Water resistance testing
Nowadays most watches have sealed cases. When a watch is sealed it means you can perform different tasks in and around water and not have to worry about your watch leaking. However, a watch seal is not just to stop moisture entering your watch. A seal will prevent other issues too, much like the seals you see on bearings and moving car parts the seal will prevent other contaminants getting where they shouldn’t be. A sealed watch that has been maintained correctly will last longer before needing to be serviced.
If you are using your watch in water on a regular basis it is recommended that you get the seals checked every 6 months.
Remember, when checking the specification of your watch that 100M water resistance does not mean you can go 100M down at sea, it is there as guide only. All manufacturers vary in what they recommend you do in their watches. Below is a guide for water resistance and what you can do as a general rule.
30m water resistance - Designed to be splash resistant. If you noticed you have got it wet it’s best to take it off.
50m water resistance - Designed to withstand daily water activities. Washing hands and cleaning the dishes would be fine but do not submerged in water for longer than needed.
100m water resistance - Designed to withstand daily water activities and you can do surface swimming.
200m water resistance - Designed for water sports and to withstand what the average person would put it through on a day at the water park. Swimming, snorkelling and impact into water are all fine. No deep diving.
200m + water resistance - These types of watches are designed specifically to keep water away and you are usually safe to do all water sports in these watches. If you are a diver and using a watch as a piece of equipment to help keep you alive you should always go for a dive specific brand and use dive computers wherever possible.
Before any activity near water always ensure your crown is pressed in and secure. If you have a screw down crown make sure this is screwed down finger tight.