Water Resistance – What it Really Means

Okay, so you bought a watch, or are thinking about buying one, but you have some questions about water resistance. Can you swim or shower with your watch on? Can you snorkel or scuba dive? What about if some water from the rain splashes on your watch – what now?



We have the answers for you. First, we will define water resistance, then explain it with a few quick tips/tidbits. Lastly we will give you a neat chart that should help explain what you can and can’t do with your watch when it comes to water.

Definition:

Water Resistance refers to the depth at which a watch will keep water out. However, it’s important to note that this test is done when the watch and water are motionless – so you must keep this in mind in the real world where the water and your wrist are moving.

Tips and Tidbits:

How is a watch water resistant? The most important feature that allows this are the gaskets, or O-rings that are made of nylon, rubber or Teflon that form watertight seals to keep water out. Additionally, water resistant watch cases are lined with sealant which helps keep water out.
Some watches also have screw-in case backs which assist in added water resistance. Also, divers watches have screw-down crowns that prevents water from getting into the watch through the watch-stem hole.

Okay, on to the tips. Even if in the chart below it says suitable for swimming, we strongly recommend not swimming with your watch unless it has a screw-down crown. That said, even if your watch is water resistant, never, ever pull the crown out (the knob thingy on the side of the watch you pull out and twist around to set the time) if the watch is even a little bit wet. This will likely destroy the watch by allowing water to get in.


Also, we do not recommend wearing your watch in a hot shower, bath, sauna or hot tub. The extreme heat can result in the metal parts of the watch to expand at different rates than the gaskets – which can cause openings that allow water in. Along these same lines, sudden temperature changes, such as going from a hot tub to a cold pool is not a good idea.


Another thing to keep in mind – just because a watch is water resistant does not mean the band is water resistant. For example, if your watch has a leather band we would not recommend getting it wet.


If you do get your watch wet, and you were swimming or diving in salt water, much like a water resistant camera you need to immediately rinse the watch in fresh water. If your watch has a rotating bezel make sure to rotate it a few times in the fresh water to prevent salt deposit build up and corrosion.


Okay, last tip before the chart (who knew there was so much to this topic?): keep in mind that some chemicals can cause corrosion of the gasket in your watch that keeps it water resistant. For example, hair spray, perfumes, and heavily chlorinated water can all cause damage to your watch – including the finish.

The Chart (finally!)

The following chart recommendations are suggested by most watch manufacturers.

Water Resistance                                                Depth Recommendation

Water Resistant (No depth specification)           Splash resistant only.

30 Meters (100 feet)                                           Splashes of water or rain. Do not swim or dive.

50 Meters (165 feet)                                           Light water activities, swimming in shallow water.

100 Meters (330 feet)                                         Suitable for swimming and snorkeling.

200 Meters (660 feet)                                         Suitable for swimming, snorkeling and skin diving.

Diver’s 150 Meters (500 feet)                            Meets ISO standards – is suitable for scuba diving.

Diver’s 200 Meters (660 feet)                            Meets ISO standards – is suitable for scuba diving.



Okay, got all that? If you are ever in doubt this blog will always be here to help. Come reference it at any time.


Thanks for reading, and as always, leave us any comments/feedback/questions - we are happy to hear from our customers!

New Brands, New Items. What do you Want?

Okay, so we have been thinking lately about the numerous watch brands we carry, and the brands of sunglasses that we are beginning with.

We have had lots of meetings, lots of coffee, lots of take-out delivered to the office for dinner. (Jimmy Johns to the rescue!) It has all boiled down to this -

We asked ourselves four questions:

1. What new brands of watches should we carry?
2. Which watch lines should we expand our selection?
3. What new brands of sunglasses should we carry?
and finally,
4. What other products should we carry, if any?

Rest assured we have many ideas on these questions. However, ultimately the answers come to us through YOU -- what do you want?

We would love to see your comments on this, answering one, two or all four of those questions above.

You can either comment on this post, let us know on facebook, twitter, or send us a quick email at cs@mrwatch.com.

We can't wait to hear from you - and in a few weeks we will share some results with everyone. Happy commenting!!!

Brand Name Sunglasses - At Larger Than Life Discounts

Oakley. Guess. Roberto Cavalli. Fossil. Ray-Ban. And the list goes on and on..............

Sunglasses, at MrWatch? Yes, you heard right. Like those Oakley's pictured above? If not, we also have more classic Oakley's:

We have these at the lowest prices you will find. And, just like our watches, they are guaranteed brand new and authentic.

What are you waiting for? Shop Oakley's, or visit our site to see the rest of the brands we have. You won't be disappointed.

Help With Your New Year's Resolutions - 3 Quick Tips

Hey everyone! Happy New Year!

It's 2012, and our staff at MrWatch is wondering where 2011 went! It flew by so fast, but it was such a great year.

Well, as always, we here at MrWatch are here to serve our customers in every way we can, including helping with your new year's resolutions! We also have a few suggestions for those resolutions, if you haven't nailed them down already.

Resolution #1: Celebrate yourself -- know that you are important!
Details: One way you can celebrate yourself is to take care of your appearance. Your personality is reflected in your appearance, and taking time for this will boost your self-confidence and boost others confidence in you.
How MrWatch can help: Browse our huge selection of watches and sunglasses -- you are bound to find the accessory that accentuates your personality perfectly. Wear it at the gym, to the park, out with friends, to that special date or to that all-important interview. And, not to mention, you just spent the last month spoiling all your family and friends -- it's time to spoil yourself!

Resolution #2: Get Fit -- Loose that weight or tone
Details: We just couldn't leave this one off the list. Getting healthier, including losing that stubborn weight or toning is usually the number one new year's resolution.
How MrWatch can help: We have hundreds of sport watches, for both men and women. We have heart rate monitors, watches that keep track of your workouts for you and more. Some brands that are perfect for this are Timex, Suunto, Puma and Casio. Additionally, we have some awesome sports sunglasses, including Oakley's, that are ideal for those of you in sunny places that can work-out outside!


Resolution #3: Save Money - Spend More Wisely
Details: Especially in the current economy across the globe, spending smarter is also on the top of many lists.
How MrWatch can help: If you didn't already know, we at MrWatch boast up to 90% off the retail price on brand name, brand new watches and sunglasses. We challenge you to stop buying what you need and want at big box stores and the mall, and take the time to research online. You will avoid the driving, the weather, the lines and the high prices by shopping online. MrWatch is dedicating to providing products at the lowest prices out there, and our customer service is among the best. What do you have to lose? Hummm, I guess the real questions is: what do you want to save!

We wish all of you well in 2012, and we can't wait to see what this year brings.

Get motivated, make changes, and, above all -- enjoy it!