When it comes to wrist-watches, many manufacturers list the water resistance level in the watch’s specifications. But water resistance is not the same as water-proof, so it can be confusing as to what the manufacturer’s claims actually mean!
Whilst many watches are water resistant to the extent that they can withstand splashes of water, many watches will not tolerate being exposed to prolonged wear in water (e.g. in the bath or swimming etc), despite the fact that the watch’s specifications may indicate that it is water resistant.
So how do manufactures calculate their watches’ water resistance and what do the different water resistance ratings in watches actually mean?
Water resistance in a watch indicates how well the watch is sealed against the possibility of water entering it. In labs, watches are static pressure tested and awarded an ATM (atmosphere) or BAR rating depending on how much pressure the watch can withstand. This rating is then converted into an equivalent depth measurement, so for example, a 5ATM or 5BAR can withstand pressures equivalent to 50 meters.
So different water resistance ratings indicate how well the watch will stand up to water pressure and dictates whether you are able to wear the watch for water activities such as swimming or diving or whether the watch is only protected against splashes such as being caught out in a rain shower for example.
Most watches will indicate the water resistance rating either on the watch dial or on the back of the watch case.
Let’s take a look at the different watch water resistance ratings and what water activities they are suitable for (this is a guide only, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for each watch's specifications and recommendations):
Water Resistant
If a watch simply states that it is water resistant without any ratings, then it is only suitable for the occasional exposure to accidental splashes such as being caught in a light rain shower for example.
10 Meters – 50 Meters / 1 ATM – 5 ATM / 1 Bar – 5 Bar
Like the above example, a watch with a water resistance rating of under 50 Meters or 5 ATM or 5 Bar is only suitable for exposure to occasional accidental splashes, such as being caught in a light rain shower for example.
50 Meters – 100 Meters / 5 ATM – 10 ATM / 5 Bar – 10 Bar
Watches that have a water resistance rating between 50-100 meters or 5-10 ATM or 10-20 Bar are suitable for light swimming.
100 Meters – 200 Meters / 10 ATM – 20 ATM / 10 Bar – 20 Bar
Watches that have a water resistance rating between 100 – 200 meters or 10-20 ATM or 10-20 Bar are suitable for swimming and snorkelling.
200 Meters – 500 Meters / 20 ATM – 50 ATM / 20 Bar – 50 Bar
Watches that have a water resistance rating between 200 – 500 Meters or 20-50 ATM or 20-50 Bar are generally suitable for impact water sports and scuba diving.
1000 Meters / 100 ATM / 100 Bar
A watch with a water resistance rating of 1000 Meters or 100 ATM or 100 Bar is suitable for deep water diving.
Divers’ watches typically have a screw-down crown/case (threaded and sealed for a double seal) and other features that are useful such as luminous hands and hour markers and a unidirectional bezel so you can mark the amount of time you intend to spend underwater.
Useful tips:
· It is advisable to have your watch professionally tested for water resistance once a year.
· Never operate the watch crown in water.
· Don’t subject your watch to extreme changes in temperature or sudden air-pressure changes.
*Prices/discounts/shipping indicated correct at time of writing/publishing and may be subject to change anytime. E&OE.
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