Watch water resistance
Many people want a water-resistant watch. No watch is completely waterproof, as it consists of many small components and seals. The manufacturer determines each model’s water resistance level. It is based on a pressure test and indicates how well the particular model is protected against water.
Water resistance is marked in pressure units, bar or atmospheres (ATM), or in metres (also feet on US products). Metres indicate the equivalent test pressure, not permitted diving depth: a watch marked 10 ATM or 100 m cannot be used to dive to 100 metres. In our online shop, most watches have their water resistance listed in ATM.
The table below shows situations in which different water resistance ratings usually permit use. Manufacturers’ instructions may differ, so always check your model’s manual.
| Marking | Handwashing, rain | Swimming | Snorkelling | Scuba diving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Splash-resistant, 3 ATM (30 m) | yes | no | no | no |
| 5 ATM (50 m) | yes | briefly, if permitted by the manual | no | no |
| 10 ATM (100 m) | yes | yes | yes | no |
| 20 ATM (200 m) | yes | yes | yes | no, unless it is a diver’s watch |
| Diver’s watch (ISO 6425, ‘Diver’s’) | yes | yes | yes | yes, according to the model’s manual |
Hot water, saunas and baths damage seals even on water-resistant watches, so take your watch off in these situations. Do not press the watch’s buttons underwater unless the manual permits it.
We explain water resistance in more detail, with a video, in the article water-resistant watches – watch water resistance explained. Each watch’s water resistance is listed under ‘Technical information’ on its product page.