Water Resistance Guide: How Water Resistant is Your Watch?
You may have heard a watch salesperson tell you enthuiastically that "this watch is water resistant to 30 meters." But what exactly does that mean? Can you wear it in the shower? Can you swim in it without damaging it?
This Water Resistance Guide tells you what water resistance numbers mean in practical terms.
Note that water resistance may be stated in meters, atmospheres (ATM) or feet. 1 ATM = 10 meters. 1 meter = 3.28 feet.
Water resistant to 30 meters (3 ATM) means...
You can splash this watch with water when you wash your hands or wear it in the rain. But take it off before using the shower or bath. And definitely don't swim in it.
Water resistant to 50 meters (5 ATM) means...
It's okay to expose this watch to some water. For example, you could wear it in the shower but don't soak it in the bath tub. Don't wear it swimming.
Water resistant to 120 meters (12 ATM) means...
This watch can be submerged in water. You can wear it while swimming, snorkeling, freediving or surfing. Nice watch!
Water resistant to 300 meters (30 ATM) means...
You can go deep sea diving in this watch. This is a serious watch. Congratulations. You are James Bond.
Of course, these are just general guidelines and you should always consult the manufacturer or your watch manual before getting it wet. The manufacturer knows your watch best.
just tell me? Can i go swimming in an ordinary pool with a 5atm watch?
Please?
kaela - Thursday, 3 March 2011, 04:55 GMT Massimo, there is no atmosphere under the water. ATM is a unit.
Underwater - Tuesday, 9 November 2010, 22:03 GMT 50m wateches are suitable for light swimming, but not underwater activity which require arms frequently like breastroke arm paddle.
Charles - Sunday, 20 December 2009, 23:17 GMT Is not true.
30 meters are 4 ATM.
1 ATM for each 10 meters + 1 ATM of atmosphere
Massimo - Tuesday, 20 January 2009, 22:10 GMT If you are going to be swimming in your watch I think you need a watch that has the type of crown that screws down and seals so water doesn't get in.
I also heard that if you have had the back off the watch, to change the battery for example, the watch might not be as waterproof as it originally was since the gasket might be damaged.
Ken UK - Monday, 24 November 2008, 11:20 GMT
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