Scuba diving is becoming a fairly popular hobby and a form of entertainment. In addition, diving helps in the development of science: many researchers of the depths descend to the bottom to learn more about marine life and plants. Now you can easily find different accessories for this hobby: from cameras that can shoot in water to flashlights. There are also special diving watches: a unique and over the years verified mechanism necessary for diving.
From the history
The very first watches to use them under water were made back in the 1930s. The mechanism was with a phosphor - a luminous substance. The development of the first diving watches began to be engaged in Italy. Then they were necessary exclusively for military purposes: to help soldiers conduct battles under water. The device at that time was very heavy and bulky. But after a few years, it was possible to improve it to a more compact one.
In the 50s of the last century, the well-known Rolex company was engaged in the production of diving watches. A little later, the release of the accessory began in the Soviet Union. An order was received from the Ministry of Defense of the country for a special mechanism in the watch factory of the city of Zlatoust. And until the 1980s, they produced unique devices for military and ordinary citizens.
Even during the war years, the plant supplied the country with various devices for tanks and equipment, and this brought its great contribution to the Victory. And the diving watches of the USSR subsequently became the main highlight of the enterprise.
Modernity
After a break of almost 30 years, in 2010, the production of watch movements for submariners resumed at the Zlatoust watch factory. Legendary devices still produce high quality, and product design remains virtually unchanged. In terms of functionality, they are not inferior to foreign counterparts. At the price of Zlatoust diving watches are somewhat more affordable, but still the purchase of such a souvenir will cost a lot. Because the product is mainly interested in professionals and collectors.
The first diving watches had a depth limit: not more than 200 meters. Modern devices allow you to sink below 240. The plant in Zlatoust has been repeatedly awarded regional and international prizes for its products. Now among the manufactured goods there are stopwatch, timers and other clock devices.
Description
Diving watches of the Zlatoust watch factory look elegant and easy to use. They are quite large: 6 cm in diameter, plus a switch head. The structure of the watch is covered with thick glass, which is crushed by a welt. It is screwed, and due to this, water does not penetrate inside. Under the glass is a rubber gasket - another way to protect against moisture. Illumination is carried out due to a special coating. For this, salts of radium, in some cases phosphorus, are used. Glass itself is most often mineral or coated with a layer of sapphire.
The whole body is made of stainless steel, very strong and durable. Some models are made of bronze and titanium. All parts for the movement are made with extraordinary precision. The watch weighs slightly more than 200 grams, but compared to what it was before, this is not significant. The device must be started before use, and its duration is about 30 hours. The strength of the parts and the quality of the materials allow the watch to withstand falls and strong shocks.
Device
The crown of the diving watch can be located either on the left side or on the right. It depends on the brand and the wishes of the consumer. The watch mechanism has remained since Soviet times, it was produced by the company "East". And to this day, its name has remained the same and is widely known not only in Russia, but also in the world.
The hands in the device usually show only hours and minutes. But in some models, the second is integrated.
About features
The functionality of the diving watch should be simple. They should be conveniently clasped and located on a hand. Moreover, given that they are placed on top of a diving suit. The main requirement for the dial is good visibility and backlight. The numbers should be large. Most often, four or six of them are large. The dial traditionally has a dark background, the characters are light, to create contrast.
The watch strap must also be resistant to repeated wetting. Therefore, it is often made from materials such as rubber, silicone. Modern devices for divers are often equipped with many functions and replace mini-computers. But the disadvantage of such devices is that they do not withstand the prolonged exposure to sea water and quickly break down. Because the classic clockwork mechanism is more popular and acceptable. It is able to withstand more than a day in working condition, but the absolute accuracy of time is maintained. And, as you know, diving classes continue for a rather limited time, so the factory mechanism is quite enough.