Water and Watches.

Water and watches are generally not a good mix; they do not play well together. In this blog, we will look at what it means to have a “water resistant” watch and how to spot if your watch has become water damaged.   

Water Resistance and Waterproof.  

Many modern watches will now advise that they are “water resistant”, which is an ambiguous term, in my opinion. Unless you have specifically purchased a certified diving watch, I would always take the term water resistant with a pinch of salt. Watches that claim to be “waterproof” should be as they say, impenetrable to water. However, father time will have an effect on even the top-end luxury waterproof watches. With regular servicing of seals and pressure testing, your waterproof watch should stay in tip-top condition.  

Water Resistant Ratings.  

When a manufacturer advises us of the water-resistant rating of a watch, it will be in meters, bars or ATM. It is important to know that when these tests are carried out, it is on a sample of new watches, and it is a static depth test. This means that movement or pressure is not considered, so it may not be a true reflection of the watch’s underwater capability.   

It’s worth mentioning that specific water resistance features may vary between different watch models and brands, so it is always a good idea to consult the manufacturer’s handbook for accurate information regarding a particular watch’s water resistance capabilities. Another quick way to check is to take your watch off and turn it over. There will be a water resistance rating on the back of the case if it has one. Vintage watches may not display this information, but I wouldn’t recommend getting one of those wet.  

If your watch has a high water-resistance rating, it also means that it has a high dirt resistance too. Water is not the only enemy of watches; dust is also on the enemy list! 

Please have a look at our guidelines below for water-resistant ratings and what they will mean to you.  

ISO 6425  

Only watches with this certification are internationally recognised as “diving watches”. They are also typically shock, magnet and saltwater resistant. Fabulous! Time to hit the beach with your flippers!  

As participation in this standard of testing is voluntary, not all of the luxury brands will submit their watches to it. Brands such as Rolex or Omega conduct their own test to the same standard or above but may still not choose to put the word “divers” on their watches.

Different Testing Methods for Water Resistance 

Testing is done under very strict, controlled conditions and consists of dry and wet tests.  

Air Testing – this is all about the pressure, high and low. It’s a method used to assess the integrity of a watch’s seals and gaskets. It involves subjecting the watch to a controlled air pressure environment to check for any leaks or failures in the case.  

Static Water Testing – where the manufacturer submerges the test watch for at least an hour, and pressure tests them to the required test depths. The water used is demineralised, so not really the kind you would go for a swim in, in real life. Again, they are looking for any failures or leaks in the seals, gaskets and case.  

Humidity Testing – one of the ways this is tested is by cold water being dripped onto a warm watch to see if condensation appears on the contact point or anywhere else within the watch. This testing is essential for watches that may be exposed to high-humidity environments, such as tropical climates or activities involving perspiration.  

Remember, even with all these tests, leaks can still happen, seals and gaskets can fail, and water can find its way in. Here are two signs to look for if you think your watch may have gotten a bit too wet.   

Condensation  

If you start to notice droplets or condensation inside of your watch face, this is a good indicator that there is definitely water inside of the watch. This will begin to rust the watch’s components, causing irreparable damage, so get it to your watch specialist as soon as possible!  

It’s always a good idea to take your watch to a professional jeweller or watchmaker if you are having any kind of issue with it. We would never recommend trying to repair it yourself, as this may cause even more damage. Servicing your watch annually will also help keep it in good running order

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the features of a water-resistant watch?  

A watch that is marked as “water-resistant” only, can handle a quick splash from hand washing or being caught in the rain.   

How deep can water-resistant watches go?  

If they have one of the ratings as mentioned above, I would stick with this guide. Definitely no high board diving or deep-sea diving unless it is stated as being a “Diving Watch”.  

Do watches lose water resistance over time?  

Yes, they do. As the watch ages the seals will weaken. We recommend changing the seals every couple of years and having your watch pressure tested annually to keep the water out.

How long is a watch water-resistant?  

Again, the lifespan depends on how well you look after it. If you are getting your watch serviced annually it should last you a long time.   

How do you test the water resistance on a watch?  

An experienced jeweller or professional watchmaker performs this with a pressure test.

Are all luxury watches waterproof?  

In a word, no, watches will generally just have varying levels of water resistance unless they are specifically sold as Diving Watches.

How do I know if my watch is waterproof? 

Take a look at the watch dial or or back of the case. It should state here if the watch is waterproof or water resistant. If it says neither, do not get it wet at all. 

How do I know if there is water in my watch? 

There may be visible signs of rust or discolouration. 

Condensation in the dial. 

It may run slower. 

It might get a bit smelly. 

Will putting my watch in rice help with water damage? 

Putting it in uncooked rice will help to absorb moisture but we would not recommend this at all. It may do more damage to the watch. Take your watch to a reputable jeweller or watchmaker instead. 

If you are interested in purchasing a new watch, take a look at our other blog, Useful Tips for Purchasing Your First Luxury Watch. As always, feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. We are always happy to help!

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