Swim watch recommendation

Those are the basic features you need.

The one nice thing to have is a timer that auto resets to do intervals in case you don't have access to a pace clock.

I second that:

Timex Ironman.

x 5 on the Timex Ironman (got mine at Target for $40).  Have worn mine in the pool the past 4 years and it has never missed a beat.

That is how I used mine until I upgraded to the 910.  After every set I hit lap.  You can then go back and review the laps if interested.  I rarely did, but what happens if you get to lap 30 say and your not done it just clears out the first laps.  So you can still use the lap feature but you'll lose some of the early data.  I mostly hit lap to see what I swam at that time and to count my rest so I know when to start going again (and I hit lap on takeoff again)

Yes, I think most people use it that way.  Lap button at the end of an interval.  I have a 150 lap verision but unless you are doing 25yd intervals for an hour, you won't come close to needing 150 laps.  I never hit 50 (but I probably have come close to 30).

My only advice is don't get one of the "slim/sleek" ones as the face is pretty small and a little tough to read underwater (my wife has one that I have had to borrow).  I much prefer the big face so I can display total time and lap time w/o having to squint.   

I'd go for the 100 lap version, especially if you might use it for more than just swimming.  I use my Timex Ironman 100 lap for everything.  And with 100 laps, I can store the workouts, and then download the info (swim splits, mile running splits, etc...) every couple of days or even once a week when I'm filling out my log book. 

Jerry

Save your $ and use the pace clock?