TISSOT PR 516 Waterproof watches | blue

Are you exposed to too much water, humidity or rain? Then you should consider buying a waterproof watch. But what does each water resistance marking on a watch mean, and which waterproof watches are the best for diving?

Waterproof watches are not waterproof watches

You have purchased your first waterproof watch marked 3 ATM and after your first swim in the pool it stopped working? It is for this reason that just such watches are not waterproof. If you really want to use your watch for active swimming, playing sports or even just plain bathing and washing dishes, then you should follow the right markings for your watch.

That is to say, not all waterproof watches are in fact waterproof watches. Waterproofing in watches says that it is possible to expose the watch to some moisture. However, each degree of water resistance of the watch has its own marking. Therefore, some of them can only be used for example when showering, washing dishes or exposed to rain. However, if you want to use your watch while swimming or playing sports, you need to buy a waterproof sports watch designed for this purpose.

Watch water resistance marking

Most of the time, you will see different water resistance markings on the watch, which are given in bars, atmospheres or meters. This marking is most often found on the watch face or back cap.

But what does each designation mean? Let's explain this by looking at the indication of watertightness in atmospheres. Most often you may encounter water resistance in watches:

●      watch with water resistance 3 ATM / 30 m

●      watch with water resistance 5 ATM / 50 m

●      10 ATM / 100 m water resistance

●      watch with water resistance 20 ATM / 200 m

●      watch with water resistance 50 to 100 ATM / 500 to 1000 m

Even if you come across such a label, it does not mean that, for example, a ladies' watch with a water resistance of 3 ATM can be submerged to a depth of 30 metres. On the contrary, we do not recommend it. So how is it? Determining the degree of water resistance is not determined when the watch is used for sports or swimming. This is the value determined under laboratory conditions.

Water resistant 3 ATM

If you see 3 ATM, water resistance to 30 meters or 3 bar on the watch, then you can use this waterproof watch for a normal day when it rains or when washing dishes, for example. It is not a watch that you can submerge to a depth of 30 metres.

5 ATM water resistant

Even with a water resistance of 5 ATM, i.e. 50 meters, we can't talk about a sports waterproof watch. However, you can easily use such a watch for normal dishwashing, showering or a very short stay in the pool, as long as you don't dive in.

Watch with 10 ATM water resistance

There is a slight change here. Although it is still not a professional diving watch, but you can use a waterproof watch with a 10 ATM rating or a waterproof watch up to 100 meters when swimming or doing various water sports. So if you're on holiday and have a waterproof watch up to 100 metres, you don't have to worry about the classic swimming in the pool or the sea. For example, we recommend using them when snorkelling, but not when deep diving with a breathing apparatus.

Water resistant to 20 ATM

In this case, we can already say that it is a sports waterproof watch up to 200 meters, which can also be described as a diving watch. Mostly, however, these watches are used for lighter diving with a breathing apparatus.

It can also be a digital waterproof watch or a smart waterproof watch that has many other great features. Beware, however, that with frequent use, the watch may lose its waterproof function.

For example, such a designation shall have casio G-Shock waterproof watches. In addition, the degree of water resistance is also standardized by ISO 6425, which includes alternating temperatures, depth, water and air pressure or time at rest and when handling the operational part of the watch. As it is a diving watch, it is additionally tested for its resistance to salt water and its ability to cope with overpressure.

Waterproof watches over 30 ATM

If you buy a waterproof watch above 30 ATM, so for example 50 ATM or 100 ATM, then you can expect a really high quality and professional diving watch that is also suitable for deep diving. However, this is a premium rating that you will pay for. You can encounter this marking, for example, in CITIZEN waterproof sports watches.

Waterproof watch design

Even though it's a waterproof watch, you don't have to worry that its design will only ever be sporty. You can choose a variety of luxury watches that will be waterproof.

Waterproof watch case material

Depending on the brand and the range of water resistance, the design of the watch varies. You can choose waterproof watches with different case materials, namely bronze, carbon, ceramic, leather, plastic, recycled ocean plastic, titanium, hardened polymer and NanTec-treated stainless steel.

Waterproof watch strap material

You can also choose waterproof watches with different strap materials, such as a strap made of bio material, leather, ceramic, plastic, textile, titanium or even recycled plastic bottles or vegan friendly leather.

Waterproof watch shape

You can also choose a waterproof watch depending on your shape preference. Very popular are, for example round, oval a square waterproof watches.

Waterproof watch clasp

It is also very important to think about the clasp of the watch, especially if you are looking for a waterproof diving watch. The clasp is especially important to prevent your watch from unfastening, slipping or cracking. You can choose a waterproof watch for:

●      standard fastening,

●      mesh fastening,

●      bow tie fastening,

●      folding buckle,

●      jewel clasp.

Very comfortable is a waterproof watch with a winding bracelet. You can also choose the clasp depending on what kind of waterproof watch it is. Ladies waterproof watches looks very trendy and elegant with a folding buckle fastening, but children's waterproof watches are more practical with a wind-up bracelet. On the contrary men's waterproof watches are popular with standard clasps. 

Waterproof watch glass

The strength, durability and quality are also largely related to the waterproof watch glass. Again, you can choose different types of glass, either acrylic, flame fussion, gorilla glass, mineral glass, or sapphire glass, which is very high quality.

Waterproof watch type

You can also choose a waterproof watch based on the type. Not only are they popular binary waterproof watches, but also digital watches, combined a smart waterproof watches.

Brand of waterproof watches and their price

If you're after a really good quality waterproof watch that's durable, strong and suitable for snorkelling and deep diving, then you'll have to pay a little extra. Waterproof watches range in price level, the classic waterproof watches up to 30 meters can be found for a very affordable price of € 30. However, water-resistant watches of prestigious brands up to 100 meters are a bit more expensive. For example waterproof watch INGERSOLL THE SCOVILL I05001 up to 10 ATM costs € 500.