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Wrist Watch Water Resistance
WWW.SHARPERWATCHES.COM
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Wrist Watch Water Resistance
WWW.SHARPERWATCHES.COM
Water resistance of a timepiece is measured in ATM atmosphere, this is a derivative of pressure which can be stated as a bar is a unit of pressure, 1 bar being equivalent to 1 atmosphere . Timepieces are tested to pressures at manufacture and after servicing or repair using a pressure testing device for a short period of time. The choice of the level of water resistance that is required depends on the activity and desired use that the watch will be subjected to.
Water resistance of a timepiece can be detailed on the dial or case back to a number of feet, meters or atmospheres, which is displayed as ATM.
The table below should give guidance on the expectations of a timepiece of relevant water resistance.
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3 ATM - 30 m - 100 ft General everyday use, withstands gentle splash ie; rain etc. Not suitable for swimming. |
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5 ATM - 50 m - 165 ft General everyday use, swimming, Not suitable for pool side diving or water sports. |
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10 ATM - 100 m - 330 ft General everyday use, low level board pool diving and top surface snorkeling.Not suitable for high board diving, high activity water impact or water sports. |
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20 ATM - 200 m - 660 ft
This is the minimum required standard for high impact water sports, high board diving or aqualung diving. Professional divers watches are the only watches which are designed to withstand continued use in these conditions. Watches marked "DIVER'S" on the dial or case back should really be used for aqualung diving as these fully comply with the international standards for diver's watches. |
Another consideration is the type of topography you are likely to be within. For example when mountain walking, climbing, hang gliding, or any situation below or above the normal levels of residential geographic topography you may also require a watch that has a greater water resistance level than you considered as the variance in pressures change both above and below sea level. You should always ensure that any screw down crowns or pushers are properly fastened tight as this can compromise the water resistance of your timepiece and invalidate any warranty, if water enters because they where not screwed down.
Re-sealing your watch
To maintain a timepiece's water resistance, the O-Ring seals and gaskets should be replaced at regular intervals. This is usually best done when carrying out servicing of the item and it is recommended that this is between 1 to 2 year intervals as a minimum. The seals should also be changed every time when replacing the battery. It is common that during the removal of case backs, the gaskets can break, distort or stretch and should always be replaced to guarantee water resistance. It is therefore why all reputable manufacturers state that batteries must be replaced by a qualified service engineer and it is recommended that you always ask for a certificate of testing upon completion.
Resealing a timepiece comprises removing all components including the removal of crowns, pushers and in some cases bevels and crystal to enable the individual components to be cleaned in an ultrasonic tank. This will remove all unwanted accumulation of foreign matter which may other wise give rise to shortened life span of the replacement gaskets. The timepiece will then be re-built installing new gaskets under controlled clean conditions. Application of a purpose silicone grease is applied to the gaskets to stop any 'pinching' when the crown or other pushers are turned or case back fastened. Finally the timepiece will be subject to test to ensure it meets the specified depth indicated on either the dial or case back.
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