harb
04-29-2009, 08:47 AM
WATERPROOF OR WATER RESISTANT WATCHES
Proof against water? Resistant against water? Let's try and shed some light on the subject.
Although the term waterproof is still used indeed some of us may still wear watches with this term indicated on the dial and case, water-resistance is the term universally preferred. It need not have a screw back to be resistant to water. A well made watch case with a well fitting glass, a tight snap back and a good case and crown washer could be suitable for everyday use, including showering and occasional swimming.
It is better not to use the crown or push crowns if the watch is wet and certainly not whilst immersed in water unless the watch's instruction manual suggests it. The seals in crowns, push buttons and case backs can wear and a watch worn every day can have a fine crack in its glass that is not always apparent to the naked eye. When your watch needs a new battery, or cleaning and re-oiling if it's a mechanical movement, any good waterproof tester should indicate the fault.
* Before immersing a watch in water one should always check that the crowns or push crowns are fully pushed or screwed home.
* It is also a good idea to rinse the watch in clean running water after swimming, or any other activity, to avoid contaminants drying on the surface of the watch case.
A well sealed watch will transmit your body warmth to the air inside your watch and if you suddenly plunge into colder water the sudden cooling on the outside of the watch can cause condensation to form, normally as a mist of small droplets under the glass. This will normally evaporate after some time of wearing, or if the watch is placed near to a radiator or similar heat source. If it doesn't the watch should be returned for inspection.
To arrive at measurable levels of water resistance watch cases are subjected to static laboratory tests. Obviously when worn watches undergo many different strains and stresses and nowhere is that more marked than in high impact water sports, scuba diving etc. To avoid water damage to your watch, don't shower or swim with a watch unless you are certain the watch has been independently tested. Do you really need to know the time when you are showering or taking an invigorating dip at your local pool?
STANDARD LEVELS OF CASE PROTECTION AND SUGGESTED USAGE
- 3 Bar/30 Metres/3 Atmospheres/98 Feet
General everyday use. Not suitable for swimming
- 5 Bar/50 metres/5 Atmospheres/164 Feet
Everyday use including recreational swimming but not water sports and diving
- 10 Bar/100 metres/10 Atmospheres/328 Feet
Everyday use, including most swimming activities but not recommended for sub aqua diving
- 20 Bar/200 metres/20 Atmospheres/656 feet
Everyday use and suitable for all high impact water sports and scuba diving not requiring helium gas
- Over 30 Bar/30 metre/30 Atmospheres/984 Feet
Everyday use (if you don't mind carrying it on your wrist all day!) and suitable for all water sports including saturation diving.
Proof against water? Resistant against water? Let's try and shed some light on the subject.
Although the term waterproof is still used indeed some of us may still wear watches with this term indicated on the dial and case, water-resistance is the term universally preferred. It need not have a screw back to be resistant to water. A well made watch case with a well fitting glass, a tight snap back and a good case and crown washer could be suitable for everyday use, including showering and occasional swimming.
It is better not to use the crown or push crowns if the watch is wet and certainly not whilst immersed in water unless the watch's instruction manual suggests it. The seals in crowns, push buttons and case backs can wear and a watch worn every day can have a fine crack in its glass that is not always apparent to the naked eye. When your watch needs a new battery, or cleaning and re-oiling if it's a mechanical movement, any good waterproof tester should indicate the fault.
* Before immersing a watch in water one should always check that the crowns or push crowns are fully pushed or screwed home.
* It is also a good idea to rinse the watch in clean running water after swimming, or any other activity, to avoid contaminants drying on the surface of the watch case.
A well sealed watch will transmit your body warmth to the air inside your watch and if you suddenly plunge into colder water the sudden cooling on the outside of the watch can cause condensation to form, normally as a mist of small droplets under the glass. This will normally evaporate after some time of wearing, or if the watch is placed near to a radiator or similar heat source. If it doesn't the watch should be returned for inspection.
To arrive at measurable levels of water resistance watch cases are subjected to static laboratory tests. Obviously when worn watches undergo many different strains and stresses and nowhere is that more marked than in high impact water sports, scuba diving etc. To avoid water damage to your watch, don't shower or swim with a watch unless you are certain the watch has been independently tested. Do you really need to know the time when you are showering or taking an invigorating dip at your local pool?
STANDARD LEVELS OF CASE PROTECTION AND SUGGESTED USAGE
- 3 Bar/30 Metres/3 Atmospheres/98 Feet
General everyday use. Not suitable for swimming
- 5 Bar/50 metres/5 Atmospheres/164 Feet
Everyday use including recreational swimming but not water sports and diving
- 10 Bar/100 metres/10 Atmospheres/328 Feet
Everyday use, including most swimming activities but not recommended for sub aqua diving
- 20 Bar/200 metres/20 Atmospheres/656 feet
Everyday use and suitable for all high impact water sports and scuba diving not requiring helium gas
- Over 30 Bar/30 metre/30 Atmospheres/984 Feet
Everyday use (if you don't mind carrying it on your wrist all day!) and suitable for all water sports including saturation diving.