A lot people use “water proof” and “water resistant” interchangeably, but they mean completely different things. A water resistant watch can withstand contact with water for a brief period of time, while a waterproof watch should be impervious to it.

With so many different water resistance ratings and terminology, it can be difficult to know whether a watch is truly waterproof or just water-resistant and water resistant vs waterproof watch. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between water resistant watches and waterproof watches. We’ll explain what each term means and how to determine which type of watch is suitable for your needs.By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of the difference between water-resistant watches and waterproof watches, so you can make an informed decision when purchasing a watch or creating your own watch brand.

Water Resistant watch

What does water resistant mean on a watch?

A watch that says “Water Resistant” means that it is humidity-protected. It can withstand the splash of washing hands or getting caught in the rain. However, being water resistance doesn’t mean you should wear a watch for swimming or bathing. Water is the watch’s worst enemy.

watch water resistance chart

The water resistance rating is usually expressed in meters, feet or atmospheric pressure (ATM) and indicates the maximum depth to which a watch can be kept in water without damage. The water resistance of a watch is usually expressed in meters (m), atmospheric pressure (ATM), or Bar. One ATM is equal to 10M. On the other hand, one Bar is equal to 1 ATM. Therefore, 10 Bar is equal to 100M and 10 ATM. What do these ratings mean?

3 BAR / 3 ATM / 30m

Your watch can withstand an accidental accidental splashes of water.You can also leave it in the shower ,but we recommend you do this only if the watch is new or has been recently resealed. This is because a watch’s water-resistant seal may deteriorate over time, especially if it is subjected to impacts or the waterproof rubber ring of the back of watch will deteriorate.

50M/ 5ATM/ 5Bar

You can submerge the watch, which is water resistant to 5 ATM, for a short time. However, it is not suitable for snorkeling, diving or strenuous swimming. It is only suitable for quick dips and showers.

100M/ 10ATM/ 10Bar

This rating is ideal for everyday wearers and sports watches. The watch is water resistant up to 100 meters, making it suitable for shallow water sports like snorkeling, swimming, and boating as well as frequent diving.10 ATM water resistance is the minimum water resistance requirement for a diving watch.

200M/ 20ATM/ 20Bar

Watches with a water resistance rating of 20 atm perform well in extremely deep environments.For shallow diving, jet skiing, and other high-impact water sports, these 200 meters watches are perfect.For high-grade waterproof e watches, the cases are generally made of 316L, 904L and other materials.

Waterproof watch meaning

The word “waterproof” means that the watch will not leak under any circumstances – no moisture will seep into the case and into the movement. In some cases, however, anything can leak.Therefore in the watch industry, we call the ability of the watch to resist water pressure.

Water resistant vs waterproof watch

These terms water resistant watch and waterproof watch are often used interchangeably even though they mean completely different things. Simply put, a waterproof watch can withstand contact for a certain period of time or under certain conditions, while a “waterproof” watch is theoretically supposed to be impermeable to water.

How do I know if a watch is waterproof？

You can check the water resistance rating of your watch by looking at the dial or the back of watch case. If your watch does not show water resistance, it is not water resistant.The rating indicates the maximum depth that the watch can be submerged in water without being damaged. For example, 5ATM water resistance can handle being submerged in water up to 50 meters deep. 50M Water Resistant: Wearable around pool, for swimming, sports, shallow water, but not for snorkeling or scuba diving.

Maintenance and Care

Proper maintenance and care are essential to ensure that your water-resistant or waterproof watch remains in good condition and performs as intended. Here are some tips to help you maintain your watch’s water resistance:

Avoid exposing your watch to extreme temperatures, such as hot showers or freezing water, as it can damage the watch’s seals and gaskets.

Rinse your watch with fresh water after exposure to saltwater or chlorinated water to prevent corrosion and buildup.

Don’t adjust the watch crown or pushers when it’s submerged in water, as it can cause water to enter the watch case.

Check the watch’s water resistance rating periodically and have it tested by a professional if you suspect any damage.

Avoid exposing your watch to chemicals, such as perfumes, lotions, or cleaning products, as they can damage the watch’s seals and gaskets.

It’s also essential to store your watch properly when it’s not in use. Keep it in a dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat, and store it with its crown in the locked position to prevent water from entering the case.

By following these maintenance and care tips, you can extend the lifespan of your water-resistant or waterproof watch and ensure that it remains functional and reliable over time.

Conclusion-water resistant vs waterproof

In summary, understanding the difference between water -resistant and waterproof watches and following proper maintenance and care tips can help you choose the right watch for your needs and ensure that it remains functional and reliable for years to come. So, be sure to consider the water resistance rating of a watch and the how to tell the difference between water resistant and waterproof before purchasing or start own watch brand. Especially if you are making a watch brand, it is important to know the difference between waterproof and water resistant to avoid being cheated. Some bad suppliers will say that their watches are waterproof structure, in fact, waterproof structure does not mean water resistant, because watches are not through the detection of waterproof instruments, so it is particularly important to find a real and reliable watch manufacturer. Every watch produced by watchessy has been tested by professional waterproof instruments, and every watch has achieved the corresponding waterproof degree.