WATER RESISTANCY LEVELS OF WATCHES.

It is important to note that the Fair Trade Commission has ruled that the term "Water Proof" as it relates to watches constitutes unfair trade practices.

Look for resistancy levels on the dial or case back of the watch. An absence of any indication indicates extra caution should exercised when wearing the watch to avoid any contact with moisture. This is true in expensive dress watch (particularly 14K ladies watches) as well as lower valued watches. Refer to the warranty sheet for further restrictions. If no such sheet is available the chart below is fairly standard.


If your watch leaks, there is water in watch, you have a diver watch you must be aware of these important facts regarding your watch. Never allow anyone to open your watch, who does not have the ability to pressure test the watch for w


NO INDICATION:
Not resistant to splashing or other accidental contact with moisture of any kind.
WATER RESISTANT (30M/100Ft/3ATM/3Bar)
Will resist moisture from accidental splashing, rain, sweat, etc. Not suitable for immersion.
WATER RESISTANT (50M/160Ft/5ATM/5Bar)
Will resist moisture from accidental splashing, rain, and showering or swimming*
WATER RESISTANT (100M/300Ft/10ATm/10Bar)
Watch may be worn during snorkel or skin diving, if properly sealed.*
WATER RESISTANT (200M/660Ft/20ATM/20Bar)
Watch may be worn during standard scuba diving.*

* It is essential that the case back and crown be properly tightened down, if applicable. Buttons must not be operated when watch is suberged at any depth, unless expressly approved in the operating manual. Under no circumstance should a watch be worn in the water if there is any sign of a broken seal or gasket around the case back or crystal, or other compromise of the integrity of the case.

Alternate depth designations other than meters (M) will likely be indicated as Feet or ATM's or Bars.

1 Bar =1Atmosphere.
1 Atmosphere=14.696 1lbs/sq. in.
1 Atmosphere=33.899 feet or 10.33 Meters below surface of water.

In general terms 1 ATM is NOT considered a depth indication for a watch. A watch indicating 1 ATM should not be considered water resistant.
Remember, a watch has 1 ATM of pressure on it, at the surface of the water.

All measurements are of  STATIC pressure and cannot be directly translated to real-life water pressure situations.