In the quest for the perfect watch, one thing often stands out: how well can it handle getting wet?
With terms like ‘waterproof’ and ‘water-resistant’ floating around, it’s crucial to understand the difference. This isn’t just a matter of semantics; it’s about ensuring your watch can withstand the activities you enjoy, from a splash of rain to a deep-sea dive.
What Does Water Resistance Mean?
Water resistance in watches is not about preventing water from entering under any circumstance but rather about limiting its ingress to varying degrees, depending on the watch’s design and intended use. This specification is crucial for users who wish to know the extent to which they can expose their timepieces to wet conditions without causing damage
💡 Measured in atmospheres (ATM), metres (m), or bars, each unit corresponds to the pressure a watch can withstand in a static state, typically at room temperature.
For instance, a rating of 3 ATM (approximately 30 metres) does not mean the watch can be used at depths of 30 metres underwater; instead, it indicates the watch can withstand pressures equivalent to those found at 30 metres below sea level.
How Is Water Resistance Achieved?
Achieving water resistance involves meticulous design and engineering. Manufacturers use seals and gaskets at critical points such as the case back, crown, and crystal to prevent water entry. These components are often made from rubber, silicone, or other synthetic materials known for their resilience and flexibility.
Additionally, the material of the watch case (stainless steel, titanium, etc.) and the design of the case itself play significant roles in enhancing water resistance. Watches designed for higher levels of water exposure also feature screw-down crowns and case backs, providing an extra layer of protection against water penetration.
The Myth of Waterproof Watches
The term “waterproof” suggests that a watch is impervious to water under all conditions, a concept that is more marketing myth than reality. No watch can be guaranteed to be completely waterproof due to the various factors that can compromise its water resistance over time, such as age, wear and tear on seals, and exposure to chemicals or extreme temperatures.
Regulatory Standards
Recognising the misleading nature of the term “waterproof,” the watch industry adheres to the ISO 22810:2010 standard, which specifies the requirements and testing methods for water-resistant watches. This standard provides a more accurate representation of a watch’s ability to resist water under specified conditions, focusing on realistic and practical scenarios rather than absolute guarantees. It ensures that consumers have a clear and consistent understanding of what to expect from their water-resistant watches.
⌚️ You might like this guide: Is Your Watch Really Waterproof?
Levels of Water Resistance
Understanding the Ratings
Water resistance levels offer a guide to the types of activities a watch can endure. Here’s a breakdown of common ratings and their practical implications:
- 30m (3 ATM/3 Bar): Suitable for daily use, resistant to splashes or brief immersion in water. Not recommended for swimming or bathing.
- 50m (5 ATM/5 Bar): Safe for swimming in shallow depths. However, not suitable for diving or high-speed water sports.
- 100m (10 ATM/10 Bar): Ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and water sports. Not suitable for scuba diving.
- 200m (20 ATM/20 Bar) and beyond: Designed for scuba diving at the specified depths. Watches with higher ratings may be suitable for deep-sea diving.
Practical Advice
When choosing a watch based on water resistance, consider your lifestyle and the most common situations in which you’ll wear the watch. For everyday wear with minimal water exposure, a 30m rating might suffice. However, for regular swimmers or those who engage in water sports, a minimum of 100m is advisable. Divers should look for watches with at least 200m resistance, ensuring the timepiece meets the rigorous demands of underwater exploration.
⌚️ Check out this guide: Exploring The Watches Of Professional Divers.
Materials and Construction
The ability of a watch to resist water intrusion is fundamentally tied to its materials and construction. The choice of materials for the case, gasket, and crystal plays a pivotal role in determining its water resistance capability.
- Case Material: Common materials include stainless steel, titanium, and ceramics, known for their durability and resistance to corrosion. These materials ensure the watch case remains robust under various environmental conditions, including water exposure.
- Gaskets and Seals: These are typically made from rubber, silicone, or other polymer materials that can withstand prolonged exposure to water without degrading. Positioned between the case and the back, around the crown, and under the crystal, these seals are critical for preventing water from entering the watch.
- Crystal: The watch face is covered by a crystal made from glass, acrylic, or synthetic sapphire. Synthetic sapphire is the most resistant to scratching and breaking, contributing to the overall water resistance by maintaining a tight seal with the case.
- Crown and Pusher Design: For higher water resistance, watches often feature screw-down crowns and pushers that seal more effectively when tightened, providing an additional barrier against water.
Engineering for Depth
Watches designed for significant water exposure, such as diving watches, often incorporate additional features like helium escape valves to protect the watch during decompression in diving bells. The overall design, including the thickness of the case and the type of seal used, is engineered to withstand the specific pressures encountered at depth.
Maintaining Your Water-Resistant Watch
Regular Servicing
Just like any precision instrument, a water-resistant watch requires regular servicing to maintain its integrity. Over time, gaskets and seals may degrade, reducing the watch’s ability to resist water. Manufacturers typically recommend a service interval, which may include replacing seals and testing water resistance.
Avoiding Extremes
Exposure to extreme temperatures, chemicals, and solvents can damage the seals and materials of your watch, compromising its water resistance. Hot water, in particular, can cause seals to expand and contract, leading to potential breaches.
Testing Water Resistance
Water resistance is not a permanent condition; it can decrease due to wear and tear. It’s advisable to have your watch’s water resistance tested annually, especially if you frequently expose it to water. This testing, often done by professionals, can identify potential issues before they lead to water damage.
Choosing the Right Watch for Your Needs
Lifestyle Consideration
Your lifestyle is the most crucial factor when selecting a water-resistant watch. For everyday wear with minimal exposure to water, a watch with basic water resistance (30m) might be sufficient. However, if you’re an avid swimmer, snorkeller, or engage in water sports, consider watches rated at 100m or higher.
Diving and Professional Use
For scuba diving or professional water-related activities, look for watches that meet specific standards for diving watches, such as the ISO 6425 standard. These watches are tested to meet rigorous criteria, including water resistance at depths beyond their rated level, visibility in dark conditions, and resistance to magnetic forces and shocks.
Brand and Model Research
Different brands and models offer varying levels of water resistance and features tailored to specific activities. Research and compare watches from reputable brands, focusing on those that specialise in sports or diving watches if your activities demand high water resistance. User reviews, professional assessments, and brand reputation can guide you to a watch that not only meets your aesthetic preferences but also withstands your aquatic or everyday needs.
Selecting a watch that aligns with your lifestyle and understanding the importance of materials, construction, and maintenance will ensure you enjoy your timepiece for many years, regardless of how often it gets wet.
