The water resistance ratings that are usually displayed on the case back, or dial are not entirely representative of real world conditions, rather they indicate the pressure the watch can handle at a given water depth in laboratory conditions. A 30m (3ATM) watch for instance cannot be submerged in water, they are in fact only splash and rain proof. Below is a table showing what activities you can do at various water resistance ratings.
The table below is a guide only, please always refer to the owners manual before attempting to wear your watch for water based activities.
WATER RESISTANCE | SUITABLE FOR | NOT SUITABLE FOR |
| 30m (3ATM) | The watch is splash and rain proof only. | Submerging in water or wearing in the bath, shower, whilst swimming or any other water based activity. |
| 50m (5ATM) | Surface swimming only and white water rafting. | Bath, shower, snorkeling, diving or water sports. |
| 100m (10ATM) | Swimming, snorkeling, water sports including sailing and surfing. | Bath, Shower, diving with or without aids. |
| 200m (20ATM) | Skin diving (diving without aids). | Scuba diving. |
| 300m+ (30ATM) | Scuba diving. |
If you plan to wear your watch in water regularly, please refer to the manufacturer’s instructions, it will need to be serviced more frequantly.