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A dive watch bezel is a rotating outer ring on a diving watch that allows divers to track their elapsed time underwater. Here's how it works:

1. Unidirectional Rotation: Dive watch bezels are designed to rotate unidirectionally, which means they only rotate in one direction. This is important for safety reasons, as it prevents the bezel from accidentally moving in the wrong direction and giving the diver a false sense of security.

2. Markings: The bezel is marked with numbers or markings that indicate the elapsed time in minutes, typically in increments of five. For example, a typical dive watch bezel may be marked with 0-15 minutes, with lines at every minute, and then 15-60 minutes marked at every 5-minute interval.

3. Alignment: To use the bezel, the diver first aligns the zero or starting point on the bezel with the minute hand on the watch face. This sets the starting time for the dive.

4. Monitoring: As the dive progresses, the diver can read the elapsed time on the bezel by looking at the position of the minute hand in relation to the markings on the bezel. This allows the diver to track how much time they have left underwater, and to plan their ascent and safety stops accordingly.

In summary, a dive watch bezel is a simple but essential tool for tracking elapsed time during a dive, helping divers to stay safe and manage their time underwater.