Water Resistance Guide
Water-resistance ratings can sometimes be misunderstood. A rating such as 30 meters, 50 meters, or 100 meters does not necessarily mean that a watch can safely be used at that physical depth during normal activity.
This guide provides a general explanation of commonly used water-resistance ratings. Always follow the specific instructions and limitations provided by the manufacturer for your watch.
The water-resistance specification shown on each Stalder & Reid product page is based on the confirmed rating supplied for that particular watch.
Water Resistance Ratings
| Rating | General Guidance |
|---|---|
| Not Water Resistant | Avoid exposure to water, moisture, and steam. |
| 30 m / 100 ft / 3 ATM | Generally suitable for accidental splashes and light everyday contact with water. Not normally suitable for showering, swimming, snorkeling, or diving. |
| 50 m / 165 ft / 5 ATM | Offers greater protection against everyday water exposure. Suitability for swimming or prolonged immersion depends on the specific watch and the manufacturer's instructions. Not normally intended for diving. |
| 100 m / 330 ft / 10 ATM | Commonly suitable for swimming and general shallow-water activities where permitted by the manufacturer. Not automatically suitable for scuba diving. |
| 150 m / 500 ft / 15 ATM | Typically designed for more substantial water exposure and may be suitable for swimming and snorkeling. Always check the manufacturer's instructions before using the watch for diving. |
| 200 m / 660 ft / 20 ATM | Commonly associated with watches designed for significant water exposure. Swimming, snorkeling, and certain diving activities may be appropriate where the specific watch is designed and approved for them. |
| 300 m / 1,000 ft / 30 ATM | Often found on purpose-designed dive watches. Diving suitability depends on the construction, certification, and manufacturer's instructions for the specific model. |
| 500 m / 1,650 ft / 50 ATM | A high water-resistance rating typically associated with specialist dive watches. Follow the manufacturer's stated diving and operating limits. |
| 1,000 m / 3,300 ft / 100 ATM | A specialist water-resistance level found on certain professional dive watches. Use must remain within the manufacturer's stated specifications, certification, and operating instructions. |
These classifications are general guidance only. The manufacturer's instructions and specifications for the individual watch always take priority.
Important Information About Water Resistance
A water-resistance rating is established under controlled testing conditions. Real-world conditions may expose a watch to different types and levels of pressure, movement, temperature, chemicals, impact, and wear.
Water resistance is also not necessarily permanent. Seals, gaskets, crowns, case components, and other parts can deteriorate or become damaged over time, reducing the watch's resistance to water.
To help protect your watch:
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific model;
- Do not exceed the confirmed water-resistance rating or intended use of the watch;
- Do not operate the crown, pushers, or other controls while the watch is underwater or wet unless the manufacturer expressly states that they are designed for such use;
- Ensure that any screw-down crown is completely and correctly secured before exposure to water;
- Do not pull out or adjust the crown while the watch is wet;
- Avoid sudden or extreme temperature changes;
- Avoid hot tubs, hot water, steam rooms, and saunas unless the manufacturer expressly confirms that the specific watch is suitable for that environment;
- Avoid exposing the watch to soaps, detergents, chemicals, solvents, or other substances that may affect seals or materials;
- Have the water resistance inspected periodically where the watch is regularly exposed to water;
- Have the water resistance checked after the case has been opened for battery replacement, repair, or servicing where recommended by the manufacturer; and
- Remember that the water resistance of the watch case does not necessarily mean that its strap or bracelet is equally suitable for water exposure.
Swimming and Diving
A depth rating alone should not be used to determine whether a watch is appropriate for a particular swimming or diving activity.
A watch intended for scuba or professional diving may incorporate specific construction, testing, certification, or operating features beyond its stated water-resistance rating.
Do not use a watch for scuba diving, saturation diving, or other specialized diving activities unless the manufacturer expressly states that the specific model is designed and approved for that purpose.
Heat, Steam, and Temperature Changes
Heat and steam can affect watch components and water-resistance performance even when a watch carries a substantial water-resistance rating.
Unless the manufacturer specifically states otherwise, avoid wearing a watch in:
- Saunas;
- Steam rooms;
- Hot tubs;
- Hot springs; or
- Very hot baths or showers.
Rapid temperature changes may also affect internal components, seals, and condensation behavior.
Leather Straps
A watch may have a water-resistant case while being fitted with a strap that should not be regularly exposed to water.
Leather and certain other strap materials can become damaged, stained, discolored, hardened, softened, or deteriorated through repeated exposure to moisture, chemicals, sweat, or salt water.
Always consider both the watch case and the strap before exposing a watch to water.
After Exposure to Salt Water
If the manufacturer permits the watch to be used in salt water, follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions after use.
For suitable watches, this may include gently rinsing salt or residue with fresh water and carefully drying the watch afterward.
Do not rinse or immerse a watch if its manufacturer does not permit that level of water exposure.
Condensation or Moisture Inside the Watch
If persistent condensation, fogging, or visible water droplets appear beneath the crystal, stop exposing the watch to water and arrange for it to be inspected as soon as reasonably possible.
Moisture inside the case may indicate that the watch's water resistance has been compromised.
Water Resistance and Your Warranty
Water damage resulting from use inconsistent with the confirmed water-resistance specification, manufacturer instructions, intended use, improper operation, unauthorized alteration, or misuse may not be covered by the applicable warranty.
Water resistance should not be assumed where no confirmed water-resistance rating is stated for the watch.
A stated water-resistance rating also does not create a broader guarantee beyond the specifications, intended use, limitations, and warranty terms applicable to the individual watch.
For complete information regarding warranty coverage, limitations, and exclusions, please review our Warranty.
Product-Specific Information Controls
This guide is intended to provide general educational information only.
If the specifications, instructions, warranty information, or guidance supplied by the manufacturer for a particular watch differ from the general information on this page, the product-specific manufacturer information should be followed.
Not Sure About Your Watch?
If you are unsure about the water-resistance rating or appropriate use of a watch sold by Stalder & Reid, please contact Client Services before exposing the watch to water.
Stalder & Reid Client Services
Email: clientservices@stalderandreidus.com
Where possible, include the watch name or manufacturer reference number so that we can review the applicable specifications more accurately.
Last updated: September 8, 2026