WHAT WOULD BE CONSIDERED A SHALLOW DIVE

[Ed S]

I started a post earlier on the Momentum Format4 and someone responded that it was probably more of a pilots watch because it was only 100m watch. It was implied that 100m would be a shallow dive. Does that go for the same for G-shocks, being that most G's are 100m watches? I guess my question is, ( for those of you divers that actually dive in water), would a 100m dive be considered a shallow dive?

[Ozy]

Here you go bud, these dudes dont even need a watch

Shallow Diving is an Extreme Sport, whereby enthusiasts attempt to dive from the greatest height into the shallowest depth of water, without sustaining injury. It is typically associated with travelling circuses along with the Strong man, performing animals, clowns and other such attractions.
[edit] Technique

Divers aim to hit the water horizontally in a manner akin to the Belly flop. This spreads the impact over the greatest surface area, and achieves the fastest deceleration.

[JimmyMac483]

PADI considers 18 meters (60 feet) to 30 meters (100 feet) to be a deep dive. 30 meters is generally the accepted limit for recreational divers without special gas mixtures like nitrox or trimix. 100 meters is an extremely deep dive and a depth that very few people can say that they have been on SCUBA.

[Taswell]

Zero - 10 metres would be shallow diving.
Very little scuba diving is done beyond 35 metres and oxygen toxicity is a problem using compressed air deeper than 66 metres.
So .. no 100 metres is definitely not a shallow dive.
The only divers down that far would be highly trained commercial divers using very specialised equipment.

[Doug507]

Also, all G-Shocks are rated for 200M. All "real" dive watches are also rated for at least 200M, even though higher rating are mostly just marketing hype.

[Ed S]

I stand corrected on the G's. The older ones that i have where 100m. I guess i need to buy some new stock.

[Ryeguy]

I started a post earlier on the Momentum Format4 and someone responded that it was probably more of a pilots watch because it was only 100m watch. It was implied that 100m would be a shallow dive. Does that go for the same for G-shocks, being that most G's are 100m watches? I guess my question is, ( for those of you divers that actually dive in water), would a 100m dive be considered a shallow dive?

I'm guessing the question you are really asking is whether your Momentum Format4 could be used while diving. The answer is yes. No one will stop you and Momentum has a very good customer service department who will help you if the watch floods. I actually bought my wife a Momentum M1 which she really enjoys. That said, I would certainly pressure test any watch that was out of warranty to ensure the seals are still good.

The real answer is there are watches made specifically for diving purposes and watches made to look in the style of these specific-purpose watches. Water resistance is actually only one piece of the "well designed dive watch" puzzle. Other features divers find useful include very bright lume (surprising how dark it gets at depth), an easy-to-read, high contrast dial and hand combination, a uni-directional timing bezel that holds its set place well, and a secure, water resistant, strap that can fit over a wet (or dry) suit.

Ironically, many of the above features make for a watch that can appear kind of ugly in the classical sense with thick cases, oversized hands and odd color combinations. Many watch companies make watches in the style of dive watches, but "tone down" some of the more diver-specific features to make the watch more "wear-able" in everyday attire.

In glancing at the Format 4, I would guess it would work fine for recreational purposes. I would just make certain the battery was good and have it pressure tested at your local dive shop. I would also recommend swapping the band from the leather one pictured to something more water resistant. A nylon "NATO" style is inexpensive and provides some extra insurance that you won't lose the watch if a spring bar breaks.

Diving is a lot of fun and you have some nice lakes to explore in your area - Enjoy the sport!

[lexvil]

It all about the watch company being honest, 100 meters is very deep and a watch with an honest 100 m rating is fine for 99% of all diving being done anywhere. The traditional "more than you need" rating for a dive watch was 200 meters, far beyond what is needed and the "newer" norm seems to be 300 meters for a "professional" rating and now the deeper and deeper ratings are marketing hype targeted toward non-divers.

The Suunto D4 I use as a backup

is rated to only 100 meters

This is an honest rating, if you read a disclaimer that your watch with a 100 meter rating is only good for hand washing or showering than in my opinion you are dealing with a dishonest or paranoid watch company.

The main computer I use is rated to 300 meters, its oil filled, which I may do to my D4 the next time I change the battery.

[20DYNAMITE07]

Also, all G-Shocks are rated for 200M. All "real" dive watches are also rated for at least 200M, even though higher rating are mostly just marketing hype.

I stand corrected on the G's. The older ones that i have where 100m. I guess i need to buy some new stock.

There are several G's on the market now that are only rated to 100m...

As for 100m being shallow... that makes me LOL.

[Medphred]

For me, its the shallow end. If I go in the deep end I usually spill my drink.