Summer brings infinite plans that involve swimming, boats or a number of other activities featuring a splash in one of its many forms. Besides the usual care that comes into play before plunging into the water, you need to ask yourself:
Is your watch water-resistant enough to be submerged? Discover how to identify water-resistance in timepieces, and learn the most common terms used to refer to this topic. This information is key when choosing the ideal
fine watchmaking piece, always taking into account the lifestyle of the person wearing it.
Watches and water-resistance in bars, ATM or metres
One of the features that defines a watch is its water-resistance, and more so during the summer, when we’re all quite keen for a swim. In order to talk about this accurately, we will need to use terms such as BAR, ATM and metres:
• ATM refers to atmosphere, and it equals ten metres of water depth.
• The term BAR is similar to ATM and it has the same water depth value.
• The letter M measures water-resistance in submerged metres.
The most common classification system for water-resistant watches is 3, 5, 10, 20 or 30 ATM/BAR. This means each of these has 30, 50, 100, 200 and 300 metres of water-resistance, respectively.
Although there are also fine watchmaking pieces with 100 ATM, conceived and designed for ultra-deep diving.
At first sight, it might seem like a watch with the mark ‘Water-resistant’ could be worn during any water activity. However, one must not only focus on that detail, but rather pay close attention to the specified number of
ATM/BAR or metres. Read on to find out what differentiates them.
1 ATM watches, not water-friendly
These watches are not quite water-proof and can only withstand the accidental splashes that happen during regular daily activities.
3-5 ATM watches, water-resistant for daily life
These timepieces tolerate more water and they are tight enough that they can withstand drops from an unexpected spot of rain, or your daily shower. However, it is advisable not to wear them if you like to wash with very
hot water. If they are anywhere near 5 ATM they could potentially endure a swimming session, as long as it’s short and at a surface leve.
10 ATM watches, now you can jump in
Because they can withstand up to 100 metres of water, these watch models can be worn during swimming and snorkelling. Those who enjoy these sports can still do them without worries while wearing a 10 ATM watches, such as the model
Omega Seamaster which endures up to 15 BAR or the piece
Tudor Black Bay Ceramic
que alcanza los 20 bares.
20-30 ATM watches for professional diving
If you are looking for a watch to dive with, the most advisable option is a timepiece with at least 15 ATM. Although if you are a diving enthusiast, the ideal course of action is to choose a watch with 20 ATM. Once we get to the range
between 30 and 100 ATM, watches have much more precise
tightness, like for example the
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean watch,
which has 600 M.
100 ATM watches for ultra-deep diving
Those who are extreme-diving enthusiasts will need a watch with this water-resistance, suitable for great depths and long submerged sessions.
Rules that ensure water-resistance in watches
Several tests must be done in a laboratory in order to determine how a watch withstands contact with water. The piece is placed under water pressure that slowly increases until reaching its water-resistance level.
These tests must comply with the ISO 2281 and ISO 6425 regulations, which determine the different types of water-resistance and the correct procedures to calculate them.
Water-resistance numbers aside, it is vital to understand that these pieces are not infallible, given that the seals are exposed to both natural ageing and wear. To ensure the tightness of the watch,
it is paramount to change the joints and seals every two or three years, or even sooner, if there are signs of damage. In any case, it is advisable to check and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each specific brand and model.
Some additional tips to prolong the water-resistance of your watch are:
• Check the crown is screwed in correctly before submerging.
• Never use the crown or pushers while under water.
• Always wash the timepiece with fresh water after diving in the sea to avoid rusting and to maintain the components in good shape.
At our
Relojería Alemana shops we can advise you about
the fine watchmaking piece that better adapts to what you are looking for.
Our experts can also service your watch to maintain its water-resistance for a long time. We are waiting for you in Mallorca!
