Pressure Resistance

A watch's pressure resistance is a critical factor in its durability and longevity, determined by how well its crown, caseback, and button pushers prevent moisture and dust from entering. Screw-down components for the crown and caseback generally offer greater protection against the elements. Pressure increases with depth, starting at 14.7 psi at sea level. Therefore, a watch with a higher pressure resistance rating will be better equipped to withstand deeper dives and exposure to the elements.

Common pressure resistance ratings:

IP68- 

1.5m (~5 ft.) for thirty minutes (usually smartwatches)

water resist- 

similar to a 30m rated watch

30m /~100 ft./3 atm/3 bar- 

rain only; not suitable for submersion or swimming 

50m/~165 ft./5 atm/5 bar- 

submersion is possible, but not recommended (still water swimming )

100m/~330 ft./10 atm/10 bar- 

suitable for a variety of water activities, such as snorkeling

200m/~660 ft /20 atm/20 bar- 

suitable for diving activities, dynamic pressure is taken into account when designing and testing 20 atm dive watches

300m/~985 ft./30 atm/ 30 bar- 

suitable for deep diving

500m/~1,640 ft./50 atm/ 50bar- 

professional grade

1,000m/~3,280 ft./100 atm/ 100 bar- 

exceptionally made for saturation divers

It's crucial to remember that a watch's water resistance is tested in a controlled, static environment. Any movement underwater, such as swimming, can expose the watch to much higher pressure than it's designed to handle. Beyond swimming and diving, it's important to be mindful of everyday activities like showering. The chemicals in your soaps and cleansers can degrade the gaskets and seals that keep your watch watertight, potentially compromising its water resistance over time.