3/24 Update: ATMOS MISSION ONE Launch Event Live Stream!
Before we dive into the article, let's do something unprecedented and lead with the verdict:
The ATMOS MISSION ONE is unquestionably the most anticipated dive computer of 2019. It's not only ideal for beginner divers but is also highly recommended for dive shops as a training device. Its thoughtful alert system — including vibration and audible alerts — makes it especially convenient for freedivers and underwater photographers shooting with large camera rigs. This watch is proof that ATMOS is an outstanding team built by divers, for divers: every aspect of the user interface is designed around what divers actually need, making the entire diving experience smoother and more effortless.
At an incredibly generous price point (NT$13,500, including vibration alerts, dive log upload, dive site GPS tagging, electronic compass, and more), diving has never been this accessible!
The ATMOS MISSION ONE's design follows the latest trends in dive computers: compact, sleek, and minimalist.
Now that you've read the verdict, the Editor still can't slack off — let's go through an unboxing and look at each aspect one by one!
Appearance
The ATMOS MISSION ONE follows the latest design trends in dive computers: compact, sleek, and minimalist. You'll never again find yourself stuck with an oversized dive computer that only gets worn underwater, leaving it woefully underused. You can wear the MISSION ONE as an everyday watch in daily life. While it doesn't have the heart rate monitoring or activity tracking of a GARMIN DESCENT MK1, it more than holds its own as a smart watch for day-to-day needs.
A side-by-side comparison of the two watches: ATMOS MISSION ONE on the left, GARMIN DESCENT MK1 on the right.
For 2019, the ATMOS MISSION ONE launches first in a sophisticated matte black colorway. The strap is compatible with any standard 24mm watch band available on the market, making it easy to match with your everyday outfits. The Editor did happen to overhear some unconfirmed buzz, though — word has it that some surprisingly eye-catching dial colors are in the pipeline, so stay tuned!
Even on a slim wrist, it doesn't look or feel bulky.
In the box, you'll find the user manual, warranty card, charging cable, and the watch itself. The ATMOS MISSION ONE uses a clip-style charger, which reduces the hassle of the charger falling off during charging. The back of the watch displays the serial number, along with a 10ATM rating — indicating that every unit is pressure-tested to 10ATM before leaving the factory, giving you peace of mind against water ingress.
Getting a new watch — pure joy!
Everything included in the box.
The clip-style charger on the back prevents it from slipping off during charging. The back also shows that the unit has passed the 10ATM test before shipping.
Controls
Three slick buttons on the right side.
The watch has one button on the left side and three on the right, with an intuitive and easy-to-grasp button logic. On the main screen: the bottom-left button activates the backlight (raise-to-wake backlight mode is also supported); the top-right button switches to smartphone notifications; the middle-right button enters the second-level menu for settings and dive modes; and the bottom-right button cycles through the bottom information bar (temperature, surface interval time, second time zone, and other handy details). Once inside the second-level menu, the bottom-left becomes the back button, while the top-right and bottom-right function as up and down navigation. The whole system is highly intuitive.
For more detailed operating instructions, refer to the official user manual linked at the bottom of this page!
The button logic is clear and easy to use.
Settings
As a proper dive computer, the ATMOS MISSION ONE covers all the essential settings: depth and time alerts, oxygen partial pressure settings commonly used in scuba diving, conservatism adjustment, dive-end timeout, compass calibration, switching between freediving and scuba diving modes, and browsing the dive log — all easily toggled via the buttons.
Backlight mode can be adjusted to suit your preference.
Alerts can be set to vibration, audible beep, or both.
Oxygen partial pressure, conservatism, and other scuba-specific settings are all configurable.
You can also review your dive log and history, including depth profile graphs.
The dive log interface has a refined, quality feel.
Drilling into a log entry reveals the depth profile graph.
As a smart dive computer, Bluetooth connectivity with your smartphone is a natural fit. The watch syncs your dive log to your phone via Bluetooth, making it incredibly convenient to review your dives later on — the Editor will cover the full how-to in a dedicated follow-up article!
Another great benefit of the smartphone connection is real-time access to your phone's push notifications right on your wrist — no more missed messages!
Pair the watch with your smartphone via Bluetooth.
Diving
So why does the Editor so strongly recommend the ATMOS MISSION ONE? After covering its looks and dive features, some might feel it doesn't stand out all that much — but here's where we get to the really impressive part. After all, their tagline is Exploring the ocean is just that simple.
A clean, easy-to-read display.
The ATMOS MISSION ONE uses the Bühlmann ZHL-16c decompression model and allows each diver to customize their conservatism setting. The display is highly readable, showing NDL, depth, gas setting, maximum operating depth, temperature, ascent rate, and compass bearing (note: the electronic compass should be calibrated before each dive — the watch will prompt you to do so, as shown above). All the information you need during a dive is accessible on a single screen without having to navigate through menus, making every dive simpler and more relaxed.
On top of that, the watch features vibration alerts — an incredibly practical function for freedivers and underwater photographers working with large camera systems. Among all the dive computers currently on the market, vibration alerts are typically only found on advanced models priced upward of NT$20,000. The fact that the ATMOS MISSION ONE includes this feature at its price point is genuinely impressive value.
During a dive, the ATMOS MISSION ONE also provides a range of prominent alerts to keep divers informed of their current situation, including depth warnings, NDL warnings, safety stop guidance, and even step-by-step guidance if you accidentally enter decompression. Let's use a pressure simulator to walk through what these various alerts look like on screen.
Depth Alert:
When you exceed your pre-set depth, the alert will activate. The Editor recommends dive shops set this to 18m — it's a convenient reminder for dive guides leading Open Water Diver fun dives or OW training sessions, and it also teaches students to keep an eye on their dive computer and develop good depth-awareness habits.
Depth Alert: triggers when you exceed your pre-set depth.
Time Alert:
Useful for sticking to a pre-agreed dive duration.
Time Alert: triggers when you exceed your pre-set dive time.
5m Safety Stop:
In recreational diving, a 3-minute safety stop at 5m isn't strictly required as long as you stay within no-decompression limits — but many group dives abroad and local dive guides still observe this practice, and it's good to complete it regardless. The ATMOS MISSION ONE has a particularly thoughtful design here: once you've completed the 3-minute safety stop at 5m, a green indicator remains permanently displayed on the screen, confirming that you've done it. For goldfish-brained divers like the Editor, this is a lifesaver — no more wondering whether you actually completed your safety stop or not.
The safety stop countdown activates upon reaching 6m depth.
If you drift too shallow or too deep, the watch alerts you that the safety stop countdown has been interrupted.
Safety stop complete — time to slowly ascend to the surface.
Decompression Stop:
What happens if you accidentally enter decompression? No worries — just follow the ATMOS MISSION ONE's guidance to complete your decompression stop. The watch will, based on your dive profile, recommend decompression stops at 12m, 9m, and 6m.
Note: if you choose not to complete the prescribed decompression stops, the ATMOS MISSION ONE trusts each diver's professionalism and will not lock out the watch as some other dive computers do. Every diver is ultimately responsible for their own safety.
Decompression stop alert: complete a 1-minute decompression stop at 6m.
The dive computer instructs you to descend to the specified depth to complete your decompression stop.
Other Common Alerts:
Ascent rate too fast alert.
Low NDL alert.
Explore the Ocean with GPS
The ATMOS MISSION ONE has a wonderfully practical feature: GPS-assisted navigation to your dive site. For example, if the Editor wants to surface-swim to a secret garden spot before descending, the traditional approach was to use triangulation from the surface. With this feature, GPS guidance can pinpoint the entry point with precision — a hugely useful tool for dive guides and boat dives alike.
Dive site information is built right into the watch.
Use your location to browse nearby dive sites.
Bear in mind that when you use GPS for the first time, it takes a moment to acquire a signal — and you need to be outdoors for it to lock on. Don't make the same mistake as the Editor and stand inside waiting forever!
Once locked on, the watch displays officially registered dive sites in your vicinity.
After selecting a site, the watch displays your straight-line distance and bearing to it.
Beyond the officially pre-loaded dive sites, you can also use the "Add New" function to create your own private dive spots. This is a fantastic tool for divers who love exploring new sites — it adds a systematic, scientific dimension to your adventures!
Creating your own dive site — where every adventure begins.
Use GPS to log the coordinates of your dive entry point.
Tap "Add" and that dive site is yours to keep.
The ATMOS MISSION ONE: A Dive Shop's Best Friend
When it comes to rental dive computers, dive shops want something durable, easy to read, and straightforward to service. But there's one more hugely practical feature here: the ability to reset residual nitrogen. This allows the next person renting the watch to start with an accurate nitrogen baseline, enabling proper dive computer-based nitrogen management and more effective risk control.
Residual nitrogen reset is available in the settings menu.
If the watch is accidentally switched to gauge mode, it will lock out scuba mode for 24 hours as a safety measure. This can also be resolved via the residual nitrogen reset in the settings — something the Editor learned the hard way after accidentally entering gauge mode and being unable to use dive mode normally.
After everything covered above, can you see why the Editor is convinced that the ATMOS MISSION ONE is an exceptionally practical, outstanding-value dive computer? In 2019, the brand will begin selling through retailers in multiple countries — if you're keen, reach out to your nearest dive shop for more information!
Let's strap on the ATMOS MISSION ONE and explore the ocean's beauty together.
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