Let’s dispel the myth and settle the water-resistant vs. waterproof watch debate right now.
If you’ve ever been duped by a supposedly “waterproof” watch, you’re not alone. There’s a lot of confusion between the terms, with one being more misleading than the other. Keep reading to find out which label matters more when it comes to authenticity and expert watchmaking.
What Does Watch Water Resistance Mean?
Water resistance, which is a more commonly used term in professional watchmaking, is the ability of a timepiece to resist the penetration of water, up to a certain point.
Every watch is made up of a complex system of mechanics. When any liquid penetrates those mechanisms via submersion, exposure to sweat, or other means, they are damaged. To make these mechanics resistant to this type of damage, watchmakers use a special type of gasket to seal entryways to the timepiece’s core. These gaskets can work up to certain water pressure levels, preventing damage and allowing for the “water resistant” label.
Your Timex® goes through rigorous testing protocols to ensure expert durability. You can also minimize damage by not pulling out its crown or by avoiding pressing its buttons while submerged. These protections make your piece water resistant, not “waterproof” – keep reading to learn why.
“Waterproof” Watch Meaning in the Industry
The term “waterproof” isn’t used often in the industry because it’s actually pretty misleading. Around 1996, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) banned the use of this term because of its deceptive nature in advertising.
No item can completely claim to be immune from damage, especially when it comes to use cases like deep sea diving. Great levels of deep sea pressure can still cause damage to your watch’s basic anatomy, letting liquids leak through its intricate mechanics and causing irreparable damage.
But while completely waterproof time pieces don’t exist, there are still many types of water resistant ones. To understand how these types work, check out the breakdowns in these next few tables.
Understanding Water Resistance Ratings
All Timex watches come with their own water resistance ratings that indicate the kinds of activities you can expose them to, along with how well they can withstand this type of pressure. One with a 30 meter (30m) or 3 atmosphere (3 ATM) rating, for example, can withstand light activities, while one with a 200 meter (200m) or 20 atmosphere (20 ATM) rating can withstand heavier activities.
Check out this table for a simple breakdown of these ratings:
Water Resistance Ratings Table
|
RATING |
DESCRIPTION |
|
30m (3 ATM) |
splashes, rain, hand-washing |
|
50m (5 ATM) |
surface swimming, light showering |
|
100m (10 ATM) |
swimming, shallow snorkeling |
|
200m (20 ATM) |
Recreational scuba diving |
|
300m+ (30+ ATM) |
professional scuba diving |
Timex watches also follow certain parameters set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), listed below:
ISO Standards
|
RATING |
DESCRIPTION |
|
ISO 22810 |
general water resistance |
|
ISO 6425 |
dive watches |
If you see an ISO rating on your specs and features, then you can expect your timepiece to meet the standards listed above.
How Water Resistance Ratings Apply in Everyday Life
Water resistant watches are built to handle wet conditions up to a certain point but still require care, especially when used in real-world situations like swimming, diving, and other outdoor activities.
It’s also important to note that these ratings don’t always translate to literal depths. Using your timepiece in ways that exceed its limit can cause damage, and salt water can actually harm it – so be sure to wipe down or rinse yours with fresh water after exposure to the sea.
Choosing the Right Watch for Your Lifestyle
Looking for the right timepiece for your activities and lifestyle? Here are some ways to choose the best one based on their ratings and your personal needs:
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Casual, everyday use or as a gift: Whether you’re looking for something classic to wear or to give to a loved one, a timepiece from the Waterbury collection can serve as an excellent everyday accessory. Watches from this collection range between 50m to 100m, meaning they can easily survive splashes, rain, light handwashing or showering, and surface swimming.
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Outdoor hikes and adventures: A timepiece from the Expedition collection could be perfect for you if you want something that can accompany you throughout your lifestyle of mountain hikes and nature explorations. Watches from this collection boast ratings up to 100m, making them the best partners for the rugged outdoors.
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Water-ready durability: A timepiece from the Deepwater collection features 200m of water resistance, giving you added confidence for swimming, active days, and everyday adventures near the water.
Choosing the Best Water Resistant Watch For You
Enjoy durability and style both in and out of the water when you confidently choose the best timepiece for your lifestyle. Make sure to check out Timex’s exciting selection of diver-inspired watches.
