The Bühlmann Decompression 02 puts a rotating decompression table, two timing scales and a fly/no-fly indication on a mechanical watch. The manufacturer says its dial references 17 selected recreational profiles, covering 0–700 m above sea level and profiles described as reaching 39 m. It is a table-based reference, not a sensor-driven dive computer—and the stated 575 m water-resistance rating is not a supported dive depth.
What the Bühlmann Decompression 02 is designed to do
Bühlmann Watches describes the Decompression 02 as “a mechanical reference inspired by the Bühlmann model—designed to support decision-making when electronic systems are no longer available.” Its central idea is to put selected printed-table information and elapsed-time tools on the wrist. The manufacturer presents it as a tool for planning a supported profile, timing a dive and stops, and indicating a fly/no-fly interval after surfacing. Those functions do not make it a substitute for dive training, an independently prepared dive plan or a modern electronic dive computer.
The available product information is the manufacturer’s description; it is not independent testing or scientific validation of the watch as a standalone decompression instrument. The title’s “Hands-On” framing would imply direct handling and use, which is not established here.
How the rotating table and twin timing scales work
The 17-profile decompression table
The manufacturer says the turning dial carries a 0–700 m ASL Bühlmann circular decompression table for 17 “golden zone” recreational profiles. Its product article describes the profiles as extending to 39 m. This is a selected set of table profiles, not a claim to cover every dive depth, duration, altitude, breathing gas or diver-specific circumstance.
#1 Best Overall
- Stainless Steel case with Black Resin Band
- Black Dial with date window at 3 O'clock
- Luminous markers and hour hands; sweep second hand
- Anti-reverse bezel
- Water-resistant to 200 M (660 feet)
Timing a dive and stops
According to the manufacturer’s product article, the user selects a profile using depth, time and bottom-time inputs, sets the total-dive-time scale before descent, and uses the second hand to monitor ascent rate. A second bezel scale is intended to track decompression-stop time separately; the article describes timing stops at 9 m, 6 m and 3 m. The XXL minute hand is designed to make elapsed-time readings prominent. These are manufacturer-described operating functions, not individualized dive instructions.
Fly/no-fly indication
The dial also incorporates a fly/no-fly indicator, which the manufacturer positions as part of the watch’s use after a dive. The available information does not establish that this indication accounts for a particular diver’s profile, health, altitude exposure or other individual factors.
Rank #2
- WATER-RESISTANT: these water-resistant men's dive watches are ISO scuba-approved to depths of 200 meters
- AUTOMATIC: these self-winding, automatic men's watches are powered by your movement, with a power reserve of 41 hours
- STAINLESS STEEL: features a durable 43.8mm stainless steel watch case and bracelet.
- LUMIBRITE DISPLAY: this men's automatic watch features a highly-legible display with LumiBrite hands and markers
- 4R35 CALIBER: equipped with the reliable caliber 4R35 automatic movement, this accurate men's watch keeps precise time
How it differs from a dive computer
The Decompression 02 is a mechanical table reference; an electronic dive computer can calculate information from changing dive inputs. Garmin describes its dive computers as using Bühlmann ZHL-16C to calculate tissue loading, no-decompression limits and decompression information using current depth, time and breathing-gas data. Suunto describes its Nautic implementation as its own Bühlmann 16 GF implementation based on ZHL-16C.
Those are different roles, not interchangeable ways of presenting the same capability. A watch with a fixed selection of table profiles does not become a sensor-based computer simply because both relate to decompression. Divers should not treat the Decompression 02 as a replacement for a computer, training or a dive plan unless qualified instruction and the relevant equipment documentation support that use.
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- DIVER-INSPIRED DESIGN — Inspired by the sea, the MDV-106G is styled after classic dive watches and delivers 200-meter water resistance at an unbeatable price point. The black resin band and stainless steel case give it a classic look, while the anti-reverse rotary bezel adds authentic dive-watch character.
- STAINLESS STEEL CASE WITH SCREW-LOCK CROWN & CASEBACK — The MDV-106G features a stainless steel case and a reliable screw-lock crown for enhanced water resistance protection. Screw-down crown and screw-lock caseback work together to keep the movement sealed and secure during water activities — a construction standard found on dive watches far above this price range.
- LARGE FLUORESCENT HANDS & INDICES FOR INSTANT READABILITY — The dial features hands and hour indices with large fluorescent areas for easy reading in low-light and underwater conditions. The clean 3-hand analog layout with date display at 3 o'clock keeps the dial uncluttered and immediately legible at a glance.
- 44MM STAINLESS STEEL CASE | 22MM LUG WIDTH | MINERAL GLASS — The case measures 44mm in diameter, 12mm in height, with a 49mm lug-to-lug length and a standard 22mm lug width — making strap upgrades effortless with a vast range of aftermarket options. Mineral glass protects the dial from everyday scratches and impacts.
- 3-YEAR BATTERY & 200M WATER RESISTANCE — Powered by an SR626SW battery with an approximate 3-year life, the case measures 49.5 × 46.3 × 12.1mm and weighs 92 grams. At 200 meters of water resistance, the Duro is versatile and suitable for all situations — whether in the water, hiking, running, or at the office.
There is also an important limitation to computer-based models. The Suunto Nautic user guide says: “Because any decompression model is purely theoretical and does not monitor the actual body of a diver, no decompression model can guarantee the absence of DCS.”
Water resistance is not dive-depth coverage
Bühlmann lists water resistance at 57.5 ATM / 575 m. That is a watch specification, not a statement that the table, timing functions or supported recreational profiles are intended for dives to 575 m. The manufacturer separately describes its selected profiles as reaching 39 m; those figures refer to different things and should not be conflated.
Rank #4
- Day / Date, 3 Hand, Automatic
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Case
- Dual Spherical Mineral Crystal
- 200M Water Resistant
Price, edition and delivery estimate
The manufacturer’s current product page advertises the Druckkammer first edition as a 575-piece edition, lists a price of CHF 3,990 and says estimated delivery starts in October 2026. It also presents a separate orange-edition allocation. These are seller statements, not independent availability checks; confirm the current price, remaining allocations and shipping timing with the manufacturer before ordering. An estimated start date is not a guaranteed delivery date.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Warranty
The manufacturer’s service page states a five-year international warranty, excluding straps and crystal and subject to its full terms. Check those terms and the applicable service arrangements before purchase.
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Best Value
- DIVER-INSPIRED DESIGN — Inspired by the sea, the MDV-106B is styled after classic dive watches and delivers 200-meter water resistance at an unbeatable price point. The black resin band and stainless steel case give it a classic look, while the anti-reverse rotary bezel adds authentic dive-watch character.
- STAINLESS STEEL CASE WITH SCREW-LOCK CROWN & CASEBACK — The MDV-106B features a stainless steel case and a reliable screw-lock crown for enhanced water resistance protection. Screw-down crown and screw-lock caseback work together to keep the movement sealed and secure during water activities — a construction standard found on dive watches far above this price range.
- LARGE FLUORESCENT HANDS & INDICES FOR INSTANT READABILITY — The dial features hands and hour indices with large fluorescent areas for easy reading in low-light and underwater conditions. The clean 3-hand analog layout with date display at 3 o'clock keeps the dial uncluttered and immediately legible at a glance.
- 44MM STAINLESS STEEL CASE | 22MM LUG WIDTH | MINERAL GLASS — The case measures 44mm in diameter, 12mm in height, with a 49mm lug-to-lug length and a standard 22mm lug width — making strap upgrades effortless with a vast range of aftermarket options. Mineral glass protects the dial from everyday scratches and impacts.
- 3-YEAR BATTERY & 200M WATER RESISTANCE — Powered by an SR626SW battery with an approximate 3-year life, the case measures 49.5 × 46.3 × 12.1mm and weighs 92 grams. At 200 meters of water resistance, the Duro is versatile and suitable for all situations — whether in the water, hiking, running, or at the office.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
