What Does Water Resistant Mean?

Those who wear a watch know a fact that water is not good for their device. No matter what it is, a traditional watch or a smartwatch, keeping it away from water is highly recommended.

To prolong the lifespan of your devices, the manufacturers usually add a water-resistant feature to them. You can easily find out whether yours is water-resistant or not by looking at the back of it.

The question is:

Do you know what exactly the manufacturers indicate by some particular marking ways?

Well, it’s most likely that you will feel those markings such as “water resistance to 50M” but can’t tell what exactly it means. The thing is it is quite important for you to fully understand this if you want to purchase an appropriate watch.

That’s why I am going to show you how to read the markings regarding the water-resistant feature. You will find it easy to know what the term “water-resistant” means.

1. Various ways to indicate the water-resistant rating

As mentioned above, a common practice is marking the suggested depth.

For instance:

When a watch is marked “water resistance to 50M”, this means that your device can endure the maximum pressure of water at the depth of 50 meters.

It is a bit hard for you to test the measurement of your device in a real experiment. But you can imagine that if your watch is dragged down to the sea and finally lies at the depth of 50 meters, you can bet that it is still totally fine.

But it’s not that simple:

In general, the water hardly stands still which changes the pressure on the watch. Also, when you wear the watch and dive into the water, the moving of your arms also have an impact on the pressure. Typically, those two factors can add more pressure to your device while you are in the water.

Another way of showing the water-resistance is using BAR. This is basically a more reliable indicator in comparison to the way mentioned above.

A useful tip for you to read this one:

Remember that 1 bar is equal to 10 meters. Therefore, if your watch is marked 5 bar, you can infer that means it can endure the pressure of water at 100 meters

Also, you need to know that only the watches with over 10 bar is water-resistant enough for swimming or diving. Any of those less than 10 bar is intended only for activities in the humid or wet but not too heavily-compressed environment.

2. Water resistance doesn’t mean the immunity to water threats

It seems that it doesn’t make any sense, right?

Well, although it is water-resistant, there remains some ways for water to pass the protective surface and get into your watch. Once exposed to water, the damage is nearly unavoidable.

So what can you do to prevent this risk?

Well, you should always remember to lock the screw down crown before getting your watch exposed to water. If yours doesn’t have that special crown, you’d better keep your watch stay away from water as much as possible.

3. The vitality of the screw down parts

In addition to having the water-resistant rating from 10 bar and up, a watch must be equipped with a screw down crown. It is a small component which is put on the case of your watch. Some traditional watches even have other things such as a pusher and a gem crystal.

You may say that I am too demanding but. But, wearing a watch in the water means you put it under a considerable number of threats. The more shields your watch is equipped, the less risky it gets in the water.

Trust me, you can’t be too careful!

4. Water-resistant vs. waterproof

Many are confused about the difference between these two terms. Well, it’s not that complicated.

First, what is called waterproof doesn’t mean that it is totally shielded from water. It only indicates that the moisture from outside can’t get inside the watch case and deteriorate the device.

Thus, if put under the favorable conditions, water still can find a way into the watch.

In fact, the capability of enduring water is related to that of resisting the pressure that water can cause. And this is the water-resistance that I mentioned above, click here to find out more

Final Thoughts

Keep in mind that,

The last thing you want to do with your watch is letting water get inside the case. Always watch out your watch and protect it from the water.

When I’m talking about water, the swimming pool or a coastal water you may dive into are not the only things to be careful with.

You need to stay away from the moisture, too. Don’t ever underestimate the deterioration of this condition. Just a tiny splash of water can cause some unpredictable damages to your watch.

It’s even worse as this kind of damage is typically not covered by the warranty!

If you notice some suspicious signs on your watch, you need to take it to the repair shop as quickly as possible.

Once water gets into the case, only the well-trained professionals can handle it and make sure that your device is saved in time. I hope what I shared today is helpful for you. If you have any questions, let me know on the comment below. I will reply as soon as possible!

Leave a Comment
