How Deep will your watch go?
Fifty meters, 3 ATM, 100 feet … we
often see these marks on the dials or backs of our watches, but do we really
know what they mean? Water resistance markings
are perhaps the most misleading information in the world of watches.
Let me start by including a chart that
shows what the actual markings mean:
ATM
|
FEET
|
METERS
|
USAGE
|
1
|
33
|
10
|
Protected
against accidental exposure to water. Washing Hands Ok.
|
3
|
100
|
30
|
Protected
against accidental exposure to water. Washing Hands Ok.
|
5
|
165
|
50
|
Watch
may be OK for swimming provided all gaskets are good.
|
10
|
330
|
100
|
Watch
is suitable for swimming and snorkeling.
|
15
|
500
|
150
|
Suitable
for swimming and submersion in water.
|
20
|
660
|
200
|
Suitable
for swimming and diving.
|
Most people believe that if their
watch is 10 meters water resistant then they can go up to 10 meters underwater. But this is simply not the case. A watch marked “10M Water Resistant” is not
suitable for submersion in water at all.
The watch can withstand the occasional splash, but should never be
submerged fully in water or worn in the shower. In fact, any watch less than 100
meters water resistant should not be worn while showering, swimming,
snorkeling, diving, or any other water intense activity.
Another commonly unknown fact is that
once a watch has its battery changed for the first time, the original factory
seal has been broken. This is why it’s important
to have your batteries changed by a professional watchmaker. A watchmaker will be able to recommend any
new gaskets that are needed to help keep it as water resistant as possible.
If you are a diver, or a person who
likes to swim with their watch, then it is important you mention to the
watchmaker that you would like to have your watch Pressure Sealed &Tested. Many places have to send watches
out for pressure seals, but Le Vive Jewelry has all the necessary tools and
expertise to do it same day. Keep in mind
that this procedure can only be done on watches with Screw Down Crowns, and may
require some additional gaskets to be changed.
So next time you’re buying a watch
be sure and compare its water resistance level to your intended use of the
watch. If you’re planning on swimming
with it then you’ll want a watch at least 100 meters resistant and with a screw down crown.
