Is my watch waterproof? Here's what you need to know before you take it into the water.

Many people think "waterproof" means you can swim or shower with any watch. Unfortunately, that's a misconception. The term "waterproof" is almost never officially used in the watch world. Instead, water resistance is often referred to with a specific designation, such as meters (m), atmospheres (ATM), or bar. But what does that mean for your watch?

Waterproof vs. water resistant

No watch is 100% waterproof under all conditions. Even watches designed for professional diving have limitations. Manufacturers therefore use the term water- resistant and indicate the depth or pressure to which the watch has been tested.

For example, a watch rated 30 meters water resistant doesn't mean you can actually dive to 30 meters with it. The stated value is based on the pressure in a test environment and not on real-world conditions such as movement, temperature changes, or the impact of water sports.

The most common water resistance ratings

• 30 meters / 3 ATM / 3 bar : resistant to splashes, rain, and hand washing. Not suitable for swimming.
• 50 metres / 5 ATM / 5 bar : suitable for showering or taking a short bath, but not for swimming.
• 100 meters / 10 ATM / 10 bar : suitable for swimming, snorkeling and water sports on the surface of the water.
• 200 metres / 20 ATM / 20 bar or more : suitable for professional diving.

For those venturing into the deep, diving watches are the perfect choice. These models often meet the ISO 6425 standard, meaning they've been extensively tested for water pressure, shock, saltwater corrosion, and underwater readability.

How do you know if your watch is water resistant?

On the back of the watch case or in the manual, you'll usually find the unit of measurement in ATM, bar, or meters. Models like military watches and sports watches often have clearly stated specifications because they are designed for active use.

Tips to maintain water resistance

Even a watch that's perfectly water-resistant when new can leak over time if the seals (rubbers) dry out or become damaged. Therefore, have your watch checked regularly, especially if it comes into frequent contact with water. Also, avoid contact with hot water or steam, such as in a sauna, as this can damage the seals.

Waterproof? Also consider the material used.

Not only the gaskets, but also the type of crystal and case material play a role. Watches with stainless steel or titanium cases often last longer in humid conditions than models with cheaper materials or a leather strap.

Discover all the water-resistant watches in our collection and make the right choice.