The knowledge of water resistance of watches is basic watch knowledge, which is very important for every brand or buyer, if you don’t know, don’t say you know watches!
First of all, water enters from the glass, the back cover, and the crown, so we should pay great attention when we wear it;
Secondly, there are about 3 levels of water resistance, 3-5atm is the basic waterproof, which we call life waterproof, that is, there is no problem to wear and used in our daily life, most of the watches on the market are in this level of waterproof, followed by 10-20ATM, waterproof for outdoor activities, and again is 30ATM, waterproof for deep-sea diving. When you talk about the waterproof with your suppliers, 3ATM, 5ATM, 10ATM, 20ATM, or 30ATM is enough.
Finally, please keep in mind that a watch is waterproof but not steam-proof.
Most buyers or sellers don’t know the wterproof knowledge, if you have too little knowledge about the said trend, you will ealily damaged your watches, so continue readingthis short, simple guide on what you should know about these advanced watches.
What’s The Meaning Of Watches Waterproof?
Waterproof and water-resistant are two different things –each has different meanings. However, when it comes to watches, they are used interchangeably. Water-proof watches are impervious to water, while water-resistant watches are the ones that can tolerate being in touch with water under specific circumstances only.
To avoid confusion, we also use these two terms as the same. After all, no watch is completely waterproof. Indeed, aging and other environmental conditions can affect any watch. Therefore, by waterproof, we also mean water-resistant.
As you check the watches’ specifications, you may notice a number with a letter expressing its water-resistance capacity. Each watch’s water resistance may be expressed in three ways.
First is the unit of measurement meter. It is written as M or m. It is the most common expression among the three.
The second is the atmosphere. It is written through its abbreviation ATM. Technically, each atmosphere is equal to 10 meters.
The last expression is the bar. However, one thing to know is that a bar is not a measurement of depths. Instead, it talks about the unit of pressure.
One bar is equal to one atmosphere and, therefore, is equal to 10M. Unlike the meter and the atmosphere, the bar is not commonly used. Nevertheless, manufacturers are aware of such a concept.
Waterproof Level Of Wrist Watches
Whether you want to buy wrist watches for your own good or for your watch business, an awareness of the waterproof levels gives you an edge. This is because each level can be designated for specific use or limitation under the circumstances. In general, we have three levels of waterproof or resistance in wrist watches.
3 Waterproof Levels Of Wrist Watches
The following are the three general waterproof levels of wrist watches.
Grade 1/Level 1
For level 1, water resistance ranges from 30m to 50m. Note that 30m can also be expressed at 3ATM, or 3Bar. In the same way, 50m can also be expressed in 5ATM, or 5Bar.
Generally, both are resistant to small splashes. However, the water should not stay for too long. More specifically, 3ATM watches can resist water from accidental daily splashes. For instance, small splashes from washing hands or moderate rain are still tolerable. Yet, you cannot let it drown. On the other hand, 5ATM watches can have heavier splashes, but not too much. Having said this, you do not have to worry too much when you accidentally submerge it in water for just a short period.
Level 2/Grade 2
Typically, watches have waterproof under the second level with depths ranging from 100m to 200m. In general, people can use this while swimming. However, the water should not be too deep. For 10ATM watches, people can use them for shallow swimming. For the latter, it is already good enough for recreational divers.
Level 3/Grade 3
Watches having depths of 300ATM and above belong to the third level. Generally, we can describe it as a highly advanced watch. IT is perfect for professional divers or those making diving their career.
How To Talk About Water Resistance With The Watches Supplier?
When you want to order water-resistant watches, it is also good if you are speaking to the supplier using the same language. It means you can understand each other because you are talking to each other on the same level. That is, using the same terms consistently or comprehensively.
Suppliers may always be talking about water-resistant ratings. You probably have an idea about this. Nevertheless, here are the summary of water-resistant ratings:
- 30M=3ATM/3Bar
- 50M=5ATM/5Bar
- 100M=10ATM/10Bar
- 200M=20ATM/20Bar
- 300M=30ATM/30 Bars
- 500M=50 ATM/50Bars
You may not memorize such conversions when you are talking to your chosen supplier. However, the truth is that you do not have to remember everything. Simply keep in mind that each 10 M is equal to one atmosphere (ATM) and one Bar.
There are more things you need to know about water-resistant watches. Likewise, water-resistant watches may also get damaged. Different factors might affect its water resistance. One of the most common causes is aging. Indeed, no device can last forever – they can get degraded over time.
Aside from aging, environmental conditions are also a considerable cause. We can classify such conditions into two – loads and pressures. Examples of loads include dust and magnetism. On the other hand, pressures have temperature fluctuations and vibrations. Water pressure and the exposure’s duration may also be a factor. Vibrations and water pressure are the most common among the mentioned environmental conditions.
Also, not all watches are water-resistant. There are ordinary and luxurious watches built to be non-resistant to water. Therefore, it is important to double-check what you are planning to buy. You can check its specifications if you are looking for a water-resistant watch. They are usually found at the back of the back cover. Often, it comes with the label “water-resistant” or “waterproof.”
How About The Price Related To The Water Resistance? Why?
As you might expect, the higher the water resistance rating is, the more expensive it will be. The most common water-resistant watches in the market are those with 3ATM and 5ATM ratings. They are not too costly and can last long. If you need a watch for swimming, choose one with a 10ATM water resistance rating. You can also use it for other water sports activities.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a watch for diving, you should go for those with a 20ATM or higher water resistance rating. They can withstand deeper waters and are usually more expensive.
The higher the water resistance rating, the more complex and expensive the watch is to make. For instance, a 3ATM water-resistant watch is easier to make than a 20ATM water-resistant watch.
This is because the latter needs additional features to make it resistant to deeper waters. These features include a thicker case, a more robust crystal, and a better sealant. All of these add up to the cost of production, which is eventually passed on to the consumers.
In addition, when the value of ATM increases, the glass thickness increases too. For example, if the 5ATM glass thickness is 1.2mm and 10ATM, the thickness should be 2.0mm, and so on. Then for the crown, higher grade levels should use the screw-in crown.
When it comes to the case back, the higher the grade of water resistance, The thickness case back should be. If not, the case back will change shape under high pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
I was always been asked those questions, let’s discusse the answers to some frequently asked questions about water-resistant watches.
How Does The Watches Factory Make The Watch Waterproof?
Watches manufacturers employ things to make a watch water-resistant.
First is the I-ring, 0-rings or gaskets. This is commonly made from nylon, Teflon, or rubber. Its goal is to form a watertight seal at the watch’s joints, wherein the crown, crystal(glass), and case back meet the watch case( there are only 3 positions to prevent water into the watches).
The second feature is that the watch case is lined with a sealant. It is applied in the form of a quick-hardening liquid. It helps the watch keep the water out from its inner parts.
Aside from that, manufacturers ensure the thickness of the case and consider the materials it was made from. It should be sturdy so that it can resist damage despite specific water pressure without caving in, because of which, most watch factories use titanium or stainless steel. However, stainless cases plated with gold or solid gold cases are also good for water-resistant watches.
Another thing that contributes to watch water resistance is the screw-in case back. Also, a screw-in crown prevents water from getting inside the case via watch- stem hole. When it is well-screwed down, it will form a tight seal. Such a tight seal is similar to the seal between a jar and the jar’s lid. This feature is particularly common in watches for divers.
Can I Wear My Watches To Go Showering?
No, you can’t, Pls remember “All water-resistant watches are not protected against water vapor”.
While some people wear their watches as they take hot showers, it is not advisable to do the same. It may cause serious damage to a watch. Indeed, watches can be made water-resistant, but they are not steam-resistant. Also, if we are going to be highly technical, there is no such thing as a waterproof watch. Watches that are labeled waterproof are still water-resistant only.
Even watches having the deepest depths, still use rubber rings and waterproof paste. So, as the temperature rises, the ring expands. The waterproof paste is becoming thin as well. Meanwhile, when the temperature drops, the ring will shrink. At the same time, the waterproof paste will become sticky. Therefore, if this phenomenon occurs repeatedly, there will be gaps within the sealed case. This will create a way for the water to enter the inner parts of the watch.
Another mistake is setting the time while the watch is exposed to water. It helps the water to leak inside. You must remember that the crown is involved in the resistance function. So, if you operate it at an inappropriate time, you are also giving the water its way to come inside.
Can I Wear My Watches Into The Sea Water?
No, Better not, Wearing or drowning your water-resistant watch under the sea is not advisable. Sea water can damage its waterproof ring and its surface. Also, cosmetics and some other chemicals can stain it. Both can damage the gaskets and waterproof rings. So, if you expose it to the seawater, immediately rinse it with fresh water. If the watch comes with a rotating bezel, you must also turn the bezel several times as you rinse it. This way, you prevent the salt from building up anywhere within your watch. This further prevents the bezel ring from corrosion.
How To Know That My Watches Are Waterproof?
Remember that water-resistant watches are tested before they are sold on the market. For consumers and resellers, the primary basis of knowing whether a watch is resistant to water or not is through its label and defined specifications. Having said this, suppliers may test the watch in two ways. One is through a waterproof machine, and the other is real water testing.
The following are the steps to test watches through a waterproof machine.
- Put ten watches on the machine.
- Ensure that there are ten columns for each watch.
- Open the injection pressure.
When one or more columns fall, The watch that corresponds to the water column is not waterproof. Otherwise, it is resistant. Afterward, watches that are not water-resistant will be eliminated.
Next, here are the steps in testing watches through real water.
- Prepare a basin with water. The water should be at a normal temperature. It means it should not be too hot or too cold.
- Press down the crown.
- Put the watch on the water.
- Leave it for a minute.
There should be no bubbles running out from the water surface. If you see bubbles coming out, the watch is not water-resistant.
Conclusion:
Water-resistant watches are cool. You just have to choose and use it wisely. Now that you have learned a lot through your knowledge, do you think people can still fool you?
Source link:
- Waterproof and water-resistant (Retrieved from https://www.hzo.com/blog/waterresistant-waterrepellent-waterproof-whats-difference/)
- Unit of measurement (Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/science/standard-atmosphere-unit-of-measurement)
- Bar is not a measurement of depthness (Retrieved from https://www.thermal-engineering.org/what-is-bar-unit-of-pressure-definition/)
- Water-resistant ratings (Retrieved from https://www.thrillist.com/gear/what-your-watch-water-resistance-numbers-mean)
