FeatureUnder Pressure: How Water Resistant Is Your Watch?

I recently celebrated a milestone birthday but in lower-than-usual birthday spirits. That’s because of a prank played on me that went grossly wrong. Everything was dandy until a push from behind sent me tumbling in the pool. Catastrophically, I had my phone in my pocket, and a favourite watch securely fastened around my wrist. My first instinct was to unfasten the watch that was so dear to me. Although my reflexes were lightning-fast, my phone survived due to its water resistant feature but my watch didn’t quite make it. A wristwatch is more than just a tool. For some people, it’s practically a constant companion, while others even feel incomplete without it. So before the next tragedy strikes, The Watch Guide brings to you all you need to know about water resistance in watches; plus our recommendation for the best watch under each category.

Stay Afloat: Your Activity And The Proportionate Resistance Required

From aesthetics to features, we always do our research before investing in a luxury watch, but we often neglect what could be the deal breaker or maker – its water resistance. While the word ‘resistant’ may not be as appealing as ‘proof’, the fact is that no watch is ever really waterproof. In fact, waterproof refers to a watch not leaking under any circumstances. But resistance is the endurance of your watch to bear pressure up to a certain level underwater. An atmosphere (ATM) is the unit used by the watch industry to assert the amount of force a watch can withstand. The pressure at sea level is 1 ATM, and increases by 1 ATM for every 10m – approximately – below sea level. Water resistance is also measured in ‘bars’ wherein one bar is the pressure needed to raise water to a height of 10 metres.

A person’s intended use should determine the apt water-resistance level their watch should ideally have. For instance, if one is an avid swimmer or a regular around the pool, investing in a diver’s watch is useful. A diver’s watch is engineered to withstand the sudden change in pressure and depth of at least 100m. That’s a great feature for an aquatic enthusiast. But if you are looking only for a dress watch that can sustain light showers, even a 5ATM watch fits the bill. So, let’s get to the depths of water resistance in watches, so you can pick the one best suited for you.

5ATM/50 Meters/165 feet

When your watch is water resistant to 5ATM, it means that the watch can bear up to 165ft or 50m of atmospheric pressure. Any level below 50m in a watch, is only meant to withstand light splashes like when rinsing your hands or if caught in a light shower. But 50m onwards you are good to take a dip in the pool. At this level, it is not a good idea to experiment with diving or any activity that exerts too much pressure on the watch. But there is no need to contain your competitive spirit either, at 5ATM you can safely indulge in swimming in the shallow end, and water sports such as pool volleyball or even water polo! A watch with this level of water resistance is meant to sit on a wrist that loves being outdoors.

Our 5ATM Recommendation: The Baume & Mercier Shelby Cobra

A 5ATM level is ideal for a sports watch such as the Baume & Mercier Shelby Cobra, which is high on functionality and is good looking but is not designed to be a diver’s watch. The Shelby Cobra is a perfect modern representation of a vintage sports chronograph watch. As the name suggests, it is based on Shelby’s Cobra Daytona Coupe. The colour theme is exceptionally appealing with a distinctive combination of yellow, black and hints of green. The 44m steel case has a matte black finish on the sides and on the rubber strap as well. The crown draws attention due to its size, and the two piston-shaped chronograph pushers that complement it on either side. The exhibition caseback displays the beautifully decorated movement, visible from behind a half covered rotating disc. Three sub-dials are the chronograph minute and hour counters at three and six o’clock respectively, and the running seconds at nine o’clock.

Its rugged good looks are inspired by the Cobra racecar. The hands on the dial are rhodium plated and filled with SuperLuminova. This combined with the ability to withstand a hefty shower, the watch is a great partner for a trek amidst a tropical forest or a more risky outing.

Read a full review of the Baume & Mercier Shelby Cobra here

10ATM/100 meters/330 feet

The 10ATM mark makes your watch ten times resistant to atmospheric pressure at sea level. At 100m, the watch can adequately take the pressure of more than just a brisk swim. Static pressure of 330ft provides a huge leeway for underwater sustenance, yet it is not a dive watch and could be affected by the sudden change in pressure beyond a point.  It can endure way more than casual splashes and stress-free monsoon rains. The watch is good to go for a swim, snorkelling, or any activity that doesn’t take you too deep below the surface.  So if you are heading for rafting, kayaking or cruising on a jet ski, this is the resistance level you should look at in a wristwatch.

Our 10ATM Recommendation: Raymond Weil Freelancer

Raymond Weil Freelancer is the epitome of dress-meets-sporty wristwatch design. Water resistant to 10ATM or 100m, it is perfect for a watch lover who loves adventure sports. The 40-year-old brand boasts of high-end, in-house movements and a price range that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. The watch is sure to rest perfectly on any wrist, with a case size of 43.5mm. The design is sharp, with only essential pushers. The black dial looks even more stylish due to the yellow sub-dial hands. The dial houses three sub-dials – chronograph minutes and hours, and running seconds.

The three crowns on the side add to the sportive look. There is an additional pusher at 10 o’clock to adjust the date. It eliminates banking on pushing and pulling the crown at three o’clock, which makes adjusting the date simpler, while also adding to the safety mechanism. Minimal usage of the crown reduces the chances of leaving it pulled out, in turn reducing the scope of damage underwater. The automatic movement is a Valjoux 7753. The sapphire crystal glass features double-sided anti-glare treatment. A tachymeter bezel, and the perforated calfskin leather strap accentuate the casual-meets-formal look.

20ATM/200 metres/660 feet

Water resistance at 20ATM and beyond is a feature that more than qualifies a timepiece as a diver’s watch. Rest assured, you can sport a 20ATM watch for high-impact water sports. It is recommended to buy a professional wristwatch if you frequently expose your watch to this pressure.

Our 20ATM Recommendation: The Nomos Glashütte Ahoi Atlantik Datum

A treat to the eyes, exuding tropical vibes, is this ‘beach watch’ from Nomos. Known for their generous colour palettes, Nomos presents a water resistant watch with just the right colour tone. Though it clears the diving depth parameter, the only reason it can’t be categorised as a diver’s watch is the absence of a unidirectional bezel. Apart from that one feature, the Nomos Glashütte Ahoik Atlantik Datum is a true blue watch that fits any occasion with simplicity and class. To start with, the screw-down caseback provides the safety a watch needs to avoid water from seeping within. When indoors, the dial appears to be black but it is actually blue, which is visible outdoors, under the anti-reflective coating of the glass. The dial has a mystic appeal to it due to its alluring layout. Nomos continues its iconic style of presenting indexes among five big Arabic numeral hour markers.

The lume on this timepiece is lavishly powered in the minutes hand and the shiny, black indices. It is this property that makes the watch most legible, even underwater. The seconds sub-dial features a red seconds hand, which adds a quirky accent to the dial. The date window cannot be missed as it prominently sits at the six o’clock position. The German watchmakers have given a whimsical, sporty twist by way of the textile strap. The fabric makes the watch all the more aqua-friendly and is reminiscent of nautical ropes. The fibre strap is so breathable that it dries off before you even get to a dry spot! The DUW 5101 movement, with 42 hours of power reserve, and shock protection in the Atlantik Datum is a great deal and has you covered for over 500ft.

50ATM/500 metres/1,640 feet

The 50ATM level is an enormous depth and it’s the most reputed brands that have the capability to produce diver’s watches with this level of resistance. The reason behind that is that watches need to be developed to withstand significant shock, magnetic fields, and salt water tolerance. Clearance to use the watch at this depth equips you to take on deep sea diving, and everything below it. A notable feature in watches of 500m or more is the helium escape valve. It is developed especially for mixed-gas diving. When a diver is inside a hyperbaric chamber, which has helium at very high pressures, it results in helium entering the watch case. The valve comes handy when the pressure inside the chamber is reduced rapidly allowing the increased pressure of helium inside the watch case to escape.  

Aqua typhoon: The TAG Heuer Aquaracer is sporty all over, but it is the functionality of the watch that baffles. This watch is a perfect tool, offering a water resistance at a whopping 500m.

Our 50ATM Recommendation: The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Calibre 5

The Swiss brand is known in the sporting world for its precision prowess in watch technology. The TAG Heuer Aquaracer is sporty all over, but it is the functionality of the watch that baffles. This watch is a perfect tool watch and with water resistance at a whopping 500m or 1,640ft, the watch is an aqua typhoon. It suits professionals and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The 41mm titanium case is black carbide-coated resulting in the enigmatic deep black. This ‘tool’ aces the black look with an athletic touch. Another interesting fact is that brands such as TAG keep an extra margin while testing their watches. So, it will definitely withstand the mentioned depth if not a deeper plunge.

Like in diver’s watches, it has a helium escape valve located at 10 o’clock. The presence of the valve stands out, as it is the only silver-coloured pusher against a deep black background. Adding to its protection and water resistance, there is a screw-down caseback. The diver helmet etched on the caseback adds to the diver’s pride that comes with the watch.The dial on the Aquaracer is clean and the horizontal streak effect ups the style quotient. TAG wisely coated the time indicating hands and also the hour markers in silver, and loaded them with lume. The black rubber strap extends over diving gloves, showing its solidity. The unidirectional bezel is easy to set, in 120 clicks. Marked with Arabic numerals, a ceramic insert, and grippers, this watch definitely scores a 10 on the bezel scale!

100ATM/1,000 metres/3,280 feet

If you have a wristwatch that is resistant to 100ATM, you own more than an ultimate diver’s watch; you own bragging rights. It is not everyday you’d spot a wristwatch with the ability to withstand an underwater pressure of 1,000m. They are literally water beasts that can take on any aquatic activity. Watches with 100ATM and beyond are aggressively put together, with the closest attention to detail. Only the best quality of gaskets, thick crystal glass, and multiple tests go into producing the watch, to achieve the most precise performance. These are specialised watches with advanced complications and therefore sport a large design with assertive lines.  A steadfast diving watch with this water resistance can be put to test against practically any kind of pressure.

Scaling the ultimate depth is the Oris ProDiver, not just in terms of the size; but also the features packed in it. With a 1,000m resistance clearance, it can take on any aquatic body.

Our 100ATM Recommendation: Oris Diving ProDiver

Oris has struck big with Diving ProDiver, not just in terms of the size; but also the features packed in it. A mammoth 51mm case size will be the centre of attention, irrespective of the occasion. Oris is known for making advanced aquatic watches, be it the Oris Divers Sixty-Five or the Aquis Date, but the brand has taken it to a whole new level with the ProDiver. The watch means business at 1,000m of water resistance. With a thickness of 21mm, it packs in features, such as a helium release valve, and surpasses the expectations you’d have from a diver’s watch. The patent Oris Rotating Safety System locks the unidirectional bezel in place, to measure dive times. The bezel is a display of raw strength – made of shock resistant, vulcanised rubber. The ridges on the black ceramic bezel, featuring white minute markers, provide a better grip.

Another utilitarian feature is the in-house developed ‘sliding sledge’ steel clasp. It allows the diver to adjust the length of the bracelet, without having to remove the watch. Elements of water are present in the form of the wave pattern seen on the black dial. Chronograph and running seconds sub-dials are placed next to the 12, six and nine o’clock hour markers. The date window is placed within the running seconds counter. The watch is powered by a Sellita SW500 automatic movement. It probably won’t become an everyday watch, even though you’d surely love to flaunt this piece that can take on any current.

Apart from the different levels, do explore the various elements that make your watch water resistant, here

It is time to take your pick! After all the above wisdom, you are equipped to take a plunge or a full-fledged dive, depending on just this: How water resistant is your watch?

All the above watches are available at Ethos Watch Boutiques

Which water resistant wristwatch would you don from the compilation? Do tell us in the comments section below