Cheap Dive Watch:
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It is easy to find a a cheap dive watch that is rated water resistant to 100-200 feet.
But is it a good idea to use one of these when you go diving?
Well, it depends.
First, as I explain on this page about scuba dive watches, water resistant to 100 feet does not mean it is safe to dive to 100 feet with that watch.
Essentially, tests are done under static conditions and movement of the diver or the water will increase pressure on the watch. This could cause the watch to fail at that depth.
The current recommendation is that you get a watch that is water resistant to 200 meters (660 feet).
Now, that being said, if you still want to use an inexpensive dive watch, you have to consider whether this is your primary or secondary source of timing.
If this is your primary source of timing, don't skimp here. You want a reliable, dependable source of timing your dive. If your watch fails at depth, you have no way of knowing how long you have been under and how much longer you can stay before you run the risk of decompression illness.
So get a good, reliable watch made especially for scuba diving. It doesn't have to cost hundreds of dollars, you can find reasonable inexpensive dive watches out there.
If this is your secondary source of timing, the risk is much less if a dive watch fails at depth. You will have your computer as your primary source of timing still up and running and giving you all the information you need to know. 
So, if you are so inclined, you can take a little more risk here and buy a cheap scuba watches if you want to. Now cheap here, I'm talking those $10-$20 watches you see in stores like Target and Wal-Mart.
One cheap dive watch I recommend and very similar to my husband's watch is this Men's Classic Digital Watch
If you're female and want something a little more femine, you can try out this highly rated but inexpensive dive watch - the Slim Marine Watch.
My husband and I have both used these type of watches as cheap scuba watches and a secondary source of timing.
Let it be said that my husband has been much luckier.
His watch ($10 or so) has lasted over 100 dives with no problem. He uses it to time his safety stop (in addition to the dive) so he will press the stopwatch button underwater. It's still tickin'.
Now me, that's another story. I think my cheap dive watch failed after about 25 or so dives. I had my computer so it was no big deal. But you never know with these watches.
I just bought another dive watch at Target for $19.99. I used it on my Cozumel dive vacation with no problem. We'll see how long this one lasts.
So as far as a cheap dive watch goes, take your chances if you want, but not if it is your primary source of timing your dive. That's my $0.02.
Take a look at our Watch Store for all the watches we have available.
Looking for other scuba equipment and accessories? Check out our Gear Store.
For more information, check out our other pages on dive watches:
Scuba Diving Watches Introduction //Best Dive Watches: Luxury and High End//Best Scuba Dive Watches: Mid-range and Budget//Scuba Dive Watches: A Primer //Scuba Dive Watches: Types //Scuba Watches Care and Maintenance //Dive Watch Repair
Here's to those cheap dive watches still tickin'!
Go to main Scuba Diving Watches page
