There is much confusion and not a few myths
surrounding the topic of water resistance in watches. The purpose of
this article is to bring clarity to this subject for the sake of
consumer education.
Several features contribute to the water
resistance of a watch. First is the gaskets, or 0 rings. These are
made of rubber, nylon or teflon. They form the watertight seals at
the joints where the crystal, case back and crown meet the case.
Chronographs also have gaskets at the pushers.
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Further, water resistant watch cases are sealed
with a quick hardening liquid. The material of the case and its thickness are
also large factors which help to determine how well a watch can
safely withstand underwater pressure. Generally, to be sturdy
enough, the case must be made of steel or titanium or a gold plated
steel case. Solid gold cases can be water resistant, too, if there
is sufficient thickness. A screw down case back is more water resistant
than one which simply pushes or snaps in. A feature of many divers'
watches, the screw in crown, helps to prevent the watch-stem hole
from leaking water into the case. When screwed down a water tight
seal is formed.
Always bear in mind that the various levels of
water resistance are strictly theoretical. These rating, expressed
in meters, refer to the depth at which a watch will keep out water
if both the watch and the water are motionless. Naturally, such
conditions cannot be met outside lab testing machines. In the real
world, just the movement of one's arm through the water dramatically
increases pressure on the watch. |
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Am I saying that there is no such thing as water
resistance for watches and it's all just a big con game? No, but it
is best to follow the guidelines below, which are suggested by most
responsible watch manufacturers at the indicated ratings:
30 meters/100 ft.: Should not be worn for swimming
or diving, but will will withstand splashes of water or rain
50 meters/165 ft.: Suitable for swimming in
shallow water
100 meters/330 ft.: Suitable for swimming and
snorkeling
150 meters/500 ft.: Suitable for snorkeling
200 meters/660 ft.: Suitable for skin diving
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Diver's 150 meters/500 ft.: Meets ISO standards
and is suitable for scuba diving
Diver's 200 meters/660 ft.: Meets ISO standards
and is suitable for scuba diving
Obviously, it is not recommended to swim or dive
while wearing your watch unless it has at least a screw down crown
and a rating of at least 100 meters.
Caring for your water resistant watch cannot be
overlooked, either. You should never wear it in a sauna, a hot tub
or even a hot shower. The extreme heat causes the metal parts and
rubber gaskets to expand at different rates, creating small openings
through which water may penetrate. As with the human body, a sudden
temperature change is particularly harsh. So, if you chance to wear
your watch in something like a hot tub, be careful not to dive into
a cold pool after.
Salt is corrosive. Therefore, after swimming in
salt water, immediately rinse the watch in flowing fresh water.
Also, if the watch has a rotating bezel, turn the bezel several
times while rinsing to prevent salt buildup and corrosion of the
bezel ring.
Heavily chlorinated water can damage your watch as
can some chemicals. Spray-on perfumes and hairsprays can work into
the seams and damage the gaskets. The watch's finish can be marred
in the same way.
There are water resistant leather straps,too, but
in general leather straps do not fare as well if frequently exposed
to water. A metal bracelet or a rubber or nylon diver strap is
recommended.
The author operates a webstore which specializes
in watches and clocks of all types and price ranges, including all
the major brands. His store can be found here:
http://www.ioffer.com/shops/timezone
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