The definition of water resistance:
On my new watch it is indicated that it is water resistant, but what exactly does it mean? And how can I cure a water resistant watch? A sharp watch as water resistant, without depth indication is designed to withstand accidental splashes of water. It is advisable to never immerse it in water.
The depth always more acceptable, normally reported in meters, usually indicate higher levels of water resistance. Actually these depths (and the pressure) correspond to the watch seal limits in the static test conditions in the laboratory. When in motion, that is, under all normal conditions of use, the pressure to which is submitted the watch can also be significantly higher than that generated by simple immersion depth.
There are a variety of different ways to make a water resistant watch. All watches of this type use rings "O" or rubber gaskets to seal the back of the case. A watch with a back side with the screws on the case provides a higher degree of tightness. Some crowns (the "winding stem") in screw reality in the specific case, increase the water resistance even more.
Precautions needed in terms of water resistance:
- - Never activate the chronograph buttons under water or when the watch is wet. The same principle also applies to rotating bezels.
- - Do not pull out and handle ever a crown under water or when the watch is wet (and in the case of a simple crown or a screw down crown).
- - If your watch has a screw down crown, make sure it is locked before using the watch in the aquatic environment. The same applies to the screw buttons.
- - Never try to personally open the case.
- - If appears under the glass of water or condensate, entrusted as soon as the watch to a watchmaker.
- - Never use the watch during a hot shower, a Jacuzzi or a hot tub. The high temperatures of the water and the water vapor generated can dilate the rubber seals and to display the condensate.
- - Under no circumstances should you wear the watch during the execution of dives in the water, as the impact produces a much higher pressure to the watch kept the same limits and in any case is an injury to avoid.
General Directive for water resistance levels:
- - Not water resistant: The watch must not come into contact with water.
- - Water Resistant: The watch can withstand humidity, accidental splashes and sweating (minimum standard ISO 22810).
- - Water Resistant 30 meters (3 Bar): The watch can withstand a light rain and hand washing (ISO 22810).
- - Water Resistant 50 meters (5 bar): The watch can be worn in the shower, in the bath and a quiet swimming (ISO 22810).
- - Water Resistant 100 meters (10 bar): The watch can be worn while snorkeling and diving at shallow depths (ISO 22810).
- - Water Resistant 200 meters (20 bar): The watch can be worn during deep sea diving without air tanks (ISO 22810).
- - Diver 100 or 150 meters: The watch can be worn during professional scuba diving (minimum standard ISO 6425).
- - Diver 200 or 300 meters: The watch can be worn during professional scuba diving (ISO 6425).
- - Diver 300 meters (or more) in saturation: The watch can be worn during professional saturation diving with helium gas (ISO 6425).
The watch manufacturers use different terms to measure water resistance and indicate the watches:
- - ATM (Atmosphere), where 1 ATM it is equal to 10 meters.
- - Bar, where 1 bar is equivalent to 10 meters.
Graph of water resistance: