You may notice that luxury watches come in various water-resistant and waterproof levels. Some people may think that these two terms are interchangeable; however, they are different concepts and the terms are generally used to determine the level of contact the watch can have with water. Knowing the difference between these terms is important and you should know what the water resistance level of your watch is, too. If you don’t know the amount of water exposure your luxury watch can take, it may cause permanent damage to your timepiece and even ruin it completely. 

What Does Water-Resistant Mean?

A water-resistant watch is a timepiece that can have a certain amount of contact with water. However, this time period is limited, depending on the watch’s water resistance level. A water-resistant watch may be able to get wet in a rainstorm or remain on the owner’s wrist when they wash their hands. With that said, the exact amount of water exposure will depend on the specific type of watch and its water resistance level.

What Does Waterproof Mean?

On the other hand, a “waterproof” watch is a timepiece with a high depth capacity and should be able to withstand extended submersion in water. However, the term waterproof isn’t used much anymore as no luxury watch is truly waterproof. There is always a chance that water may enter into the watch due to the overall condition of the timepiece and as a result of any parts that may be in disrepair and let the water in. Therefore, the water resistant features of luxury watches are detailed in water resistance levels.

Levels of Water Resistance for Watches

Luxury watches have varying water resistance levels, usually from a 3/3/30 to a 100/100/1000. When watchmakers label their watches with a water resistance rating they use three components to do so: meters (M), atmospheres (ATM), and bar. The meter measurement refers to how many meters deep the watch can go in water while the atmospheres are based on the meters. Every 1 atmosphere is equivalent to about 10 meters, so 3 atmospheres would equal 30 meters. The bar measurement relates to the unit of pressure and one bar equals one atmosphere. Therefore, if the water resistance level is 5 bars, this would equate with 5 atmospheres and 50 meters, or 5 Bar/5 ATM/ 50M.

Common Rating for Water-Resistant Watches: 3 Bar/3 ATM/30M

For everyday wear, a luxury watch with a water resistance rating of 3 Bar/3 ATM/30M may be a perfect timekeeping piece to wear on your wrist. A watch with this water resistance rating shouldn’t be submerged in water, not even when taking a shower or a quick dip in the pool. However, this type of watch can get slightly wet, such as when you’re running to your car in the rain, without causing too much worry about potential damage to the luxury watch. 

Extended Submersion Options: 5 Bar/5 ATM/50M

If you wanted to wear your watch in the pool or anticipate the timepiece getting wet when washing your car or going for a run in the rain, the 5 Bar/5 ATM/50M water resistance level watch may be a good option. Just be sure to treat this luxury watch with care no matter what activity you choose to enjoy while wearing it. 

Ideal for Water Sports Aficionados: 10 Bar/10 ATM/100M

For the water sports enthusiasts, a watch with a water resistance rating of 10 Bar/10 ATM/100M is an ideal selection. This water resistance level watch can be worn whether you’re snorkeling, surfing, or going for a long swim.

Good Option for Recreational Divers: 20 Bar/20 ATM/200M; 30 Bar/30 ATM/300M

If you are a recreational diver, you want a luxury watch that has a generous depth level to it. The 20 Bar/20 ATM/200M or 30 Bar/30 ATM/300M options are excellent ones to consider if you would like a watch that you can take on your dives with you. 

Expert Diver’s Timepiece: 100 Bar/100 ATM/1000M

For a superior water-resistant luxury watch, the 100 Bar/100 ATM/1000M version is best. This water resistance level is suited for serious divers as it can plunge to impressive water depths and remain in good working order.  

Find Your Ideal Luxury Watch at QD Watches

Whether you want a luxury watch that is slightly water-resistant, such as the 3 Bar/3 ATM/30M model, or a timepiece that is an essential dive watch, like the 30 Bar/30 ATM/300M version, QD Watches can help!

Consider the Rolex Submariner 116610LN 40mm black ceramic stainless steel model with a 300M depth rating or choose a Rolex Yacht-Master II 116681 watch with a 100M depth rating, the choice is yours. The professional team at QD Watches will help you find the perfect watch for your needs. 

Contact the QD Watches team today and find your ideal timepiece!