What does the term “water-resistant” in luxury watches really mean? While water resistance ratings might seem straightforward, they are actually a little bit more complicated than they appear. After all, you would think that a watch rated for 100 meters of water resistance is safe to dive with up to 100 meters down, right? That’s not exactly the full story…
For any luxury watch aficionados out there, there are a few key tips and tricks to know about how to best take care of your watch if you do choose to test its water resistance and take it with you swimming or diving. In this article, we will explore the different water-resistance ranges and cover some need-to-know watch care suggestions to ensure that your expensive timepieces last a lifetime, even if you frequently take them swimming.
What Do Water Resistance Ratings Really Mean?
To understand what water resistance ratings in luxury watches really mean, we first need to understand how watch manufacturers determine these ratings. During the development of any given watch collection, the prototype pieces will undergo extensive testing and research to determine how much water pressure they can withstand.
However, the pieces that you can purchase will only be tested once, using static pressure on a brand-new model. During testing, the watches remain still – it’s important to note that the action of swimming increases pressure on a watch versus the pressure it would experience without repetitive movement. These testing methods do not account for rapid changes in water pressure, changes in water temperature, or the natural aging of the watch’s seals, according to reporting by British GQ.
It’s also worth noting that water resistance ratings are formulated for cold water (such as Ocean water). They are not created considering hot water, like what you would find in a heated pool, shower, or hot tub. Watches crafted from white, rose, or yellow gold can also be damaged from the chlorine in some swimming pools. While you can wear these watches in warm or chlorinated water, doing so can increase the risk of damage. It also makes it especially important to get the watch regularly serviced, as water or even steam can get into the inner workings if the watch’s crown and seals are not tightened and secure.
Let’s break down some rules of thumb to understand what kind of water adventures our favorite watches can withstand…
No Water Resistance: This one is pretty self-explanatory. Don’t get it wet. The good news is, very few modern watches have literally zero water resistance. This may apply to some gem-set watches, however, to ensure that the stones do not come loose.
Water Resistant to 30 Meters: Watches rated for up to 30 meters of water resistance are really not meant for submerging or swimming. These watches can withstand a splash or two, but they are not intended for aquatic sports. You could wear these watches while washing your hands or walking in the rain, but do not take them in the pool or shower. A great example is the Cartier Crash, an aesthetically striking timepiece that has recently skyrocketed in popularity. As a general rule of thumb, watches with leather, satin, or textile straps will be rated in this category, as submerging the watch can also ruin the strap.
Water Resistant to 50 Meters: These watches are fine to submerge, but not ideal for swimming. Remember, the action of swimming increases the water pressure on the watch. If you are looking for a watch for swimming laps in a pool, for example, we recommend choosing one with at least 100 meters of water resistance. A great example? This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore in 18K rose gold.
Water Resistant to 100 Meters: Watches with a water resistance of 100 meters are acceptable for swimming, but are typically not meant for diving. These watches can be worn for swimming laps, swimming in the ocean, and even snorkeling on the surface. They can definitely be fully submerged. This Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time is a great option, with a durable and comfortable rubber strap and water resistance of 120 meters.
Water Resistance of 200+ Meters: Watches rated for 200 or more meters of water resistance are generally diving watches and can be worn even while scuba diving. Of course, if you are going on a particularly adventurous deep-sea mission, it is important to choose a watch with a water resistance that matches your intended diving depth. There are a few diving watches on the market with especially strong water resistance ratings that will do the job – but generally speaking, 200 meters of water resistance is more than acceptable for all water-related activities.
Our Favorite Water-Resistant Watches
Looking for a watch that you can take with you on your next beach trip, poolside lounge day, or underwater adventure? Here are some of our favorite luxury watches that offer strong water resistance ratings that go above and beyond what the average wearer will require on an everyday basis.
Rolex Submariner
We would be remiss to write an article about water-resistant watches without mentioning the Rolex Submariner, the OG dive watch. The watch’s screw-down crown and precisely engineered caseback guarantee water resistance to an impressive 300 meters, or 984 feet.
Fashion-world staples like Elle agree: This watch is the quintessential dive watch and should be the first on any list of watches made for the water. Its high-contrast, index hour markers make it easy to read the time even underwater. Plus, the unidirectional Cerachrom bezel offers a 60-minute timing function to help divers keep track of how long they have been submerged. But you don’t need to be a professional to rock a Sub – this watch looks just as classy as you lounge on a yacht as it does 1,000 leagues under the sea.
Rolex Deepsea
It’s clear that Rolex is king when it comes to diving watches. The Rolex Submariner is a timeless classic, but the Rolex Deepsea ups the ante with a jaw-dropping water resistance of 12,800 feet (that’s nearly 4,000 meters). This watch is famous for its role in James Cameron’s exploration of the Mariana Trench, the deepest known point in the ocean. Cameron wore the Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge to his destination, which lies a whopping 35,000 feet under the sea.
Now, your average Rolex Deepsea is not rated to make it to the bottom of the Mariana Trench – but let’s be honest, who needs that kind of water resistance anyway? For anyone engaging in normal underwater activities (swimming with the dolphins, scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef, waterskiing at the lake), a Rolex Deepsea will more than suffice.
Hublot King Power Oceanographic Diver
While Rolex might reign supreme as our go-to for diving watches, “The Crown” is certainly not the only brand that produces excellent timepieces with strong water resistance. Lately, we’ve been falling for the Hublot King Power “Oceanographic Diver” edition, which offers a 4,000 meter water resistance and a modern, monochromatic look.
This limited edition masterpiece is one of only 500 such pieces, making it an incredible collectible for any luxury sports watch enthusiast. The carbon fiber case and rubber strap make this timepiece both light and durable while still maintaining a stylish look. You’ll also notice a helium escape valve, which is necessary for deep-sea diving expeditions. The 48 mm frame of this watch is certainly hefty, but the overall look is to die for… or should we say, to dive for?
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver
Both the Patek Philippe Aquanaut and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore take 1970s stainless steel classics and reinvent them as rugged, sporty watches with impressive levels of water resistance. We particularly love this “Diver” edition of the AP Royal Oak Offshore, which offers 300 meters (1,000 feet) of water resistance. The eye-catching neon yellow minute hand and hour markers increase visibility even when you’re beneath the surface.
With a 42 mm stainless steel case and a rubber strap, this watch has a timeless aesthetic that can take you from dry land to saltwater depths in seconds. The octagonal bezel with exposed screws takes its inspiration from a diver’s helmet, making this watch ideal for underwater adventures both functionally and aesthetically. Shop more of the Royal Oak Offshore collection here at Avi & Co.
Make a Splash With Luxury Watches From Avi & Co.
This year, show off your style with an upscale diving watch from Avi & Co.’s unmatched inventory. Whether you opt for an Audemars Piguet, a Rolex, or a Hublot, we have amassed a top collection of water-resistant timepieces ready to accompany you on any adventure.
With three upscale boutiques located in Manhattan, Miami, and Aspen, there is an Avi & Co. store near you. So what are you waiting for? Make an appointment today and discover the watch you’ve been dreaming of.
