What Your Watch Water Resistance Numbers Really Mean

If your watch says it's water resistant up to 30 meters, that means you can dive with it down to 30 meters, right? Wrong. You can destroy your watch that way. Though the dial or back of the case may give you a number, that number probably doesn't refer to in-use scenarios, or is a reflection of a standardized water resistance classification. When in doubt, always err towards the dry side.

Water Resistant or Waterproof

If your watch doesn't say it's water resistant, treat it as if it's a piece of paper. Water can do terrible things to it. If it does mention a vague sort of water resistance, still avoid getting it wet. A splash will be okay, but definitely not a good idea to go for a dip or shower with it on — especially since a hot shower's steam can do even more horrible things to your watch's seals than water.

Water Resistant 30 Meters / 3 Atmospheres / 3 Bar

If your watch claims to be water resistant to 30 meters, it actually means it's just splash resistant. It does NOT mean the watch will be fine if you bring it 30 meters below sea level. While it's certainly possible that your watch could survive an extremely brief trip under very careful conditions in extremely still water, you probably shouldn't roll the dice.

Water Resistant 50 Meters / 5 Atmospheres / 5 Bar

So you've got a watch with 50 meters of water resistance. Congratulations, you are hereby allowed to swim with it. However, you should minimize exposure to the water and probably still take it off. And by no means whatsoever should you dive with your watch. 50 meters of depth will not do it any favors.

Water Resistant 100 Meters / 10 Atmospheres / 10 Bar

This is snorkeling territory. A watch with 100 meters of water resistance has no problem hanging out in the water for a while, and will even be fine on an extended snorkeling excursion. Diving, however, should still be out of the question.

Water Resistant 200 Meters / 200 Atmospheres / 20 Bar

Though it might seem like it, this actually isn't dive watch territory. While 200 meters seems like a ton of leeway to scuba dive with, even down 10 meters, it's probably best not to risk it. But by all means, do some laps in the pool with these on. But only push the buttons with your wrist above water.

Water Resistant 300 Meters / 300 Atmospheres / 30 Bar

This is the dive watch territory, even though it hasn't been certified to the ISO 6425 standard. Go get wet.

Diver's or ISO 6425

If your watch has "ISO 6425" or "Divers" and then a depth number written on the dial or case, you've got a watch designed for diving and certified up to a standard — unlike watches without ISO markings. This ISO standard means the watch is guaranteed by the manufacturer to handle depths of at least 100 meters (if no number is given) as well as an extra 25 percent of that depth if the water is completely static. Additionally, watches that measure up to this standard have significant shock, magnetic, and salt water tolerance, and provide an indication that it's running in total darkness. If you're going to go deep, go with one of these watches.

And remember, if your watch is vintage or you haven't checked your seals in a few years, all bets are off until you get your watch checked. Because this will happen.