition, connecting with the legacy of Navy divers, frogmen, and early explorers.

Don’t settle for blending in with an Apple Watch. Wear something that makes a statement — something that represents who you are.

Because at the end of the day, Time is Tactical.

by Brandon Barbieri

The Snake Eater Dive Watch