Water resistance as promoted can be misleading.

[watchmatic]

Instructions I have read state that if a watch is labeled to be water resistant to 30 or 50 meters you cannot even swim under water with it. I wonder why a more informative system has not yet been adopted. Anyone has a good explanation for using such a misleading classification?

[Harlequin]

Instructions I have read state that if a watch is labeled to be water resistant to 30 or 50 meters you cannot even swim under water with it. I wonder why a more informative system has not yet been adopted. Anyone has a good explanation for using such a misleading classification?

Hi Watchmatic,

I agree that Water Resistance classification Can seem misleading, although I don't believe it is designed to be so.
There are many factors that would contribute to a water resistance rating including Test Readings under water pressure at different depths.

But, since I believe that there is no such thing as a WaterProof watch ( some might argue ?)
I use my own simple way of determining where I'm taking MY watch.

If the watch in question does NOT have a Screw Down Crown, it stays on land.
Unless the watch has a Screw Down Case Back...it stays on land.
Pushers on a Chrony are NOT Screw Down....yep....stays on land.
All things are Screw Down and the watch is rated 100 meters.....in the shower...OK.
Rated 200 meters and all Screwed Down.......OK...Pool
Rating above 200 Meters ?? I'm too frightened to reach that depth , but should be O K for a Dive although, it's a personal thing with me.

In my mind, Water Resistant means , If you get rained on, and your watch does too, dry it and yourself off quickly and you'll probably be OK.
There are watch Gurus here that will give you a better explanation I'm sure

Good Luck & Stay Dry ,
bob

[dond]

I agree with Bob's guidelines. They are pretty good common sense.

If you want to look at the official ISO guidelines, see Water Resistant mark - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

The real reason why 50 meters water resistance does not equal 50 meters depth (in theory) has to do with the pressures that occur as your arm takes a stroke in the water. I note the (in theory) because there is a bit of controversy as to the validity of that.

As with anything, erring to the side of a little safety never hurts.

[silent sam]

All water resistance class tests are static tests. Moving water (or water's resistance against an object moving in water) creates higher water pressures. So if you are diving, swimming, or are resisting a strong current or flow, then the watch you are wearing is likely to be subjected to water pressures higher than that caused by depth alone (atmospheric pressure.) Even a strong blast of water from a hose can challenge the WR rating on some watches.

I advice anyone who gets their watches frequently wet to go with a WR rating of at least 20 atmospheres (200 meters). Activities like fishing or canoeing etc. can lead to water damage if the watch has too low a WR rating. I also advice folks to always check all the crowns and pushers on their watches before they wear them. An unsecured crown or pusher is the number one cause of water damage.

I also advise anyone who has an inexpensive diver or sport watch to have the seals tested if they intend to actually wear the watch while partaking in any water sports. QC is not as stringent as it could be for some brands. It is also impossible to prove how water got into a damaged watch. Once the damage is done, so is the warranty. Check first. If the seals are going to fail, it is best they do so during the test. It is relatively inexpensive insurance. (Some shops will test a newly purchased watch no charge as a service.)

[2156]

You know I'd really like to see that collection of 150 Invicta watches you got.

[silent sam]

Does this mean we are going to be buddies?

[2156]

I would just like to see that large of a collection. I'd also like to see those 5 broken watches you have that Invicta won't fix.

[silent sam]

You didn't answer the question.

[2156]

Sure pal, now were buddies.

[silent sam]

Oh lord Jesus protect me.