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How Water Resistant Is Your
Watch?
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What does "Water Resistant" really
mean?
Water resistant watches are rated based on a laboratory pressure
test comparable to a swimmer sitting still under water at a certain
depth. 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. Although they may withstand this condition
for a while, if continually subjected to this situation, they will
eventually leak. Just like a tire rolling down the highway, sooner
or later, the tread is going to wear out, and if you run it long
enough, the tire will go flat. In my professional opinion, 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 caseback. Otherwise, you
are certainly going to be disappointed. It's like having wimpy tires
on your 4-wheeler and then speeding through the rugged deep woods.
"BANG!" Gonna be sorry!
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.
You see, water resistancy is measured in a static
condition, under the pressure of a certain depth in the water, and
velocity is a function of that pressure. The faster the watch
travels against or through the water - like 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 resistancy
engineered for that timepiece. So, even for a watch that is water
resistant to 100 feet, or approximately 30 meters, water can force
it's way passed the crystal seal, case-back gasket, the setting
crown, or push buttons.
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 resistancy, to breach it's 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
are those watches that the case-back sealing area or the crown is
badly corroded.
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How
Submergible Is Your Watch?
It's easy to tell. Just look on the dial, usually between the 4 and 7
digits, or on the case-back for the reference words: water resistant,
water resist, W/R, 3ATM and/or the included reference of: 100, 150, 200,
feet/meters etc.. A watch is not designed to be
deliberately submerged under water if it is not so signified by a
depth rating, which will be printed on the dial of the watch or somewhere on the case
back with the reference depth for which it is rated.
In the service
and repair of watches, it is our service policy that a watch must be
depth rated on the dial or case back to be called water resistant. Water resistancy MUST be so signified by it's depth and be stamped
or engraved on the dial or the case-back with it's referenced depth,
or it simply is not submergible.
According to guidelines
issued by the Federal Trade Commission, since the 1960's, watch marketers are not
allowed to label their watches "water-proof". This aided
us to achieve truthfulness and accuracy of product labeling and
advertising. Even watches designed
for deep-sea diving cannot claim to be waterproof.
The seals that keep water out are not completely impervious and
their effectiveness can be reduced over time with age,
deterioration, and exposure to chemicals.
This concept is recognized globally when dealing with precision
timepieces.
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Common Water Resistance Ratings
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Depth Rating |
Usages |
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10 Meters
33 Feet
1 ATM |
A watch with this resistance level
is protected against accidental exposure to water; for
example, splashes, perspiration or accidental
immersion. It should not be exposed to any water
pressure. |
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30 Meters
100 Feet
3 ATM |
This level will easily withstand
splashes or brief immersion in water, or getting
caught in the rain. However, it is not sufficiently
resistant for swimming or bathing. |
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50 Meters
165 Feet
5 ATM |
A watch with this level of
resistance is wearable around household sinks, while
playing sports and while swimming in shallow water. Do
not wear it while bathing, snorkeling or scuba diving. |
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100 Meters
330 Feet
10 ATM |
This level of water resistance will
allow a watch to be worn around household sinks, while
playing sports and while swimming, poolside diving or
snorkeling. Do not wear it while scuba diving |
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150 Meters
500 Feet
15 ATM |
A watch with this resistance level
is wearable around household sinks, while playing
sports and while swimming or poolside diving. It is
also suitable for snorkeling and scuba diving. |
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NON-WATER RESISTANT:
Care must be taken by the wearer to
prevent the timepiece from being exposed to situations which could
cause the entrance of moisture, this includes steam.
WATER RESISTANT: The general
class of water-resistant watches are not intended for, nor should
they be worn when swimming or bathing. They should never be exposed
to the direct flow of water under pressure (i.e. faucet, shower,
garden hose)
100m RESISTANT:
100m timepieces were designed for use
in water related sports and activities. These watches were not
intended for, nor should they be relied on as "DIVERS WATCHES".
* Do not operate the crown or push
buttons when the watch is wet or submerged. If watch should get wet,
it should always be wiped dry before attempting to change settings
or modes.
If your watch has a "locking"
crown, ensure that crown is securely threaded down to the case at
all times, except when setting the watch. Chemicals and solvents,
with a lower specific gravity than water, may penetrate the case at
lower pressures. Certain caustic chemicals may damage seals and
diminish the water-resistant capabilities.
Yes=Recommended
Activity No=Not Recommended
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Examples of Usage |
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Professional Deep Water Diving |
Recreational Scuba Diving |
Bathing Swimming Snorkeling
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Wash Face, Rain |
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CATEGORY |
FEATURES |
CASEBACK |
DIAL |
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Diver* |
200 Meters
660 Feet
20 ATM |
Water Resistant |
Divers 200m
Sport 150m |
NO |
YES |
YES |
YES |
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High Grade Water Resistant |
150 Meters
500 Feet
15 ATM |
Water Resistant |
150m W/R |
NO |
NO |
YES |
YES |
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100 Meters
330 Feet
10 ATM
|
Water Resistant |
100m W/R
Sport 100m
|
NO |
NO |
YES |
YES |
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General Water Resistant |
50 Meters
165 Feet
5 ATM |
Water Resistant |
50m W/R |
NO |
NO |
NO |
YES |
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30 Meters
100 Feet
3 ATM |
Water Resistant |
30 Meters |
NO |
NO |
NO |
YES |
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10 Meters
33 Feet
1 ATM |
Water Resistant |
Water Resistant
W/R |
NO |
NO |
NO |
Accidental
Wetting |
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Not Water Resistant |
_____ |
_____ |
_____ |
NO |
NO |
NO |
NO |
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WATCH SERVICE