The Leak Mystic (mistake)
May 16th, 2006
photo credit: devehf
Many times the first question that a customer asks me about the purchase of a new wristwatch is, “Can I wear it in the water?” Well, yes, no, maybe? It is a loaded question. Let me explain! Watches used to be advertised as waterproof for years, accidentally loaded in washing machines, they took their lumps and came out ticking. The waterproof label no longer exists so you must be very careful about what watch you’re wearing in the event of a spontaneous water encounter! We insiders rate a watch’s water “resistance” now! Here is the skinny on the system: 1 ATM(atmosphere) = 33 feet or 10 Meters or one BAR… all the same thing. Here is CTWG’s system to keep your watch dry, from years of watch repair experience, trust me, this is correct. 200 meters or greater is a dive watch, a strong water resistant watch, wear it in the ocean, wear it to dive etc. 100 meters is a swim watch, pool, minor water related activities. 30 meters is a repair watch, wear it in the water and get it repaired. Most watches fall into one of these three brackets, choose the type that best suits your activities. CTWG
Entry Filed under: Just In
11 Comments Add your own
1. Jason | May 17th, 2006 at 5:06 pm
CTWG, thanks for the layman’s explanation of the modern day “waterproofness” scale.
2. WristWatchReview.com &raq&hellip | May 17th, 2006 at 8:54 pm
[…] The Leak Mystic (mistake) [Chad the Watch Guy] […]
3. Christopher | May 17th, 2006 at 9:43 pm
Thanks Chad.
4. Ben | May 22nd, 2006 at 8:33 am
So, um, why is a watch designed to 3 ATM considered “water resistant?” I mean, I can’t imagine that I’d ever go down to 99 feet, so what’s the deal?
5. Chad | May 22nd, 2006 at 10:42 am
Ben,
No you probably would not go down to that depth, but you might jump off a diving board, ride a water ski, things of this nature. The resistantance is measured in a tank, calm and steady the pressure is added, it does not take into account quick forces of water pressure. This is how most people break their watch. There is a gray area in the article, it was meant to give a nice basic outline. Stay dry! CTWG
6. Ben | May 23rd, 2006 at 8:44 am
Thanks for the clarification, Chad. One last question: what about 5 ATM watches? I’ve got two of them that I’ve swum with (never deeper than 10′!). Is that a safe depth?
7. Chad | May 23rd, 2006 at 4:06 pm
Ben,
Not too bad for pool wear, but be careful. 9 times out of ten it is the crown that will give you trouble. Make sure these models have a screw down crown (a must). Always have your battey service or overhauls done by a pro, and then tell him your going to the bahamas tomorrow to dive for a personal record depth(150ft.) and you rely more on your watch than the dive computer.(If he squirms, still a pool watch) CTWG
8. Carl stovall | June 1st, 2006 at 12:33 pm
What are your thoughts on watches like the Tissot Seastar 300 M and the Oris TT1 Professional Divers Regulator 1000meters “DER MEISTERTAUCHER” ref no: 649.7541.70.64. ISO2281
I know they say they have been tested, but are they for real?
I have both of these diver watches and they never see water from the sink much less diving…I just love the weight, sizes and total over all look like most men do.
Would love to know what you think. Are they for real?
9. Chad | June 2nd, 2006 at 3:27 pm
Yeah, these are big names, nice watches in my opinion. Tissot Swatch group watch with nice relationship to Omega-their watch is tested properly. Oris also very good watch I have sold in the past and like a great deal. You have two nice watches, both quality and very water tight. Keep the crowns screwed down and you should have no problem with either.CTWG
10. Colleen | March 19th, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Hello- I just received a watch that is 3 atm- can you wear it in the shower or bath tub? It sounds like if I am doing the calculations right- it should be fine -I am just not sure with this Gray area??Thank-you for all your help…
11. Chad | March 21st, 2007 at 12:58 pm
Yes,
The gray area is here, I often look to the model and who put this product on the market (Quality Gage!). You should be able to wear this timepiece in the tub, shower etc. Just don’t go too far with the water activities. By the way, what is the company? CTWG
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