Plenty of diving watches do more than just tell the time underwater! For those who have never worn timepieces beneath the waves before, it’s easy to think that you’re purely looking for a good, waterproof model – but ultimately, any watch that gives you stacks of data on your oxygen as you dive is a massive boon.
That’s why I was particularly excited about the Oceanic Geo 2.0. The second iteration in what was already a popular diving watch standard, Oceanic’s updated timepiece looks great, is clear to read, and offers piles of functionality that you might not expect at this price.
There are more choices in the Oceanic Geo line that have popped up since the 2.0 debuted, but it still sells well – and it appears to be a magnificent midrange choice.
More About The Oceanic Geo 2.0 Air/Nitrox Computer Watch
The Oceanic Geo 2, as the name implies, is an ‘Air/Nitrox’ computer watch, especially to be used by divers. Small enough to be worn as a normal everyday watch, it comes into its own when used for its design purpose – that of an easy-to-read, good-looking timepiece with a number of easier to use functions for deep dives.
This watch records data for up to 24 dives at a time. It seems to fare really well in customer reviews, meaning it’s well worth keeping those in mind as well as my own take on this great-looking gizmo. Oceanic is a brand that’s continuing to work wonders in its niche, so let’s see whether the 2.0 really holds up after time’s gone by.
Specifications and Essential Facts
- Manufacturer: Oceanic
- Weight: 8.8oz / 0.5lbs
- Water Resistance: 100m
- Build: Stainless steel ring
- Watch Style: Digital
- Dimensions: 7 inches x 4 inches x 4 inches
- Colour: White and teal
- Added Features: Back light, time alternation, alarms, countdown timer, air and nitro gauges, dive storage, O2 warnings, step back functionality, deep stop, deep dive countdowns, LED, history mode
What are the Best Features / Main Selling Points of the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Air/Nitrox Computer Watch?
First, appearance wise, the watch is on trend with a smart appearance and tasteful attractive accents – which give the watch a simple, elegant appearance whilst obviously being functional.
The many features here are exactly those required by novice as well as perhaps even semiprofessional divers. Even professional divers will be pleased by the easy read display.
The countdown timer, for deep stop, can be toggled on and off. There is also a 2-minute countdown timer, which you can use to warn when you are at half your max depth. It’s recommended you use this on dives deeper than 25 m.
Audible alarms and flashing LED lights assist the user to notify limits are being reached. It’s a nifty little addition that helps you keep control.
Divers can also use the data retention and step back functionality to access their records and previous dives – all at the touch of a button. It’s a really appealing addition that sets the watch apart from the pack. There’s no need for you to memorize a thing when it’s all on your watch ready to go.
What are the Benefits of Using the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Air/Nitrox Computer Watch?
Despite all the functions and features built-in here, the four button control is easy to manage – meaning I’m confident even novice divers and diving watch users can get to grips with this timepiece within only a few uses. The display is also really easy to read, and for that reason, it’s likely to be a prime purchase for even more confident divers.
The air/nitrox data works really well here, as do the sensitive alarms and warnings built into the technology. Diving is, after all, still a pretty risky endeavor – and if you’re going it alone, there are worse things you can do than go in prepared with a watch that pretty much tells you what to expect.
You can easily toggle the various limits and warnings on and off as you get more confident, but in my opinion, you should ideally keep these switched on. You never know when you might need them!
The sheer amount of data you can store and access here is brilliant – if you really want to compare dives to your old records or if you want to get into a bit of a competition with fellow divers, it’s always easy to bring up the information you want or need with a couple of touches here and there.
There are plenty of other diving watches out there which, while still offering this functionality, are much less user-friendly.
Did I mention that the watch looks fantastic? It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s striking enough to make you want to show it off wherever you go.
Does the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Air/Nitrox Computer Watch Have Any Drawbacks?
While I personally love the look and feel of this watch, it is safe to say that there may be some divers out there who want their diving tech to have a certain look or feel to it. It’s not the most rugged of diving watches out there – it’s very modern and streamlined, and perhaps lacks that tough exterior that sells so well!
However, streamlining actually helps it along a lot. Having no jagged edges or corners that are likely to point out and make things uncomfortable means that this timepiece is absolutely perfect for drifting around the deep with. This also means you’re unlikely to get your watch snagged anywhere on route.
This isn’t the most complex of watches to learn how to use, however, it still might pose a little of a learning curve to those divers who have yet to really get into the wild world of data capture.
That said, the watch does come with a simple manual that shouldn’t take you too long to get to grips with. I love the fact that, on the whole, you can pretty much hit the ground running if you’ve used watches like this in the past.
Conclusion – Should I Buy The Oceanic Geo 2.0 Air/Nitrox?
This is a great little watch that’s likely to appeal to seasoned adventurers. While the look of the timepiece will likely appeal to most divers who want to take greater control over their dives, and to record where they’re going, there is a little bit of a curve that you might want to take time to navigate.
Beyond that, I absolutely recommend the Geo 2.0. There are still watches out there that don’t give you complete access to your air/nitrox levels, and for that reason, the Geo 2 is going to buck plenty of trends.
If you’ve used Oceanic watches before, then the dual functionality here will be very familiar – and what’s more, it should serve you well for many, many dives to come.
Of course, I’d highly recommend you check out some of the best analog diving watches, too – as there’s no telling if you’ll get on better with chronometers if you’ve never tried them before! This watch is absolutely worth a look, no matter where you are on your diving journey.
