Huawei unveiled the Watch Ultimate 2 on October 9, 2025, introducing the world’s first sonar-based underwater communication system in a smartwatch. This represents a genuine technological breakthrough for professional divers and recreational enthusiasts who need reliable messaging capabilities beneath the surface.

Revolutionary Underwater Communication Technology

The standout innovation lets divers transmit pre-configured messages and emojis directly to other Watch Ultimate 2 devices within a 30-meter underwater range. This eliminates reliance on traditional hand signals and flashlight communication methods that have been standard practice for decades. In emergency situations, the watch’s SOS function can broadcast distress signals through connected devices at distances up to 60 meters.

The sonar-based approach solves a fundamental challenge in underwater environments where radio frequencies and Bluetooth signals fail to propagate effectively. By using acoustic waves instead, Huawei has created a practical communication channel that works where conventional wireless technologies cannot.

Professional-Grade Diving Capabilities

Built with a zirconium-based liquid metal alloy case, the Watch Ultimate 2 carries water resistance certification to 150 meters under both ISO 22810 and EN 13319 standards. The device implements the proven Bühlmann ZHL-16C decompression algorithm with gradient factors, delivering professional dive computer functionality for recreational diving, technical diving, and freediving disciplines.

The 1.5-inch AMOLED display achieves exceptional underwater visibility with peak brightness reaching 3,500 nits—among the brightest screens available on any smartwatch. Critical dive information including depth, time, ascent rate, no-decompression limits, and oxygen partial pressure displays with color coding. Safety warnings appear in yellow and red as divers approach critical thresholds.

Battery Performance Across Different Scenarios

The 867 mAh battery delivers performance that varies significantly based on usage patterns. In diving mode with sonar communication disabled, expect up to 18 hours of operation. Activating the sonar system reduces this to approximately 12 hours. For everyday smartwatch use, battery life extends to 4.5 days when paired with Android devices or 3.5 days with iPhone. Power-saving mode can stretch operation to 11 days.

These figures represent realistic expectations for a device packing professional dive computer capabilities, continuous health monitoring, and underwater communication systems. The 18-hour dive mode duration accommodates extended multi-dive days without requiring recharging between sessions.

Pricing and Availability Details

The Watch Ultimate 2 launches at £799.99 for the black version and £899.99 for the blue variant. Customers placing orders before November 4 receive complimentary FreeBuds Pro 4 earbuds plus a three-year warranty extension—adding considerable value to the already substantial package.

This pricing positions the watch in the premium segment of both the smartwatch and dedicated dive computer markets. Compared to standalone technical dive computers from Shearwater, Ratio, or Garmin Descent series, the Ultimate 2 offers competitive pricing while adding full smartwatch functionality and the unique sonar communication capability.

Understanding the Target Audience

The Watch Ultimate 2 serves a specific demographic: serious divers who want consolidated dive computer and smartwatch functionality without carrying multiple devices. The sonar communication feature particularly benefits:

Dive instructors and guides coordinating with students or clients underwater without hand signal limitations

Buddy diving teams maintaining communication beyond visual range in low-visibility conditions

Technical divers conducting complex multi-level or decompression dives requiring coordination

Underwater photographers communicating with models or assistants during shoots

For casual snorkelers or occasional recreational divers, the £799.99 entry price likely exceeds what the feature set justifies. This device makes most sense for individuals logging regular dive hours who will actually utilize the professional dive computer algorithms and underwater messaging capabilities.

How It Compares to Dedicated Dive Computers

Traditional dive computers from established manufacturers like Shearwater Perdix or Garmin Descent Mk3 offer proven reliability, extensive algorithm options, and robust construction specifically optimized for diving. The Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 differentiates itself by:

Adding smartwatch functionality: notifications, fitness tracking, health monitoring, and smartphone connectivity that dedicated dive computers lack

Introducing sonar communication: a capability no other consumer dive computer or smartwatch currently offers

Providing everyday wearability: the design works as a daily watch whereas many dive computers are too bulky or specialized for regular wear

However, dedicated dive computers maintain advantages in battery life during extended diving trips, more comprehensive algorithm customization, and established track records in the demanding diving community where equipment reliability can be life-critical.

Real-World Considerations for Divers

Several practical factors deserve consideration before committing to the Watch Ultimate 2 as your primary dive computer:

Ecosystem compatibility: The sonar messaging only works with other Watch Ultimate 2 devices. Your dive buddies need the same watch to benefit from this feature.

Algorithm validation: While the Bühlmann ZHL-16C is widely respected, many technical divers prefer the flexibility to switch between multiple decompression algorithms depending on dive profiles.

Depth rating: The 150-meter certification suits recreational and many technical diving scenarios, but falls short of requirements for deep technical diving or commercial work exceeding these depths.

Battery management: The 12-hour diving duration with active sonar requires careful planning for multi-day liveaboard trips or extended cave/wreck penetrations.

Display Performance Underwater

The 3,500-nit peak brightness addresses a common frustration with smartwatches used for diving—most display technologies become difficult to read in bright surface conditions or when artificial lights reflect off the screen underwater. This brightness level ensures readability across varied conditions from murky lakes to brilliantly lit tropical reefs.

The color-coded information presentation helps divers process critical data quickly without needing to interpret numbers alone. As you approach no-decompression limits or ascent rate thresholds, the visual warnings provide intuitive alerts that register quickly even in task-loaded situations.

Huawei’s Position in the Diving Technology Market

This release marks Huawei’s most significant achievement in diving technology since the original Watch Ultimate, strengthening the company’s position in specialized underwater wearables. The Chinese manufacturer has been gradually building credibility in outdoor and adventure sports segments where established brands like Garmin, Suunto, and Shearwater have traditionally dominated.

The sonar communication innovation provides a genuine point of differentiation rather than incremental improvements to existing features. Whether this proves to be a breakthrough that reshapes underwater communication or remains a specialized feature for niche users will depend largely on adoption rates and real-world validation by the diving community.

Who Should Consider the Watch Ultimate 2

This watch makes sense for:

Active divers logging 50+ dives annually who want to consolidate dive computer and smartwatch into a single device

Dive professionals who can justify the cost through improved communication efficiency with clients

Early adopters interested in experiencing genuinely new underwater communication technology

Apple/Android users already in the Huawei ecosystem with other compatible devices

It’s likely excessive for:

Occasional recreational divers who make 5-10 dives per year and would be better served by entry-level dive computers

Technical divers with specific algorithm requirements not met by the Bühlmann ZHL-16C implementation

Budget-conscious buyers who can get capable dive computers for significantly less without smartwatch features

The Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 achieves something genuinely novel with sonar-based underwater messaging—a feature that addresses real communication challenges divers face. The professional dive computer capabilities, exceptional display brightness, and solid build quality support the premium pricing for users who will actually utilize these features regularly.

For divers seeking equipment consolidation and willing to invest in bleeding-edge communication technology, the Watch Ultimate 2 delivers meaningful innovation beyond typical smartwatch iterations. The pre-order incentives through November 4 add value that helps justify the £799.99 starting price, particularly if you’ve been considering new wireless earbuds anyway.

Whether the sonar communication proves transformative or remains a clever but underutilized feature depends on adoption within your diving community. Unlike traditional smartwatch features that work independently, this innovation requires your dive buddies to invest in the same technology to realize its full potential.