I embarked on a daring adventure when I was just 20 years old - diving onto a shipwreck in Lake Michigan. This experience kickstarted my love for diving with watches, and I have since worn over 200 timepieces underwater. Although dive watches are no longer necessary for diving, there are valuable lessons that I have learned along the way.
When diving with sample watches from brands, I always made sure to emphasize the harsh conditions diving presents and the possibility of damage or loss. However, I believe that it is worth the risk to bring along a well-built dive watch and use it as it was intended. These watches are designed to withstand the elements and perform better than their cheaper counterparts.
While it is important to cherish your watches, it is equally essential to prioritize safety during diving. Dive gear is life support equipment, and distractions such as obsessing over your watch can lead to dangerous situations. Strap on your watch securely, set the bezel, and focus on having a safe dive.
One of my most memorable diving experiences involved a rare and valuable watch that I wore. While I was capturing a photo of the watch on my wrist, I encountered a mother dolphin and her pup. The encounter was so incredible that it overshadowed the watch on my wrist. This incident reminded me that the most important function of a dive watch is to collect memories and inspire future adventures.
A dive watch serves as a personal reminder of the experiences you have had underwater. The scratches and faded bezel are symbols of the journeys you have undertaken. It is a constant companion that stays with you throughout thick and thin, and it encourages you to plan your next diving expedition.
Although I no longer have my first Seiko dive watch, I have had countless other adventures with different timepieces. And I know that there are still many adventures to come.
