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.
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!
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!
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