How waterproof is your watch?

 

We all have been there. You have your luxury timepiece and wonder if it’s safe to shower with it, let alone go for a swim. The watch says “Waterproof to 100m”, but we still have our doubts. How does it actually work?

Water Resistance Ratings

Water resistance is measured in meters (m) or atmospheres (ATM), indicating how deep the watch can be submerged without risking water damage. The usual ratings include:

 

30 meters (3 ATM): Splash resistant, suitable for everyday use.

50 meters (5 ATM): Can withstand brief swimming and showering.

100 meters (10 ATM): Ideal for swimming and snorkelling, but not diving.

200 meters (20 ATM) and above: Perfect for professional diving.

 

The higher the rating, the more robust the watch's design against water ingress.

 

Photo Source: Phigora

Key Features

Luxury watches achieve waterproofness through these features:

 

Seals and Gaskets: Made of rubber or silicone, these components prevent water from entering the watch, placed between the case back, crystal, and crown.

 

Screw-down Crown: This design creates a tighter seal when the crown is screwed into the case, significantly reducing the chance of water ingress.

 

Case Material: Durable materials like stainless steel and titanium improve waterproof capabilities.

 

Sapphire Crystal: High-quality sapphire crystal provides scratch resistance and contributes to the watch's integrity.

 

Photo Source: Tag Heuer

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is very important for ensuring waterproofness. Seals can degrade over time, so it’s better to have the watch tested for water resistance at least every year.

 

To have it tested, we advise you to visit a service centre.