Watches with the lowest level of water resistance are labeled simply “water-resistant.” They can withstand splashes of water but should not be submerged underwater.

The following usage recommendations are suggested by industry standards.

• Water-resistant to 30 meters (100 feet): Watches with this rating will withstand splashes of water or rain but should not be worn while swimming or diving.

• Water-resistant to 50 meters (165 feet): Watches with this rating are suitable for showering or swimming in shallow water.

• Water-resistant to 100 meters (330 feet): Watches with this rating are suitable for swimming and snorkeling.

• Water-resistant to 150 meters (500 feet): Watches with this rating are suitable for snorkeling.

• Water-resistant to 200 meters (660 feet): Watches with this rating are suitable for skin diving.

• Diver’s 150 meters (500 feet) specified to meet ISO standards: Watches with this rating are suitable for scuba diving.

• Diver’s 200 meters (660 feet) specified to meet ISO standards: Watches with this rating are suitable for scuba diving.

Please note that we do not recommend swimming or diving with your watch unless it has a screw-down crown (also known as screw-lock or screw-in crown) and is water-resistant to at least 100 meters.

It is important to understand that the depth of water-resistance specified on a watch dial or case-back represents the results of tests done in laboratory conditions, not in the ocean!  And, water resistance is tested in measurements of atmospheres (ATM). Each ATM denotes 10 meters of static water pressure.