What is the main use of a dive watch?

The primary purpose of a dive watch is to track dive time and depth during underwater operations. This function is crucial for divers, as it helps them manage their dive duration, adhere to no-decompression limits, and ensure they ascend safely. By keeping accurate track of these metrics, divers can prevent decompression sickness and other diving-related hazards. Many dive watches are designed with features like rotating bezels or digital displays that allow divers to easily monitor their time underwater and often have depth gauges that provide real-time information on how deep they are.

In contrast, while checking water temperature, navigating underwater, or assisting in communication can be beneficial components of a diving experience, they are not the primary skill or function associated with a dive watch. Instead, those functions might be more appropriately served by other specialized equipment or technology.