Wondering if your watch can survive a shower? What about a swim in the pool or a deep-sea dive? Is it really waterproof? Understanding what water resistance actually means in watches is important for anyone looking to buy a waterproof watch. By the end of this article, watch water resistance will be explained. Let’s get right into it, or should I say dive right into it?
What does water resistance mean?
If your watch is waterproof up to 30 metres, does that mean you can dive down to 30 metres of depth? No. If you want to wear a waterproof watch that works, diving in 30 metres of depth with it would not be a great idea, considering the damage caused to almost all devices due to water. The term “water resistant” simply means the ability for an object to resist the penetration of water to some degree, but not entirely.
What type of damage can water cause?
It doesn’t matter how careful you are, sometimes you may accidentally subject your wristwatch to water. Water can cause the many small working parts within your watch to deteriorate due to rusting and some of these parts may also be irreplaceable!
What are the various degrees of water resistance? And what do they really mean?
Women's and men's watches can have various degrees of water resistance, such as 30, 50, 100, 200 metres and more. While it does sound like you can venture on a deep dive 50 metres below sea level with your watch, it, unfortunately, doesn’t have the ability to withstand that kind of water pressure.
Much like your jewellery, watches are a valuable accessory, so you want to make sure you take care of it so it lasts the test of time. This guide will help you understand much exposure to water can be safe for your water resistant watch and how much is too much.
How waterproof is your water resistant watch?
1. Water Resistant 30 Metres / 3 Atmospheres / 3 Bar
If your water resistant watch says it is 30 metres, 3 atmospheres or 3 bars water resistant, this simply means it is resistant to small amounts of water like rain and splashing from hand washes. Anything more than that is a huge red flag!
2. Water Resistant 50 Metres / 5 Atmospheres / 5 Bar
A watch that is 50 metres water resistant is an improvement in comparison to a watch that is 3 bars, however,you still can’t go deep diving. A watch that has 50 metres, 5 atmospheres and 5 bars water resistance means it can withstand the level of water exposed to in a shower. Wearing this water resistant watch in a pool of water may be okay, provided the water does not get inside, which means avoid underwater swims for long durations or probably all together just to be safe.
3. Water Resistant 100 Metres / 10 Atmospheres / 10 Bar
This one should fit the bill, right? A waterproof watch with 100 metres, 10 atmospheres and 10 bars water resistance won’t work after diving. However, it is suitable for swimming and water sports like snorkelling, so we are getting somewhere now!
4. Water Resistant 200 Metres / 20 Atmospheres / 20 Bar + 500 Metres / 50 Atmospheres / 50 Bars
As much as we’d want it to be, 200 metres, 20 atmospheres and 20 bars resistance are still not safe for deep-sea diving, but it is safe for standard scuba diving for short periods of time. This type of water-resistant watch can also be worn by water sports professionals who are in and out of the water frequently. The same goes for a waterproof watch with 500 metres, 50 atmospheres and 50 bars resistance, however, these can withstand water exposure for slightly longer.
5. Water Resistant 1000 Metres / 100 Atmospheres / 100 Bar
You’ll be happy to know that a water resistant watch with 1000 metres, 100 atmospheres and 100 bars of resistance can be worn for deep-sea diving.
Even though without certification to the ISO 6425 standard, this watch allows you the freedom to dive deep into the water.
6. Divers or ISO 6425
If your watch claims to be “ISO 6425” or has “Divers” written on it, Congratulations! This watch is a certified diving watch. It is a completely safe to be worn under water, and is a literal water resistant watch. Watches that measure up to this standard are also shock, magnet and salt water tolerant and can also be used in places of total darkness. So go ahead and hit the ocean!
Fascinated by these classic water-resistant watches? Keen for a swim? We know we are! You can browse our full collection of diving watches for men and women online, including G-Shock watches and more. Check out our sale and pick up a new watch for your loved ones. And don’t forget you can buy now and pay later with one of our several interest-free payment options.
