What is a water-resistant watch?

Guides

What is a water-resistant watch?

Olivia Jones

Olivia’s main passion is fitness. She believes comfort and fashion can go hand in hand. According to her, even sports shoes can be stylish. A fashion watch complements her every outfit.

21 Aug 2021

The water resistance is one of the most practical functions of watches, which indicates how well a watch is sealed against the ingress of water. Thanks to water-resistant ratings, you know which models are resistant to splashes and which ones are suitable for bathing, swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving. What do the water-resistant ratings actually mean?

 

What are water-resistant ratings?

Each watch with a water resistant mark is water-resistant to some extent. The water-resistant rating tells to what extent the watch can be exposed to water. To put it another way, it indicates whether a watch can be immersed in water (and if so, to what depth) or just exposed to splashes coming from, for example, washing hands. Therefore, always read the information on water resistance carefully before buying a watch. Look for such descriptions as "50 metres", "10 ATM", or "3 Bar".

 

What does water resistance mean?

If you want to dive with a watch on, you should go for a watch whose water resistance rating is at least 200m (20 ATM / 20 Bar). If you want to swim with a watch on your wrist, however, choose a model whose water resistance rating is at least 100m (10 ATM / 10 Bar).

Watches with a water resistance of 50m (5 ATM / 5 Bar) are resistant to rain and suitable for bathing. Keep in mind that such models are resistant only to splashes, so they can be damaged by water entering into them. In other words, they allow for a little contact with water but not water immersion. A water resistance of 30m (3 ATM / 3 Bar), on the other hand, means the watch can withstand splashes of water. That’s why you can but you don't have to take the watch off while washing hands. Generally speaking, a watch of this class is quite vulnerable and preferably shouldn't be exposed to water at all.

WATER RESISTANCE RATINGS

 

Dive watch - the best companion for a diver

Diving is an increasingly popular sport. No wonder, because apart from its obvious advantages, this sport offers a completely unique experience. At the same time, regardless of whether the diving is amateur or professional, it requires special equipment. A dive watch is the perfect support for exploring the undersea world. It usually features a high water resistance (more than 20 ATM / 20 Bar), large cases that can withstand high water pressure and very clear indices and hands to make sure that the time can be read in all conditions.

Glycine Combat Sub 42 Automatic GL0086

One of the most popular dive watches is Glycine Combat Sub 42 Automatic GL0086. The watch features a dark, masculine colour. Its case is made of high-quality stainless steel and comes with a rotating bezel. The strap is 22 mm wide and is made of a comfortable fabric which is perfect for scuba diving. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating and is therefore very scratch-resistant. The hands and indices are coated with Super Lumi-Nova, so that the time can be read at any time, regardless how dark it is.

Glycine Combat Sub 42 Automatic GL0086

 

Seiko Prospex Diver Solar SNE547P1

The combination of a stylish design and high functionality is a characteristic feature of Seiko Prospex Diver Solar SNE547P1. This product features a black steel case on a green silicone strap, which is very easy to keep clean. Moreover, the dial is covered with a hardened mineral crystal (Hardlex), which is the best type of crystal for dive watches. On the dial, next to hands and indices (coated with Super-LumiNova technology), there is a practical date display. The device is equipped with the Seiko V157 solar movement, which requires sunlight to work.

Seiko Prospex Diver Solar SNE547P1

 

Balticus Stardust Automatic GP-S

Balticus Stardust Automatic GP-S is a dive watch with a unique design. Its case is 42 mm wide and comes with a black bracelet made of stainless steel. The dial is made of aventurine and that’s why it perfectly imitates a starry night sky. This look is suitable for both everyday meetings and official events. Thanks to a water resistance of 200 metres, the watch is suitable for swimming and snorkelling.

Balticus Gwiezdny Pył Automatic GP-S

 

Yema Superman Bronze Bordeaux YSUPZ2019D-AZS

Yema Superman Bronze Bordeaux YSUPZ2019D-AZS was designed specially for water sports enthusiasts. It has a water-resistant rating of 200m and is suitable for scuba diving. The case is made of bronze and is on a green fabric strap with a yellow stitching, which adds an interesting urban style to the watch. The watch’s face is covered with a sapphire crystal that protects the dial from scratches. The watch is equipped with an automatic movement MBP100 with a 45-hour power reserve.

Yema Superman Bronze Bordeaux YSUPZ2019D-AZS

 

Oris Aquis Depth Gauge Automatic 01 733 7675 4754-SET RS

Oris Aquis Depth Gauge Automatic 01 733 7675 4754-SET RS is another interesting timepiece. It’s characterised by a stylish design and the use of high-quality materials. The watch features a round, steel case coated with diamond-like carbon (DLC). It comes with a yellow, rubber strap. The watch features an unidirectional rotating bezel made of tungsten carbide, a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, a date display and a Swiss automatic movement Oris 733 with 26 jewels. The model comes with a depth gauge, which tells divers how deep they are. The watch has a water resistance of 500 m, and that’s why it’s suitable for professional divers going down to great depths.

Oris Aquis Depth Gauge Automatic 01 733 7675 4754-SET RS

 

Choose a watch with a water-resistance rating according to your needs

Before purchasing a watch, think about the situations where you’re going to use it. Are you going to dive with a watch on or just wear it with elegant clothes? Once you have determined your needs, it’ll be easier for you to choose the right watch. Check out our website and find the perfect model tailored to your needs, not just in terms of water resistance.


Olivia Jones

Olivia’s main passion is fitness. She believes comfort and fashion can go hand in hand. According to her, even sports shoes can be stylish. A fashion watch complements her every outfit.