+86-755-28192285
sales@gotopwatches.com
Language
In the minds of many watch buyers, "waterproof" and "water-resistant" are often used interchangeably, but this is a common misconception. However, when it comes to watches, it is crucial to understand the difference between these two terms.
The term "waterproof" can be misleading due to its absolute nature. Only a few watches that can maintain a seal under the pressure and conditions of the deepest ocean exploration can be called "waterproof". The rest of the watches must be referred to as "water-resistant", but there are also different levels of water resistance.
This article will cover how to determine if a watch is "water-resistant", the water resistance levels of watches, and the activities suitable for each level.
As mentioned above, only a few watches are actually fully waterproof, so unless you're going to the depths of the Mariana Trench, you only need to look at the water resistance level of the watch.
Most watches display their water resistance level somewhere, whether it's on the dial or the back of the watch (look for meters or ATM labels).ATM stands for "atmospheres", with eachATM equivalent to 10 meters of water resistance (i.e. 10 ATM = 100M).
While some may think that a water resistance level of 30 meters is sufficient for snorkeling, the water resistance level does not indicate the exact depth at which the watch starts to leak. So, let's take a closer look at the differences between each water resistance level.
1 ATM - Almost no water resistance, don't even sneeze on it.
3 ATM - Suitable for splashes, but not for immersing or experiencing extreme temperature
changes.
5 ATM - Can withstand showers and quick immersion.
10 ATM - Suitable for surfing, swimming, and repeated immersion.
10 ATM + Screw-Down Crown - Considered waterproof for all practical purposes.
20 ATM - Waterproof, suitable for extreme diving.
30 ATM - Waterproof, suitable for depths beyond the ordinary.
100 ATM - Are you a deep-sea adventurer? If not, no need to worry.
Watches undergo various tests to determine these ratings. Water-resistant quartz watches undergo two major tests:
Gas Ingress Test: The watch is placed in a pressurized chamber, and pressure changes are used to detect tiny holes in the sealing gasket.
5 ATM Actual Water Pressure Test: The watch is submerged and subjected to a pressure of 5 ATM, then removed and heated to check for any signs of moisture inside the watch case.
It's important to note that while watches are tested before leaving the factory, the components that make them waterproof can wear out over time. This is why regular maintenance of the watch is crucial to prevent accidental water ingress due to deteriorating seals or crown leakage.
If you want to know what activities your watch's water resistance rating is suitable for, here's a handy list:
5 ATM
Handwashing
Showering
Playing water sports
10 ATM
The same as 5 ATM, plus:
Swimming
Surfing
Rowing
30 ATM
The same as 10 ATM, plus:
Snorkeling
Diving
Now that you have a deeper understanding of the water resistance of affordable quartz watches, we hope you can wear your watch with more confidence during outdoor activities. Remember, proper usage and regular maintenance are key to maintaining the watch's water resistance!
