The Water resistance relates to pressure as measured (on a laboratory pressure test) in the equivalent of a static tank of water at a given depth under water. But please note, the faster
an object is moved through or against water, eg. getting sprayed with a
garden hose, plunging your arm in the water while swimming, or even
taking a shower, the greater the pressure against the watch and could
exceed the degree of water resistance engineered for that timepiece. For
that reason, even a watch that is water resistant to 30 meters may leak
(water can force it's way passed the crystal seal, case-back gasket,
the setting crown, or push buttons.) if exposed to water coming
forcefully from a tap, or worn whilst swimming or diving, as the
increased pressure may exceed the designed resistance.
Water resistance is tested in measurements of atmosphere (ATM) (on a laboratory pressure test). Each ATM denotes 10 meters of static water pressure. Many watch cases will list the basic measurement of 1
ATM as "water resistant." Watches that are marked "water resistant", but DO NOT specify a depth rating
of from 3 ATM (Atmospheres), 50 feet, 100 meters, etc., are not designed
to be submerged below the surface of the water. These watches will
withstand small splashes of water but should not be worn while washing
the hands or submerging the hands in water or withstand forceful water
splashes eg. from the tap. Although they may withstand this condition
for a while, if continually subjected to this situation, they will
eventually leak. Based on our experience, if you need a watch to be
water resistant enough to be able to submerge it below the surface of
the water, be sure to get one that is designed with a screw-down crown
and a screw-down case back or, better still, a divers watch.
Sudden
changes in temperature like going from a cool atmosphere into a hot tub
can cause the rubber gaskets, base metal and steel case parts designed
to protect your watch's water resistance, to breach its sealing capacity
momentarily and allow water to leak in.
Please
keep in mind also, that the precision gaskets protecting the setting
stem, case-back, or crystal area will break down over time, and should
be inspected periodically and replaced when they reach the point where
they become worn out and the danger of them leaking becomes a
possibility. Also a concern is those watches that the case-back sealing
area or the crown is badly corroded.
Remember, unless specified by depth, water resistant only means "ACCIDENTAL WETTING"! Think of it like this. "Oops, didn't mean to do it, dry it off real quick", and it should be okay.
Diver's
watches had undergo specific lab test for diving purposes. Purchase a
diver's watch if you spend a lot of time snorkelling or deep sea diving.
A dive watch usually has a screw-down crown and a screw-down case back.
The water resistance rating for these watches will be at least 20 ATM
(200 meters/660 feet).
Common water resistance ratings:
(1bar = 10m pressure) | Water Resistant | 50m | 100m | 150m | 200m | 1000m |
| | 5 bar | 10 bar | 15 bar | 20 bar | 100bar |
Accidental Splashes | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
Swimming | x | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
Swimming | x | x | √ | √ | √ | √ |
Scuba | x | x | x | x | x* | √ |
Professional Deep Sea Diving | x | x | x | x | x* | √ |
* only watches marked "Divers" on the dial should be used for diving, as
they fully comply with the international standards for divers watches.
* Watches that are used for DIVING should be inspected by a dive shop to
validate it's depth rating prior to going into the water.
In Layman term:
Rating | Suitable | NOT Suitable |
Water Resistant / 30 m | Splash/rain resistant, perspiration. | Swimming, snorkelling, bathing, water related work and fishing & Diving |
50 m / 5 bar | Wearable around household sinks, playing sports and swimming in shallow water. | Snorkelling, bathing, scuba diving, water related work, and fishing. |
100 m / 10 bar | Wearable
around household sinks, playing sports and swimming in shallow water
recreational surfing, snorkelling, sailing and other water sports. | Recreational scuba diving |
Divers 200 m (with screw down crown) | Scuba diving at depths (200 m) | Saturation Diving (helium enriched environment) |
Divers 300 m (with screw down crown) | Professional Deep water diving at depths (300 m) | Saturation Diving (helium enriched environment) |
Note:
Your watch has to be immediately wiped dry after all water activities,
no matter how much is the water resistance labelled on your watch. You
must not press the buttons on the watch or pull out the winder while the
watch is submerged in water or still wet, If the case, glass or seal is
damaged in any way the watch will no longer be guaranteed
water-resistant. Condensation can appear in any watch and is caused by a
sudden change in temperature i.e. When a watch is removed from a cold
room and placed into a warm room or near hot tub, or vice versa.
The
appearance of condensation does not mean the watch will not operate but
it should be checked by us or any authorized service center. A watch
exposed to sea water should be washed well with fresh / tap water and
wiped dry immediately.
Batteries
in water-resistant watches should be replaced by authorized service center so that the seal can be checked and renewed if necessary,
otherwise the watch may no longer be guaranteed water-resistant.
Water-resistance is not a permanent condition. For example, the gaskets
that are around the stem, case back and glass will deteriorate with time
and should be inspected and changed periodically. It is good practice
to change the battery hatch or case back gaskets whenever the battery is
changed.