Watch Water Resistance Explained

 

Water resistance is indicated using Bar (pressure), ATM (atmospheres), or meters. When a watch is described as water-resistant, the rating is often expressed in meters. In general, the higher the meter rating, the greater the level of water resistance.

However, the stated number of meters should not be interpreted literally as the actual diving depth. Instead, it indicates the amount of pressure the watch can withstand under standardized testing conditions.

For example, a watch with a water-resistance rating of 50 meters is not automatically suitable for swimming. It is generally intended only for everyday contact with water, such as showering.

A watch described simply as “water-resistant” without a specific depth or pressure rating is normally protected only against water splashes. If the watch becomes completely wet, it should be dried as soon as possible and, if necessary, inspected by a watchmaker.

Rating	Suitable for
Water-resistant	Protected against water splashes only
30 meters / 3 ATM / 3 BAR	Withstands small amounts of water, such as when washing your hands
50 meters / 5 ATM / 5 BAR	Suitable for showering
100 meters / 10 ATM / 10 BAR	Suitable for swimming and snorkeling
200 meters / 20 ATM or more / 20 BAR	Suitable for standard diving
1000 meters / 100 ATM / 100 BAR	Suitable for deep diving
IP67 / IP68	Water-resistance rating for electronic devices, such as smartwatches and wearables