If you like to go diving often, you should invest in the best equipment. But if you are taking your diving experience seriously, you should also get the best freediving watch on the market.
This complex guide will tell you everything you need to know about freediving watches. You will find answers to all your questions so you can make the best purchase! So, let’s get deeper into our research and bring the information you need!
Best Freediving Watch Reviews 2020
1. Suunto D9tx Titanium Dive Wrist Watch with USB
Diving becomes a much more pleasant experience with this Suunto D9tx watch. It has everything you need in such a product plus a very modern design. This watch is perfect for professional divers.
What I like about this watch is the variety of features. It is almost like a high-class wrist computer. It gives you the option to go from one to eight gases and it is a complex trimix device.
Furthermore, you will find it very easy to read from any position. This freediving watch will last you a long time thanks to its sapphire glass which is very resistant. You have three modes to choose from when you dive with this watch: Air mode, mixed gas mode, and gauge mode.
As far as accessories go, the Suunto watch also comes with a USB charging and even a transfer cable. You will find these very useful and other watches lack suck accessories.
One downside of this freediving watch might be its weight of 1.6 pounds. Because of this weight, it could be slightly uncomfortable
Pros:
– Three diving modes to use
– USB charging and transfer cable included
– Trimix system for both oxygen and helium
– Eight gases
Cons:
– Heavier than other products
Overall, this freediving watch from Suunto offers everything an expert diver needs to upgrade their diving experience. Even the weight might not be an issue for all users compared to other features of this product.
2. Omer UP-X1 Freediving Computer with Heart Rate Monitor and USB Cable
I also want to mention this Omer UP-X1 freediving watch as one of the most efficient you will find out there. This watch happens to be one of the premium quality ones that you will find at its price tag.
I like the fact that this Omer UP-X1 can record up to 250 different dives. This is not a feature you will find at many other similar products. You also get to use many alerts and upgrade your diving style with this product. The fact that it has a heart rate monitor is also a big plus for any diver.
You shouldn’t have any issues using this idem either. It comes with four buttons that you can access anytime. There are also six screen modes you can use as you find it comfortable.
Furthermore, you can use this watch to monitor your heart rate during jogging, swimming or cycling as long as you turn the “dive” function off.
A downfall of this freediving watch is that the battery might need to be replaced faster than with other products.
Pros:
– Carbon fiber ring
– Six screen modes
– Records up to 250 dives
– Several alerts
– Heart rate monitor
Cons:
– Battery is not as resistant as others
– There are not more colors to choose from
As long as you use this watch properly and make sure the battery is always working, you might rely on it for more than just diving experiences.
3. Sherwood Amphos Wrist Computer
Diving can be a lot safer and more enjoyable with this Sherwood watch which is very much like a wrist computer. This is ideal for all types of divers from beginners to experts which makes it even more reliable.
I particularly like that this watch has a very clear setting system. Its image is clear at all times as it uses a Wisdom3 type of format. The backlight settings, as well as the different modes of this watch make navigation easier even at 40 meters diving.
You can record up to 24 divers and choose between two different gas modes. So, it is one of the sport freediving watches that you can count on for plenty of experiences. The audio alarms, as well as the oxygen, nitrogen and ascension levels, keep you relaxed while you are underwater.
One downside for some expert divers might be the fact that this watch has only two gas modes.
Pros:
– Sport design
– Records up to 24 dives
– Nitrogen and oxygen levels
– Backlight function
– Great for beginners and experts
Cons:
– It has a smaller memory than other diving watches
– The buttons might not work as smooth as expected
This sport diving watch is just what you need if you are curious about trying such a product. It is great for all divers but beginners will make the most out of it.
4. Oceanic F-10 Free-Diving Watch V3
If you are a beginner in terms of diving, you will fall in love with this Oceanic F-10 watch. It is not as complex as the more expensive products in this range but it has all you need to get you started.
One of the things I love about this watch is that is perfect for competitions as well as for hobby diving experiences. It has alarms to stop you from spending too much time in the depth of the water. There is also an auto dive mode so you don’t have to worry about setting it right manually.
This freediving watch also comes with a very sport and modern design. It has a masculine look that would go great with all types of divers. This product is created by freedivers which makes it even more reliable. You should be able to count on it for years to come.
One downfall of this product is that it could be challenging to scroll through the different settings. But as soon as you get used to its system you will not have a problem with it.
Pros:
– It can record diving data
– Easy to read screen
– Modern design
– Auto diving function
– Great for beginners
Cons:
– Might not have enough settings to satisfy expert divers
– Not a budget-friendly product
Finally, this is one of the first freediving watches you should try if you never had such a product. It has all the functions you need to make the most out of your diving experience.
5. Oceanic Geo 2.0 Wrist Computer
Another very good quality freediving watch you can count on is this Oceanic Geo 2.0 model. The design of this watch is very impressive as well. It combines sleek lines with a sport look in a very unique way.
What I like the most about this product is the set of settings it comes with. The alarms are very accurate so you can rely on it for your safety while you explore the depth of the water. It has software that will update automatically. If you use this watch properly you can have it for a long time.
You will find that you can use this item very easily too. It has four buttons to set it up the way you need to and a very clear screen. You can also see nitrogen and oxygen levels or choose between one or another. Certain features can be adjusted while you are underwater as well which makes it even more comfortable to use. The number of dives you can record is 24 so you can check your history easily too.
The fact that this watch only allows you to record 24 dives might be a downfall for some divers.
Pros:
– Four modes to choose from
– Nitrogen and oxygen levels
– Easy to read
– Four buttons
– Can be adjusted underwater
Cons:
– You can’t choose between different designs
– The instructions of this watch might be confusing
This is a great diving watch for people who like to dive as a hobby but also for those who enjoy diving competitions.
6. Mares Smart Wrist Dive Computer
Mares Smart is ideal for divers looking to get a watch with an ergonomic design. Besides this comfortable design, the Mares Smartwatch has all the features you would expect to find in such a product.
I appreciate the ergonomic design of this watch not only for the comfort it provides but also for the functionality it has. You should be able to set this watch up even when you are diving without a struggle. Plus, the mineral glass screen makes it even easier to read.
I believe this freediving watch will work for beginner divers but also intermediate and experts one. The nitrox multi gas level goes from 21% to 99% so you can adapt it to your needs. It is also useful that this watch has a case to protect it when you don’t use it.
There are seven designs to choose from and you can even use it as a daily watch as well.
A downside of this product is that it might be challenging to get in touch with customer service, should you run into any issues with it.
Pros:
– Ergonomic design
– You can adjust it underwater
– Multi-gas nitrox from 21% to 99 %
– Protective case included
– Mineral glass screen
Cons:
– Difficult to get in touch with customer service
– Might not be accurate enough for competitions
Overall, this is a great ergonomic freediving watch that you can rely on in most diving circumstances. It is functional enough to accommodate all types of divers but might not be ideal for competitions.
7. Cressi Leonardo Underwater Diving Computer | Made in Italy | Quality Since 1946
This Crassi diving watch is offering you the best quality for its price range which is more on the budget-friendly side. It is one of those products that could make the difference between an average diving experience and an unforgettable one!
I would recommend this watch particularly for its alarm system. Besides the regular alerts that all freediving watches have, this one also sends you an alert if you are diving too fast. Thanks to these alerts you will stay safe at all times when you are underwater.
There is one main button that will help you find the settings you want in this watch. You can choose between Celsius degrees ore Fahrenheit degrees as well as between meters and feet. You can also set it between nitrox and air.
As far as software goes, this watch is compatible with both Mac and Windows systems which makes it even more functional.
A downfall of this watch might be that it generates a regular beep sound that could be bothering for some users. But after a while you will get used to it and not find it so disturbing.
Pros:
– Comes at a reasonable price
– Easy to control through one button
– Compatible with Windows and Mac
– You can set it between different units
– Different alerts available
Cons:
– The beeping noise could be disturbing
– It will scratch easily under poor maintenance
To conclude, this Cressi wrist computer is perfect for divers who want to stay safe above all the other aspects.
8. SUUNTO D6i Novo Zulu Wrist Computer with USB Cable
We get back to SUUNTO for another amazing freediving watch that you can trust at all times. This Novo Zulu model comes with USB cable and different designs to decide on. There are six different colors and some of them also come with a very sleek design.
What I like about this watch is its accuracy. It is perfect for competitions but also for your fun diving experiences. And the five modes available also contribute to the functionality of this product. If you are a beginner, this watch will help you upgrade your diving skills.
You will like also the fact that it allows you to choose between three gas levels. The timer will also come handy not only when you are diving but also during other daily activities you might want to track.
The only significant downfall of this freediving watch is the price tag that is higher than other similar products.
Pros:
– Easy to set up thanks to its simple design
– Perfect diving watch for competitions
– You can share images and videos as well as other diving info
– Five modes
– Three gas levels
Cons:
– The higher price is the main disadvantage of this product
– The strap might not be long enough
Finally, this product could be the best freediving watch for professional divers thanks to its high accuracy level.
9. Mares Smart Apnea Dive Computer
Another Mares Smart freediving watch is this Apnea dive computer that is a great achievement. Just like the previous Mares product in this list, this one also has an ergonomic design.
I like this product for its simplicity and customizable settings. The ergonomic design makes it very efficient as well as very comfortable. You can adjust its settings even when you are underwater which is a great plus of this product.
The Mares watch is ideal for beginner divers. It records up to nine dives and you can use it at depths of maximum 150 meters. You will also find the MCD display to be very resistant so you will not scratch it easily. You can set the right alarms for you as well in order to use this watch how you need to stay safe.
Probably the only downfall of this watch is the small memory of nine dives. Due to this aspect, you might not find it very useful if you train a lot and want to keep track of several dives.
Pros:
– Ergonomic design
– Two buttons to set it up easily
– You can choose between different alarms
– Resistant LCD screen
– Customizable settings
Cons:
– Not ideal for professional dive training
Overall, this Mares wrist computer is a great choice for recreational dives. It will keep you safe and help you upgrade your diving style.
10. Tusa Talis Watch with Strap and Side Cover Kit – Imperial
The last but definitely not the least freediving watch that you can consider investing in is this Tusa Talis model. You can use this watch as a daily one if you are not diving too much.
I like this product for its variety of modes that you can choose from. There are five diving modes such as nitrox, air, gauge, free dive and watch mode. All these modes can be very useful in different situations.
The fact that you can choose between two gas levels is also a plus, even if some other watches offer you more gas levels. The manufacturer gives two color options to decide on as well. You also receive different side panels to personalize your watch even more.
One downfall of this freediving computer is the fact that you can’t record dives like you can with other similar products. This makes it less than perfect for training or regular diving habit.
Pros:
– Five modes to choose from
– Two different colors
– Two gas levels
– Easy to set it up
– Works as a daily watch too
Cons:
– Will not record previous dives
– Not the best freediving watch for expert divers
Finally, this diving watch can be just what you need if you are into recreational diving. But it offers you a great start to entertain diving competitions as well.
Why Alarms are used on freediving watches ?
You most likely noticed by now that alarms are very important for freediving watches. But why is that you might wonder? Here are the main reasons why alarms can be crucial for you when you are diving!
1. They alert you every time you need to do a mouthfill
Filling your mouth is one of the techniques you need to master as a diver. This technique involves storing air in your cheeks that you can move towards your sinuses and ears as you need. By doing so you can dive at a deeper depth without having to use any equalization system. Your freediving watch alarm can let you know when to start this technique based on water pressure or time spent diving.
2. Alarms can guide you through freefalling
Freefalling is one of the best feelings you can experience as a freediver. You will feel as if there is zero gravity to control you, even if this is just an illusion. But you can’t just let go and freefall anytime you want. If you are not an expert at this technique, your alarm could tell you when is the right time to let go and enjoy the freefall.
3. Your alarm will guide your turning time
Not turning at the right time could result in severe injuries for you. This is a common risk especially for beginner divers. To avoid this, you can rely on your freediving watch alarm. It will tell you when to start your turn to stay on the safe side. This will keep you away from crashes of all kinds.
4. Alarms can tell you where you are
Another great advantage of using a watch with proper alarms is that you will know exactly where you are. This way you will not spend too much time diving deep and you will not panic either. If you are a beginner, using this alarm feature will take stress of your shoulders and help you enjoy diving more.
5. Check your alarm to know how long you were diving for
As much as you might like diving, all good things come to an end. You should know how much time you dived in order to plan the time to return to the surface as well. Spending too much time underwater can be harmful for you so using your alarm to track your time is definitely a great benefit.
How to choose freediving watch
Assuming you never shopped for a freediving watch, you should know that there are several aspects to consider.
1. Audible Alarms
You want to check the type of alarms your watch has. Beside the fact that those alarms should help you track everything we mentioned above, they should also be easy to hear. Audible alarms will help you enjoy diving more as they guide you in terms of depth and time easily.
2. Operating Modes
Another important feature you need to consider is operating modes or dive modes. Most watches come with single gas or multi-gas mode. These modes are enough for beginners but if you are an expert diver you will enjoy modes like the gauge dive and apnea hunt dive too. Different dive modes will show you specific conditions such as dive compass, physiological data, surface time and even your heart rate.
3. Operational Depth
Your freediving watch should also give you the information you need about the depth you dive at. Different watches will function at different depth levels. So, you might need to check that because it is not the same diving to 40 meters with diving to 150 meters. And your watch has to be compatible with your diving expectations.
4. Dive logs
If you are going to use your wrist computer to train yourself for a diving competition, the dive log becomes a crucial feature. You can find watches with different memories. Most of them will record up to 24 dives but there are diving watches that will record more than 100 dives.
5. Clear Markings
Maybe one of the most important features of your watch is the display. You should be able to read the markings easily at one glance. This is essential to guide yourself when you are underwater. So, choose a watch that is easy to read and you can rely on it in most diving conditions.
How Do We Work Out The Best Freediving Watch
In order to put together this complex list of the best freediving watches, we took into account several important aspects. It is crucial to keep in mind that what is good for some users might not be good for all of them. So, your personal preferences have the final say in your purchase decision.
We only looked at reliable brands
The products we decided to present to you come from top quality brands. We made sure that these brands are not just very much trusted by professional divers but also use resistant materials. Some brands will appear more than once in the list and this happens because they have great products to offer.
The price
We also covered different price ranges. You most likely have a set budget for such an investment and it is very important to find the best product within the price you afford. In this guide, you will find budget-friendly freediving watches as well as mid-range ones and more high priced products. Everyone will be able to find the watch for them in this guide, according to their estimated budget.
Reviews of different freediving watches
To bring the best products on the market right at your fingertips, we had to study the reviews as well. We took into account every opinion we came across about a certain product. This helped us decide which diving watches are worth mentioning and which are more on the downside.
Features of these freedive watches
We also took into account all the features that you might be interested to find in such a product. You will find that all the diving watches in this guide have the basic features but some take it a step further too. Among the freedive watches we mentioned in the list above, any type of diver will be able to find the perfect gadget for their diving adventures!
Types Of Dive Watches
Analog dive watches
Analog dive watches are very common, especially among people who spend a long time on a boat. Instead of a digital screen, these watches use a classic analog screen. These watches have two or even three “limbs” or “hands” to indicate the aspects you are interested in. They should have a bezel that is unidirectional too. While these watches can be very efficient, they tend to indicate less diving aspects than digital dive watches.
Digital dive watches
The famous digital dive watches are widely used all over the world by all types of divers. They have a digital display and several buttons to set them up. These watches also have interesting features such as backlights for reduced visibility. They will indicate many diving aspects and even help you with several alarms.
Automatic dive watches
Automatic watches don’t need a battery which makes them preferred by certain divers. These watches will adjust automatically according to the wrist movement and they are low maintenance too. However, if you stop wearing an automatic watch it will eventually stop working too. If this happens you need to power the dive watch again when you start using it.
Titanium dive watches
Just like the name indicates, titanium dive watches come with a case made of a resistant titanium material. These are considered heavy duty watches that you can rely on for a long time. If you are looking for a salt resistant and hypoallergenic dive watch, a titanium one is a great choice.
Chronograph scuba diving watch
A Chronograph dive watch works as a stopwatch. These watches are great for their timer feature but they might lack other features. You can use them to time surface and bottom time as well as dive length time. They can measure the time in hours, minutes and seconds.
Freediving Watch Features
Freediving watches have a wide range of features. The ideal one will accommodate all your needs and expectations when you are diving.
Dive Planning
Dive planning is a great advantage of good freediving watches. Part of this planning is tracking your surface time so you know you get enough rest for more diving. Pushing yourself or not tracking your time right could damage your health and even put your life in danger. You can choose a dive watch that calculates the No-Decompression Limit automatically or one that allows you to enter your data. Also, your dive watch will adapt its tracking to the type of water you are in. It is different to dive in freshwater compared to saltwater.
Depth and Location Tracking
The last thing you want is to get lost or confused underwater. Your dive watch should help you know the depth you are at and the location you are at every time you look at it. This keeps panic away and helps you enjoy your diving time more. Your watch should also alert you about the maximum depth level you can aim to go to. To use the GPS of a dive watch you will need to raise your wrist above the surface of the water and allow it to calibrate.
Dive Modes
Different freediving watches come with different modes. But the modes you actual need should be according to the type of diving you want to perform. If you just dive as a hobby you are good with one or two gas modes. If you want to train yourself to reach a professional level, you will enjoy a gauge mode as well as multi-gas ones too.
Dive Straps
Dive straps depend on the way your watch can be worn. There are freediving watches for your wrist as well as for your chest area. The wrist dive watches tend to be more popular because they are easier to wear and more comfortable. The chest watches will use a strap to stay attached. You should decide the mounting mechanism you prefer before you start shopping for such a watch.
Extra bells and whistles
You can find freedive watches with interesting extra accessories and features like a heart rate monitor. You will notice that your heart rate may be shown only on certain modes. But regardless of the dive mode, you are in, this heart rate is accurate most of the time so you can rely on it. Some dive watches could sync to your smartphone or computer so you get more data and control over your dive session. Check these features before investing in such a product to know exactly what you are getting!
How to Care For Your Freediving Watch?
If you want to enjoy your new freedive watch gadget more, maintenance should be one of your priorities.
Battery Care
In order to stay on the safe side, make sure that your watch is fully charged before you enjoy a dive. Most likely, the more you use your watch, the less your battery will last. You can also purchase a back-up battery just to stay on the safe side. But there is no need to replace your battery unless you notice that it fails significantly at holding up. If you want to increase the lifespan of your battery, don’t let your watch plugged in once it is fully charged.
Firmware Updates
These freedive watches need constant updates to function properly. Some of them will update automatically but this is not the case for all watches. If your watch doesn’t update by itself you should check for new software available every now and then. If you keep your watch updated you will enjoy its features better and for a longer time.
Washing a Freediving Watch After a Dive
Diving with your freedive watch on means that you expose it to a lot of impurities found in the water. So, you should clean your watch with fresh water after every dive session. This is even more important if you used your watch in saltwater which could damage it a lot faster than freshwater.
Freediving Watch Buyer’s Checklist
Do you want it for both freediving and scuba?
Freedive watches are great for both scuba diving and freediving. They are also recommended in both situations. These watches tell you when you should go to the surface and how deep you should dive. They offer you alarms to rely on so you can enjoy your freediving or scuba diving session more. And over everything else, these watches keep you safe in both types of diving!
How many dives do you want to log?
The number of dives you want to record depends on the reason you are diving in the first place. If you are just diving every now and then as a hobby, 24 logs should accommodate you well. However, if you are a professional diver you will want a watch that records more than 100 dives. Keep in mind that some watches have a card slot to extend their memory should you need to do that.
What’s the look you want?
As for the design of your freediving watch, this is a highly subjective aspect. You can find watches that have a sport look but also watches that are more elegant. If you want to use your freediving watch as a daily watch too, you should take that into account as well. You can also choose between watches with a round screen and a square screen.
What band material do you want?
No matter how good your freediving watch is, if the band will not hold up just as well, you will not be able to use it properly. You want a resistant band but also one that will feel comfortable on your wrist. Generally, you can find watches with a polymer band or a metal band. Take into account that the ones with metal bands are less flexible and they might not fit on top of your wetsuit.
What size do you want?
When it comes to the size of your watch, you should think of the size of the screen. It might seem obvious that you want a watch with a widescreen so you can get most of the information you need at once. If your watch has a smaller screen you will have to use the buttons to get to the information you want. This could be stressful when you are diving. A downside of wide screens is that they consume the battery more too. But it is a compromise you have to make if you want a big size dive watch.
How much do you want to spend?
The price of your future freedive watch is also a subjective aspect. It depends on the budget you have available for such a purchase. The good news is that the market offers freedive watches for all types of budgets. You might have to sacrifice some extra features if you are looking for a budget-friendly product. But chances are that you will find the ideal watch for you at the right price!
FAQs
Q: What is free diving?
Freediving is a type of diving that involves you holding your breath while you are submerging. You will not be able to rely on any other air but the one you breathe in before you dive. This is why using a free diving watch is essential for your safety.
Q: When diving with a computer _______?
If you are diving with a wrist computer you should be able to count on its guidance. Don’t go deeper than your wrist computer indicates as safe and use the alarms it comes with to control your breaths and turns.relying on your body is equally important but you should follow the lead of your computer in order to be safe at all times.
Q: What is a dive computer?
A dive computer is essentially a mini computer that you will wear with you when you go underwater. This computer offers you precious information about the water you dive in but also about your diving style. One of the most important features of a computer is that it tells you how much time it is safe to stay underwater before you need a new breath.
Q: How to use a dive computer?
Dive computers are fairly easy to use. You should set the unit system the way you are comfortable as well as the temperature system. You will also have to set the air and nitrox levels according to your diving strategy. Getting familiar with their alarms of a dive computer will also help you. You can use audio or visual alarms according to your preferences. Dive computers also offer you automatic features such as safety stops. These stops will tell you when you need to take a break and at what depth.
Q: Do I need a dive computer?
In terms of safety, you should definitely use a dive computer. You can’t rely on your body alone when you are underwater because you take significant risks. By using a dive computer you will know when it is time to get back to the surface as well as how deep you can go when you are diving. These computers are even mandatory in some areas of the globe like the Maldives.
Conclusion
No matter how much you like free-diving or scuba diving, your safety should always come first. A dive watch will make sure that you are not taking any unnecessary risks underwater. And since you are considering to get such as product, you should purchase the Best Freediving Watch that you can find. Apply the information in this guide and see which one of the watches reviewed here accommodate your needs best! This is not the type of investment to treat lightly so get the one that brings the best value to your diving session!