Waterproof Watches

Water Resistance Guide

There is often confusion on what the stated water resistance of watches actually mean. Does a watch with '50 metres' as the water resistance mean you can dive with it as deep as 50 metres? No, you cannot - as it actually refers to static pressure and not the actual depth of water it can be used in. This is a common misconception.

50 metres refers to the pressure experienced if it was static at a depth of 50 metres. When the watch moves the pressure rises well above a static pressure of 50 metres. 50 metres of static water pressure is easily achieved even in shallow depths. Consequently, a 50 metres watch should not be used for diving, however it can be immersed in water.

Please refer to the water resistancy guidelines below of accordingly rated watches.

Water resistant: Splash proof only - it can withstand slight splashes and rain, but is NOT to be immersed in water.

30 metres/ 3 ATM: Splash proof and waterproof in small amounts of water

50 metres/ 5 ATM: Can be submerged in water. Suitable for swimming, but not guaranteed to be resistant to jumping into the pool.

100 metres / 10 ATM: Suitable for swimming and shallow diving

200 metres / 20 ATM: Suitable for diving - not deep sea.

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