Introduction to Helium Escape Valves in Diving Watches
Do Divers Unscerrup Helium Escape Valves Underwater or Outside the Water?
When a diver engages in a dive with an automatic watch that has a helium escape valve (HEV), the primary concern is to manage the pressure changes that occur outside the water, not underwater. In most cases, the diver should unscrew the HEV outside the water to prevent water from entering the watch during the dive.
Unscrewing the HEV allows any trapped helium to escape safely after the dive, ensuring the watch remains water-resistant for future use. However, it is important to note that not all watches with HEVs require this procedure. Some HEVs are designed to work without the need for manual unscrewing.
Understanding the Function of a Helium Escape Valve
The helium escape valve is a safety feature that allows helium to escape from the case of a diver's watch during decompression. This feature was patented by Rolex in 1967 and has since become a standard for deep-sea diving watches.
During a deep dive, particularly when using saturation diving techniques, helium can accumulate within the watch. If the valve is not open, the pressure increase can cause the watch glass to burst, posing a serious risk for the diver. This valve serves as a one-way mechanism, allowing helium to escape without compromising the watch's water resistance.
How the Helium Escape Valve Works
In environments where helium is a major component of the breathing gas mix, the pressure inside the watch case can equalize with the external pressure. As the diver ascends, the pressure outside the watch lessens, causing the helium to form bubbles within the watch. The pressure from the screwing mechanism then forces the gasket back into a seal.
It is unclear whether divers should repeatedly unscrew and rescrew the valve, but it is likely that failing to do so may result in the crystal exploding outward, which could compromise the watch's functionality and safety.
Rolex and the Helium Escape Valve
Rolex's Sea-Dweller model was the first to introduce the helium escape valve. The company Comex immediately adopted the Sea-Dweller as the official wristwatch for its divers, as they aimed to push the limits of human diving capabilities. The Sea-Dweller has been a symbol of reliability and performance in underwater diving, contributing to records such as the open-sea dive of 534 meters in 1988 and the pressure chamber dive of 701 meters in 1992.
The helium escape valve has been essential for the advancement of saturation diving, making it possible for divers to remain underwater for extended periods without risking the integrity of their watches. This innovation has significantly enhanced the safety and performance of diving watches used in professional and recreational diving environments.
Conclusion
When a diver uses an automatic watch with a helium escape valve during a dive, the valve should be unscrewed outside the water to ensure safety and prevent water from entering the watch. However, it is important to follow the specific instructions provided by the watch manufacturer, as some models may require manual unscrewing. The helium escape valve is a critical feature that has played a significant role in the advancement of diving technology and the safety of divers.
Understanding the importance of this valve and how to operate it correctly is essential for all divers who use automatic watches for deep-sea diving.