Water Resistance Explained.
Water Resistance in watches is a subject that often causes much confusion. This is due to the way the Water tests are conducted. When they give a watch a water proof rating ofsay 30 Metres this means that that watch has been lowered in to water to a depth of 30 Metres, the problem is that nobody is going to be absolutely still in water and therefore if they were swimming extra pressure would be created and this would considerably lower the water resistance of the watch. Below I have listed thedifferent water resistance levels and what they actually mean in terms of everyday activity.
30 Metres/3ATM - This is basically splash proof, you could wear it in the shower but notfor swimming.
50 Metres/5ATM - This is suitable for everyday use including swimming but not for poolside Diving or Snorkelling.
100 Metres/10ATM - Suitable for everyday use including swimming and snorkelling, it is not suitable however for high board diving or sub aqua diving.
200 Metres/20ATM - Suitable for all high impact water sports and Diving which does not require helium gas. It is recommended that at these depths a professional Divers watch is purchased