What "Water Resistance" Means
The water resistance of a watch refers to its ability to withstand exposure to water under specific conditions. This measure is usually indicated in meters (m), atmospheres (ATM), or bars, with 1 ATM being equal to 1 bar, which are both equivalent to 10 meters of static water pressure. However, it is important to note that these ratings are based on laboratory tests, which do not always reflect real life conditions. In real life conditions, your watch will also be subject to dynamic pressures, such as those caused by moving your arms through water or changes in temperature, which can then cause your watch to become subjected to pressure levels higher than just those exerted by depth alone. Subsequently, this can lead to your watch exceeding its recommended limits and cause problems with its water resistance. This is why often we recommend a 100m/ 10 ATM or greater watch for water sports and why a 30m watch is only suitable for everyday tasks.
Common water resistance ratings include:
30m (3 ATM): Suitable for everyday activities such as washing your hands, and light rain. Not recommended for swimming or submersion.
50m (5 ATM): The watch can handle brief submersion and swimming in shallow water, but still not ideal for extensive water activities.
100m (10 ATM): Suitable for swimming and snorkelling. This is a good choice for more active water sports, but not for diving.
200m (20 ATM) and beyond: These watches are built to withstand significant pressure. Ideal for professional marine activity, serious surface water sports, and scuba diving.
