Over the last two decades, the evolution of the wrist-mounted computer has seen them simply going from removing the module (think hockey puck) from the gauge console and adding straps to truly sophisticated systems. Air-integrated, multiple logarithms, dive-type specification, able to calculate Air, EanX and Technical Gas blends…the wrist computer has become increasingly powerful while going on a diet and becoming smaller and lighter.
With some models as small as a wristwatch, and loaded with more and more features, there has been a trade-off. As displays become smaller and harder to read, with more and more information competing for the diver’s attention, there has been a corresponding increase in price, with top-end models costing well over $1,000 USD (€853 Euro, 775 GBP).
ATMOS has introduced the MISSION ONE, an elegant, wrist-watch-sized dive computer that is designed for both Freediving and Scuba that is under $500 USD, yet is feature-packed, accurate, and has a highly visible, 1.2″ Hi-Res Color Display.
Designed and made in Taiwan, the MISSION ONE incorporates a Bühlmann decompression algorithm and is stylish enough to wear like a wristwatch, with either a Black or Gold Bezel, multiple colors of wrist bands, and a clean face configuration. The on-screen digital compass is a constant feature, and GPS Entry and Exit Waypoints can be entered.
The integrated constant backlight makes it easy to read in murky conditions or on a night dive, and the multiple-language feature makes the MISSION ONE a unique entry in the dive computer arena.
Daily Watch and Dive Computer
The MISSION ONE can be worn as a daily wear watch, needing to be charged every 2 weeks, or sports up to 40 hours diving time between recharging. It will store your last 100 dives even if you miss a charge, and the dive log can be downloaded via the APP and a USB connection.
In our scuba diving review, we took the MISSION ONE to the local quarry. The QuickStart instructions were simple and the computer’s menu buttons were easy and intuitive to use.
Wearing the MISSION ONE, we dived with two other wrist-mounted computers and two console-mounted computers from other manufacturers to compare temperature and depth, and alarms. The dive profile called for a targeted dive to 90 feet freshwater (90FFW) for 10 minutes and a longer 45-minute dive at 40FFW (after the surface interval). The surface temperature was 76 degrees Fahrenheit (25 Celsius) with a distinct thermocline and temperature drop to 54 F (12 C) on the deep dive.
The generous wristband allowed a comfortable fit over the 5mm wetsuit and the water-activation kicked in at just over 5 feet (152 cm). In order to compare the rate of readings and accuracy against the other 4 computers, we stopped every 15 feet and checked Visibility, Depth, and Temperature.
Bright and Clear
The MISSION ONE was BY FAR the easiest to read at all depths, with a very bright backlight feature and a clear, uncluttered screen. The Temperature readings on all 5 computers were within 1 degree F within 10 seconds of stopping. There was a spread of about 2 feet in depth between all 5 computers…with the MISSION ONE reading about 1 foot deeper than the Oceanic computers (1 wrist, one console) and either equal or one foot shallower to the Scuba Pro computers (1 wrist, one console). Since the average was within a foot with all 5 computers, we did not feel there was any concern over the depth accuracy.
On the ascent from depth, we pushed just a little bit to see if the Alerts would activate…and all the computers performed correctly. Audible alerts, vibrating alerts, and visual alerts (flashing displays) all triggered within a second of each other.
We performed a 5-minute safety stop at about 18 feet (5.5 m) to observe how the MISSION ONE Safety Stop countdown display functioned, with no surprises and a standard countdown timer that automatically started once we ascended to 20 feet.
After an appropriate surface interval, we took the MISSION ONE on another dive, this time for 45 minutes and a shallower depth, just to see how it felt on the wrist and if there were any issues that would show on a longer dive. The MISSION ONE performed like a champ. The display is easy to read, the buttons easy to use even with 2 mm gloves on, the unit is lightweight and the strap seems secure and robust.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this is a great mid-price dive computer, with a boatload of features that will serve any recreational Scuba Diver well. The rechargeable battery was our favorite feature after the bright display; no more worrying about having the right-sized battery or being able to remove the back without the special tool…just plug it into any laptop or USB port to rapidly recharge and get ready for the next day’s dives.
Key Features
- Rechargeable Battery
- Vibration, Visual, and Audible Alarms
- Constant backlight
- Intuitive User Interface
- Multi-Lingual
- On-Screen Digital Compass
- Mark Entry and Exit GPS Locations
- Surface Dive Spot GPS Guidance
- Digital Logbook (ATMOS™ App for iOS/Android)
- Smartphone Notification
- Firmware Updatable
Technical Specs
- Air / Nitrox / Freedive / Gauge / Off Modes
- 10ATM (100m/328ft) Water Resistance
- Measurements – 50.5 x 50.5 x 18mm
- Weight – 90g/3.17oz
- 2” sunlight-visible, transreflective, hi-resolution color display
- Stainless steel 316L Bezel and Button Material
- Languages – EN, KO, JA, ZH-CN, ZH-TW
- 100 dive Logbook Memory
- Metric and Imperial Units
- 24mm Silicone Watch Band
- 15-40 hour Diving Battery Life / 15 Days in Time Mode
Price
- Atmos Mission One Dive Computer – $449.95 USD / €383.22 EUR / £344.97
