The term water resistance refers to the watch's ability to withstand splashes of water to varying degrees.
You have to be careful when using a water resistant watch. The resistance of a watch is only an indication of how waterproof it is. If you are swimming with a watch, the movement of your arms will drastically alter the pressure that the watch is under. Or if you use your watch in a hot tub, sauna, bath or shower, the heat could cause the seals to expand. This would cause the water resistance to be compromised, making your watch less water resistant or even causing it to malfunction completely.
Water resistance is tested in still or static conditions. So, if you dive into a pool wearing a watch which is 50 metres water resistant, the pressure impacted upon the watch on hitting the water will be far greater than that experienced at a 50 metre static test. As a result, the number of metres shown on a watch face does not indicate the depth that the watch can be taken to.
. | 10 meters | 50 meters | 100 meters |
. | 1 ATM | 5 ATM | 10 ATM |
Accidental Splashes | yes | yes | yes |
Swimming | no | yes | yes |
Water Sports / Snorkling | no | no | yes |
Scuba Diving | no | no | no |
• Do not pull out the winder whilst the watch is under water or still wet.
• If the case, glass or seal is damaged, the watch should no longer be regarded as water resistant.
• Although most watches are, to a degree, shock resistant, do avoid extreme shock or impact to your watch.
• If a watch is exposed to seawater, it should be washed well in fresh water and wiped dry.
• Batteries should be changed by the manufacturer or approved service agent so that the seal can be checked and renewed if necessary. If this is not done, the watch will no longer be guaranteed water resistant.
• Most importantly it’s always best to advise people not to wear their watch swimming. Unless the watch is actually designed with water sports in mind it will benefit from minimal exposure to water.