WATERPROOF – How reliable is "tight"?
What do "bar" and "ATM" mean on the dial?
The water resistance rating on a watch (e.g., "5 ATM" or "10 bar") describes the static pressure the case can withstand in a test lab – not the actual diving depth. Movement, water temperature, and pressure shocks (e.g., when jumping into water) put significantly more stress on the seals than a calm submersion.
Guidelines in practice
| Information | Corresponds | Suitable for everyday use |
|---|---|---|
| 3 bar / 3 ATM | approx. 30 m | Flushing, rain, splashing water – not for swimming |
| 5 bar / 5 ATM | approx. 50 m | Showers, swimming in the outdoor pool |
| 10 bar / 10 ATM | approx. 100 m | Swimming, snorkeling |
| 20 bar / 20 ATM | approx. 200 m | Scuba diving (excluding technical saturation dives) |
What you should pay attention to
- Never operate the crown and pushers underwater – even if the device has a high water resistance rating.
- Strong temperature changes (e.g., hot shower directly after cold water) can put a strain on seals.
- Rubber seals age regardless of use – a pressure test every 1–2 years for watches that regularly come into contact with water prevents unpleasant surprises.
- Genuine diving watches according to ISO 6425 are additionally tested and are usually recognizable by the addition of "DIVER'S WATCH".
Watchpapst We check the manufacturer's specifications regarding water resistance for every model we carry and will gladly advise you on which watch suits your everyday life.
