WATER RESISTANT WATCHES

FR?D?RIQUE CONSTANT EXPLAINS “WATER RESISTANCE”

ISO 2281 Water resistant testing

 “A watch is not water resistant unless stated on the dial or case back.

Watches, which are not noted as water resistant, should not be worn whilst washing hands, dishes or showering etc.

The notation of water resistance to a given depth (e.g. 30m, 50m) is based on the fact that the case has been designed to withstand a static laboratory test to the stated depth for short periods only. Most water resistant watches are not designed for prolonged and active use in water.

The only watches designed to withstand these types of conditions are professional divers watches.”

GENERAL POINTS

The figures quoted refer to static pressure. The actual water pressure on the watch during use will be greater than the static pressure. For instance, diving pressure on the watch is clearly greater at the impact point with the water during poolside diving.

Condensation can also be a problem. A sealed watch will pick up body warmth in water and this remains in the case. If the watch is then suddenly plunged into water that is some degrees colder, moisture can then be created within the watch and become visible as small droplets under the glass.

This normally dissipates of its own accord once the watch is removed from the water, but this not always the case. The watch may then need to be returned to the watchmaker for inspection.

3 ATM/98 FT

Suitable for everyday use. Will withstand accidental splashing but NOT suitable for swimming

6 ATM/164 FT

Suitable for everyday use and swimming but NOT for poolside diving, snorkelling or water sports.

10 ATM

Suitable for everyday use including swimming and snorkelling but NOT suitable for highboard diving or sub-aqua diving.

20 ATM

Suitable for all high impact water sports and scuba diving at depths NOT requiring helium gas. At these depths however it is recommended that a professional divers watch be purchased.

 This item has been reproduced by kind permission of Fr?d?rique Constant S.A.

The Fr?d?rique Constant Watch Collection is built around high precision Swiss movements, most of them mechanical, all at affordable prices, to see more please visit