Admit it – your watch is a part of you. You wear it everywhere, and never really think of taking it off. Hey, with the investment made for that shiny Rolex or Cartier, why would you ever remove it? Exposing your timepiece to water damage, however, can ruin it all. Let’s go over some basic knowledge to help you prepare for wet encounters.
First off, let’s address the difference between water resistant and waterproof. In reality, no watch is completely water “proof.” In fact, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) prohibits manufacturers from even using the term “waterproof.” Instead, the ISO has developed a rating system to determine the resistance level for watches. Watches that meet the ISO’s standard for water resistance must meet a variety of characteristics, including resistance to water when immersed in water, function of moveable parts (the buttons and crown) when submerged, resistance to condensation, and ability to withstand different temperature and pressures. The ISO also developed a series of standards to classify divers’ watches, which follows the same tests for ordinary timepieces only with higher resistance levels for each quality.
In addition to the standard “water resistant” certification, most watches will also receive a resistance rating. Basic watches that meet resistance level standards should be able to withstand depths up to 100 meters. This resistance level allows a watch to be worn in the shower, while washing dishes, and even while swimming. For those looking to go a bit deeper with low-depth SCUBA diving, look for a watch with a rating to 200 meters. Even though you may not ever dive to depths over 100 meters, always overestimate the depth for your watch’s resistance level. The caveat with watch certifications, of course, is that the timepiece will almost certainly behave differently in real-world situations compared to lab tests. Keep this overestimate in mind as you examine watches with various resistance ratings. More high-end diving watches are able to withstand depths over 1000 meters, far surpassing the maximum diving depth for most recreational divers.
Aside from the water resistance level, there are several other qualities to take into consideration for a diving watch. When heading down into the deep abyss, seeing the face of your watch becomes an issue. Opt for a watch face fit with Superluminova and you’ll see the markers and hands illuminated even in the darkest waters. Along with the markers and hands, pick a watch with a unidirectional and easy to read bezel – you’ll need to keep track of how long you’ve been underwater! Also examine the crown of your watch. Many divers choose off-center crowns for their ease of use while underwater. Some crowns are fitted with a helium release valve to allow for manual or automatic adjustment to pressure as you dive deeper.
Lastly, whether looking for a diving watch or basic wrist watch, pick a band that can handle your water levels. Leather bands, as a rule, will not take water well while metal bands typically don’t offer much adjustability should you need to fit the strap over a wetsuit. For optimal performance, pick a rubber strap. The rubber will offer some flexibility to handle different pressure, is easily adjustable, and extremely durable to water wear. Be careful to pick a band with a solid clasp so you don’t run the risk of losing your watch underwater.
Above all, never take a watch into a hot tub or jacuzzi. The hot temperatures of the water will destroy the rubber seal inside the watch, letting water flood inside.
PHOTO CREDIT: Rolex
