Water resistance guide for watches

What does Water Resistant mean? How to tell if a watch is diving?

First, we want to start by distinguishing the three units of measurement of a watch's water resistance;

the water resistance of a watch is expressed in ATM (Atmospheres), BAR (unit of measurement for pressure) or Meters.

The water resistance of watches is usually indicated on the back of the watch,

this indication is generally referred to ideal and laboratory conditions of water resistance;

for example, when we take a dip in the pool or the sea, a less than ideal pressure is applied to the watch,

in the sense that due to various physical laws, the pressure received on the various parts of the watch is much higher

compared to the actual meters of depth we are at, so you have to be very careful when using the watches in the water,

because when water enters the movement (the clock mechanism), whether fresh or salt,

damage can be done which in some cases would be irreparable.

What is the difference between ATM / BAR / METERS? What do the values ​​expressed on the back of the watch mean?

In principle it is possible to make the measurements equivalent, in the sense that, as indicated in the waterproofing table below, the values ​​of water resistance often correspond:

30 meters / 3 ATM / 3 BAR Withstands small amounts of water, such as splashing or washing hands

50 meters / 5 ATM / 5 BAR Resistant to a short shower

100 meters / 10 ATM / 10 BAR Resistant to contact with water in sports activities, such as swimming

200 meters / 20 ATM / 20 BAR Suitable for diving

1000 meters / 100 ATM / 100 BAR Suitable for deep diving

So watch out! When your watch indicates that it resists up to 30 or 50 meters .. . It does not mean that with the watch you can dive up to thirty or fifty meters underwater.

In reality these figures indicate the barometric resistance of the watch, so to be able to dive or for intensive use in water or simply to dive into the sea with the watch ,

we recommend using watches with an indication of water resistance of at least 100 meters / 10 ATM / 10 BAR or higher.