How Do You Know What To Look For When Buying A Waterproof Watch?
We just discussed some of the best men’s waterproof watches on the market. Now let’s take the leap and discuss what you need to know before you purchase a waterproof watch. So keep reading.
• Depth: As you’re looking for a waterproof watch, it’s important to note how far it can go underwater. The watches we focused on can withstand different depths.
Before you head to the store, make sure you know how deep you want the watch to go. This will determine whether you can swim, dive or snorkel with it.
• Unisex: Men’s watches aren’t designed just for men. A lot of the time, they’re unisex. Due to this, they look different from watches designed specifically for men. This is because they’re more subtle in appearance. So, decide if you want a unisex watch or not as it would contribute greatly to the appearance.
• Brand Name: When buying a waterproof watch, the brand name is important. This is because it would influence how well the watch would work. If it’s from a renowned brand, you’re getting a watch that is guaranteed to work extremely well.
What’s more, better brands are known to offer warranties with their watches. So, you’re getting an added bonus.
• Movement: Movement is very important when you’re looking for any kind of watch. Depending on the type of movement, the time showcased will vary in accuracy when compared to other watches. Thus, you need to decide what type of movement you want from your watch as there are many of them available.
• Depth: As you’re looking for a waterproof watch, it’s important to note how far it can go underwater. The watches we focused on can withstand different depths.
Before you head to the store, make sure you know how deep you want the watch to go. This will determine whether you can swim, dive or snorkel with it.
• Unisex: Men’s watches aren’t designed just for men. A lot of the time, they’re unisex. Due to this, they look different from watches designed specifically for men. This is because they’re more subtle in appearance. So, decide if you want a unisex watch or not as it would contribute greatly to the appearance.
• Brand Name: When buying a waterproof watch, the brand name is important. This is because it would influence how well the watch would work. If it’s from a renowned brand, you’re getting a watch that is guaranteed to work extremely well.
What’s more, better brands are known to offer warranties with their watches. So, you’re getting an added bonus.
• Movement: Movement is very important when you’re looking for any kind of watch. Depending on the type of movement, the time showcased will vary in accuracy when compared to other watches. Thus, you need to decide what type of movement you want from your watch as there are many of them available.
FAQ
This section covers common questions someone looking for a waterproof watch might have
1
Can Only Waterproof Watches Be Used Underwater?
The thing is, not all watches can withstand water pressure. This is because they’ve been designed in a way that let’s water inside. Therefore, they can’t be used while swimming, snorkeling or diving.
The main difference between regular and waterproof watches is that the waterproof ones are sealed off thoroughly. This is to stop water seeping in.
The main difference between regular and waterproof watches is that the waterproof ones are sealed off thoroughly. This is to stop water seeping in.
2
What Is Waterproofing?
Water is a watch’s enemy. As you can imagine, the interior of a watch is full of intricate gears and screws. So, water seeping inside it can shift some very important pieces. If the watch is digital, this is even worse as it damages electrical components.
That’s why waterproofed watches are so popular. You can wear these watches in the water without any worry. However, waterproof watches come with specific ratings.
The ratings are on the watch as a stamp. It shows you how many feet the watch can go before succumbing to water pressure. For example, it may be 5 feet (1.5 m), 100 (30.4 m), 600 (182 m) or even 1000 (304 m).
As you can imagine, the more feet it can handle, the more things you can do with it underwater. So, you can snorkel with a watch that can handle 330 feet (100 m), but not with one that can only handle 50.
That’s why waterproofed watches are so popular. You can wear these watches in the water without any worry. However, waterproof watches come with specific ratings.
The ratings are on the watch as a stamp. It shows you how many feet the watch can go before succumbing to water pressure. For example, it may be 5 feet (1.5 m), 100 (30.4 m), 600 (182 m) or even 1000 (304 m).
As you can imagine, the more feet it can handle, the more things you can do with it underwater. So, you can snorkel with a watch that can handle 330 feet (100 m), but not with one that can only handle 50.
3
Can Water Still Seep In?
Remember, the watches are waterproof to only a certain degree. If they were completely waterproof, you have absolutely no chance of getting water inside it.
The manufacturers may advise not to use their additional features while you’re in the water. By clicking a button, you may create a small gap that lets water into the watch, thus damaging it.
Most watches on this list come with such a warning as the manufacturers advise consumers not to click any buttons while in water.
The manufacturers may advise not to use their additional features while you’re in the water. By clicking a button, you may create a small gap that lets water into the watch, thus damaging it.
Most watches on this list come with such a warning as the manufacturers advise consumers not to click any buttons while in water.
4
Can You Go Below The Specified Depth?
As mentioned, the watch may be able to withstand a certain number of feet underwater. You may be wondering what would happen if it’s taken deeper than what it can withstand. Well, nothing really.
If it can take up to 660 feet (200 m) , then 620 (180 m) won’t be a huge difference. So, you’re comfortable staying in that range. However, you shouldn’t abuse this.
If you do, the effects of water pressure would build up and cause the watch to get damaged.
If it can take up to 660 feet (200 m) , then 620 (180 m) won’t be a huge difference. So, you’re comfortable staying in that range. However, you shouldn’t abuse this.
If you do, the effects of water pressure would build up and cause the watch to get damaged.
5
What Is Water Pressure?
We spoke about how water seeping in could damage your watch, but not about how water pressure can affect it.
This is the pressure of the water body that gets exerted on you, and your watch due to gravity. So, the deeper you go, the more pressure is exerted. Your watch is an electronic/mechanical device, so it can only endure so much pressure before it gives in.
There are different ratings of water pressure. They correspond with how many feet underwater you are.
• 3 atm = 100 feet (30 m) underwater
• 5 atm= 160 feet (48 m) underwater
• 10 atm= 330 feet (100 m) underwater
• 20 atm=650 feet (198 m) underwater
• 30 atm= 660 feet (200 m) underwater
If you want to go diving, you’ll preferably be experiencing more than 660 feet (200 m) of water. Usually, swimming means 5 atm or 160 feet (48 m) of water and snorkeling is equal to 10 atm or 330 feet (100 m).
This is the pressure of the water body that gets exerted on you, and your watch due to gravity. So, the deeper you go, the more pressure is exerted. Your watch is an electronic/mechanical device, so it can only endure so much pressure before it gives in.
There are different ratings of water pressure. They correspond with how many feet underwater you are.
• 3 atm = 100 feet (30 m) underwater
• 5 atm= 160 feet (48 m) underwater
• 10 atm= 330 feet (100 m) underwater
• 20 atm=650 feet (198 m) underwater
• 30 atm= 660 feet (200 m) underwater
If you want to go diving, you’ll preferably be experiencing more than 660 feet (200 m) of water. Usually, swimming means 5 atm or 160 feet (48 m) of water and snorkeling is equal to 10 atm or 330 feet (100 m).
6
Is It Guaranteed To Last Underwater?
The watches had to be sealed off to prevent water from entering. Because of this, they're guaranteed to last underwater.
7
Is Waterproofing Forever?
You may think a waterproof watch will be waterproof for good. Unfortunately, this is not true as with wear and tear, the waterproofing can get weaker. So, the watch might stop being waterproof over time. Usually, this takes a long time, so don’t worry.
8
How Do You Clean A Waterproof Watch?
The watch needs to be tended to if you want to use it for a long time. Therefore, constant cleaning needs to take place. Fortunately, cleaning a waterproof watch is similar to cleaning any watch:
• Use a soft cloth to clean the watch’s surface. Ensure that you have cleaned the bezel of trapped debris. When choosing a cloth, be careful. If you use a material like a microfibril, pieces of lint can fall off. They can get stuck in the watch, especially in the bezel. So the trapped fibres can cause gaps that let water seep in.
• With debris out of the way, you should get rid of any fingerprints on the watch. Similarly, you need to be careful about the type of cloth you use. Look for a cloth used to clean eyeglasses as they do the best job.
• With the watch’s display completely cleaned, tend to its band. This can easily be detached from the watch itself. However, you should be careful because if you’re too rough, you can cause some indentation in it. With the band detached, you can clean it whichever way you want. Any type of cloth will do for this.
With the above covered, you know everything you need to about cleaning a waterproof watch. Although it’s similar to cleaning a regular watch, the only difference is that you need to be careful about the type of cloth used.
• Use a soft cloth to clean the watch’s surface. Ensure that you have cleaned the bezel of trapped debris. When choosing a cloth, be careful. If you use a material like a microfibril, pieces of lint can fall off. They can get stuck in the watch, especially in the bezel. So the trapped fibres can cause gaps that let water seep in.
• With debris out of the way, you should get rid of any fingerprints on the watch. Similarly, you need to be careful about the type of cloth you use. Look for a cloth used to clean eyeglasses as they do the best job.
• With the watch’s display completely cleaned, tend to its band. This can easily be detached from the watch itself. However, you should be careful because if you’re too rough, you can cause some indentation in it. With the band detached, you can clean it whichever way you want. Any type of cloth will do for this.
With the above covered, you know everything you need to about cleaning a waterproof watch. Although it’s similar to cleaning a regular watch, the only difference is that you need to be careful about the type of cloth used.
9
How Do You Maintain A Waterproof Watch?
You need to constantly maintain it if you want to see your watch work in great condition.
By cleaning it often, you’re taking one of the biggest steps to maintain it. However, there are other things you have to do:
• When you’re leaving the pool, don’t expose your watch to sunlight for too long. This is dangerous as it will cause the watch to corrode. This is especially true if it’s made of metal instead of rubber or resin.
• Although you can take the watch to the pool, you’re better off not doing this. The water in pools is treated. These chemicals, especially chlorine, is bad for your watch if exposed to it for a long time. That’s why you should be careful as to how long the watch is in a pool. However, you can use it for long if you’re in saltwater.
• Avoid going close to strong magnets with your watch. Remember that your watch is a mechanical device. So, magnets can affect its insides.
• Be careful with it! It’s full of many gears and screws working slowly. So, you can easily damage it if you’re careless. Therefore, it’s important that you don’t go to sleep wearing it. When you’re asleep you have no idea what you’re doing. So, you may unconsciously bash the watch around, damaging it greatly.
• You need to be mindful at all times when using a waterproof watch. For example, the manufacturers may have made it clear that using a watch over 600 feet (183 m) underwater is dangerous. So, don’t go too deep. If you do, you’re going to damage your watch.
What’s more, you should be mindful not to click any buttons while you’re underwater. Most manufacturers advise you to not do this as it makes water seep in.
By cleaning it often, you’re taking one of the biggest steps to maintain it. However, there are other things you have to do:
• When you’re leaving the pool, don’t expose your watch to sunlight for too long. This is dangerous as it will cause the watch to corrode. This is especially true if it’s made of metal instead of rubber or resin.
• Although you can take the watch to the pool, you’re better off not doing this. The water in pools is treated. These chemicals, especially chlorine, is bad for your watch if exposed to it for a long time. That’s why you should be careful as to how long the watch is in a pool. However, you can use it for long if you’re in saltwater.
• Avoid going close to strong magnets with your watch. Remember that your watch is a mechanical device. So, magnets can affect its insides.
• Be careful with it! It’s full of many gears and screws working slowly. So, you can easily damage it if you’re careless. Therefore, it’s important that you don’t go to sleep wearing it. When you’re asleep you have no idea what you’re doing. So, you may unconsciously bash the watch around, damaging it greatly.
• You need to be mindful at all times when using a waterproof watch. For example, the manufacturers may have made it clear that using a watch over 600 feet (183 m) underwater is dangerous. So, don’t go too deep. If you do, you’re going to damage your watch.
What’s more, you should be mindful not to click any buttons while you’re underwater. Most manufacturers advise you to not do this as it makes water seep in.
10
How Do You Know If The Watch Is Still Waterproof?
As mentioned above, waterproofing only lasts for a certain amount of time. Because of this, you need to know when your watch’s waterproofing has come to an end. Otherwise, you’ll take a dip in the pool and ruin it forever.
Unfortunately, you can’t check whether it's still waterproof without dunking it in water. As you can imagine, you might be reluctant to do this. So, you’ll have to take it to a specialist and get it examined. They’ll be able to diagnose and summarize the extent of its waterproofing and provide an estimate of how much longer it will last. What’s more, they’ll educate you on other issues your watch may be having and teach you how to take care of it better.
Unfortunately, you can’t check whether it's still waterproof without dunking it in water. As you can imagine, you might be reluctant to do this. So, you’ll have to take it to a specialist and get it examined. They’ll be able to diagnose and summarize the extent of its waterproofing and provide an estimate of how much longer it will last. What’s more, they’ll educate you on other issues your watch may be having and teach you how to take care of it better.
Conclusion
We looked at some of the best waterproof watches for men. However, before you get ready to purchase them, know what you’re looking for.
It’s only natural that you didn’t agree with a few picks. Don’t be shy- tell us what you think below!