Що означає Water Resist 100

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Watch Water Resistance Explained (What The Numbers Mean)

There probably isn’t a more misunderstood marketing term than “water-resistant”. Almost every wristwatch is said to be water-resistant up to some depth (in feet or meters), which certainly sounds great. Some even claim to be waterproof. But, what does either one of those terms really mean?

Regardless of whether a watch claims to be water-resistant or waterproof, there is one standard rating system that matters: the IP Code. IP stands for “Ingress Protection” and an IP rating is used to clarify an item’s resistant to both solid and liquid incursion. The rating is used for all kinds of products (including mobile phones), but of course, for our interest, we’re only concerned with watches.
Let’s look at the 10-level IP water-resistance ratings and other important terms you need to know.

Table of Contents

Watch Water Resistance Ratings

What is the IP Code?

Before we break the IP Code down, we should first address exactly how the rating system works. An IP rating is determined by the International Electrotechnical Commission . While the IP Code isn’t technically the only game in town when it comes to rating water resistance, it is by far the most trusted, in large part because the IEC is so well-established.
An IP rating is expressed with a simple code: IP followed by two digits (e.g., IP22). The first of the two digits express the level of resistance to solids, whereas the second digit expresses resistance to liquids. While many products are tested for both, watch manufacturers only care about water resistance, so they rarely if ever test for both. For this reason, watches are usually rated as IPX with a digit following the “X”. The X doesn’t mean the product isn’t resistant to solids, it just means no testing (or not enough testing) has been done to determine a rating.
This is why, when you find a watch’s IP rating, they are listed as IPX0 through IPX9. With this understanding in hand, we can now look at each level of water-resistance rating, starting with the lowest.

IPX0

You won’t see a watch advertised as IPX0 just as you wouldn’t see a car advertise that it gets a mile to the gallon. IPX0 literally means that a watch is “ not protected ” from water, like, at all. It would honestly be surprised to find any watch that was rated IPX0, if only because, if such a shoddy watch was made, the manufacturer wouldn’t bother having it tested.
Even watches made out of paper tend to offer some level of water resistance. If you did find a watch that was rated IPX0, you’d be better off leaving it in the watch box. A gentle rain could destroy it.

IPX1

Technically, a watch that has been rated IPX1 offers resistance against dripping water. It would be fine if a few drops fell on it vertically from the sink or in light rain, but it would be foolhardy to wear it out in, say, London. Like an IPX0 rating, you’ll never see a watch advertised as being IPX1 rated, but there are some cheapy watches that would fit.
Some knock-off, generic “smartwatches” (really just glorified step counters) on the market lack any real-world water resistance. Watches like the cheekily named “iTouch”, which can be found at Nordstrom’s Rack , don’t have the durability or water-resistance of the big-name smartwatches. That said, if you want a cheap watch with some health trackers and you aren’t likely to go running in the rain, it isn’t a bad deal.

IPX2

Improvements in IP ratings are fairly incremental. For that reason, the only difference between an IPX1 rating and an IPX2 rating is an angle. That is to say, an IXP2-rated watch is resistant to dripping water, even at a 15° angle, which, okay. This makes an IXP2 rating slightly more practical than an IXP1 – no one keeps their wrist completely horizontal at all times – but it hardly counts as water-resistant in any practical sense.
Again, don’t expect any advertising campaigns around IXP2 ratings, but if those inexpensive smartwatches do have any water resistance, that’s probably their limit. For the price, it might be worth it for some people.

IPX3

This is where we start to actually see a level of water resistance that could be considered noticeable. A rating of IPX3 means that a watch can resist water spraying at it, even up to an angle of 60°. That offers some relatively useful protection for anyone who might wear their watch while washing the dishes. Essentially, if you get splashed on, you’ll be fine.
For some electronic products, an IPX3 rating is pretty good, but for a watch, it’s not very impressive. You can’t swim or even shower in an IPX3-rated watch, and if it fell off in the sink, it’d probably be corrupted. That said, it’s not out of the realm of possibility to find an IPX3-rated watch. If you find a cheap digital watch that doesn’t mention water resistance, it could be in this category.

IPX4

We’re approaching the realm of water-resistant that might actually make a difference in your purchasing decision, but we’re not quite there. An IPX4-rated watch can take a splash from any direction; angles no longer matter. This obviously doesn’t sound too impressive, but that distinction does matter.
As long as there was no expectation of falling overboard, you could feel relatively confident to wear such a watch out on a fishing boat. For instance, this SUNROAD digital sports watch is advertised as a fishing watch and would be quite handy so long as it’s not submerged. The name uses the term “waterproof” which it definitely is not, but we’ll discuss that later.

IPX5

Finally, we’re getting somewhere. An IPX5-rated watch is resistant to water projected from a nozzle. It has to be a low-pressure spray, but the watch will be fine with a steady stream, such as from a garden house or a showerhead. This makes wearing such a watch considerably more convenient. It’s still nowhere near being a dive watch, but it will hold up to most day-to-day conditions.
Though not as prominent in the market, Sony’s officially named SmartWatch is a well-priced smartwatch. For people who want something more durable than an off-brand smartwatch, but don’t want to invest in an Apple or Samsung, Sony isn’t a bad alternative. Their second generation was rated as IPX5, as well as IPX7. We’ll explain why a couple of paragraphs down.

IPX6

This is the last of the incremental IP ratings. An IPX6-rated watch can take a powerful stream of water from any direction, like say from a high-power hose. This type of water resistance would be more than enough for your daily routine and even some more water-intensive activities. Still, though, this doesn’t mean the watch should go underwater, necessarily.
Specialty sports watches like this a multi-function bike flashlight/watch below are often IPX6-rated. This means that if you go riding in extreme conditions with the risk of a sudden downpour, the watch will make it through with you. Such watches are suitable for consummate outdoors people.
XPE Q5 LED IPX6 (Image: Amazon.com)

IPX7

Up until this point, the increasing numbers of the IP Code have indicated incremental improvements in water resistance. With the IPX7 and IPX8 rating, though, the measurement is slightly different, which is why a watch can be rated both IPX5 and IPX7.
At this level, the rating is about submersion into water. In the case of IPX7, that means submersion up to one meter underwater for up to 30 minutes. This measure is just as much about the amount of pressure the watch can withstand as it about its ability to prevent water from penetrating the case. It’d be rare to find a good watch that was only rated IPX7.
Ironically, one of the most technologically advanced watches (when it was released), the first-generation Apple Watch ( still available refurbished on Amazon ), was only IPX7. This makes some sense, as Apple was new to the watch game. Smartphones aren’t expected to be taken into the water, so it’s no surprise the first Apple Watch lacked in this regard. The later generations of the Apple Watch have upped their water resistance, but not by a ton.

IPX8

If a watch boasts that it is water-resistant, then you can bet it’s IPX8-rated. Such a watch can be submerged underwater at depths greater than one meter and for a sustained amount of time. As IPX8 represents the upper range of water resistance, any watch that can be submerged in deep water for any amount of time qualifies.
This means that entry-level Timex and a professional-grade diving watch (like Garmin’s Descent ) are all within the category. Once a watch has been designated IPX8, it’s up to the manufacturer to provide specific details about depth and more. This is why you’ll often see advertising talk about atm, a term will explain briefly.
Garmin Descent (Image: Amazon.com)

IPX9

An IPX9 rating doesn’t really exist for watches. The 9 rating exists for specially rated equipment meant to take extreme pressure and temperatures. Theoretically, a watch could be made that was rated up to this level, but there’s no conceivable reason anyone would ever do that. The IPX8 rating is more than sufficient for any wristwatch.

Watch Resistance: What does ATM stand for?

Quality Dive Watches go to 200-300M
While the IP Code is useful for manufacturers and marketers, for the average consumer, those ratings probably don’t mean much. It’s a bit too technical. Generally, when a consumer sees a watch advertised, they see water resistance expressed with a different set of letters: ATM
The term “atm” is not an acronym in this setting. Instead, it is a shortening of the word “atmosphere,” and it refers to the amount of pressure exerted as you dive below sea level. As you dive, the atmosphere increases every 10 meters. This means, if you’ve seen a watch advertised as water-resistant up to 3 atm, it’s resistant up to 30 meters; likewise, 5 atm is 50 meters.
Anything below 10 atm shouldn’t be worn for deep-sea diving, but most such watches would be fine for snorkeling or other water activities. For instance, Garmin’s Vívomove smartwatch , a well-priced alternative to the Apple Watch, is rated at 5 atm. It could be worn for a swim just as it would be fine in the shower.
Most quality dive watches (ones actually intended for diving) go are resistant up to 200M – 300M. For example, all of the watches on our list of best dive watches under $500 are resistant to at least 200M (20 ATM).
At 300M and above, watches are suitable for saturation diving (helium enriched environment) and there are even are some high-end dive watches rated to 1000M and beyond…for very serious divers.
Sinn U1000 – Water Resistance = 1,000 meters.

Watch Resistance: What does BAR stand for?

Caseback on Casio showing 10 BAR water resistance.
As with basically all possible measurements, if scientists can come up with one way of measuring something, they can come up with two.
Sometimes, if you don’t see water resistant described in terms of atm, it’ll be described in bars.
Bars are just another way of measuring water pressure . Confusingly, they’re pretty much the same as ATM (give or take some precise measurements that no regular human being will ever notice).
Famously, when developing the Casio G-Shock line of watches, the head designer, Kikuo Ibe, used a “Triple 10” rule to guide the design. The G-Shock line was commissioned to be a series of nearly indestructible watches.
Toward this goal, Ibe wanted the watch to be able to sustain a 10-meter drop, have a 10-year battery, and be water-resistant up to 10bar (or 100 meters). Modern G-Shock watches have gone far beyond the 10bar mark, with most, like the Solar Mudman is water-resistant up to 200 meters.
Casio G Shock Solar Mudman (Image: Amazon)

Is my watch waterproof?

Most watches are advertised as water-resistant, and that’s because there really isn’t an industry-standard definition for waterproof. If by waterproof, someone means a watch that is completely and utterly unaffected by water or water pressure, well, that doesn’t really exist . When advertisers use “waterproof”, they just mean water-resistant and hope no one looks into it.
The thing is, you don’t need your watch to be waterproof. The best dive watches could go far deeper into the sea than your own body could. If you’re concerned about your watch not being able to survive your unusually wet lifestyle, just invest in a certified dive watch.
Whether rated in terms of atm, bar, meters or feet, the important thing is that there is a big difference between a watch that is intended for swimming and one that is designed for diving.
Unless you’re specifically looking for the technical specs, you’re unlikely to see a watch’s IP rating mentioned in the ad copy. Still, you can bet legitimate watch manufacturers have had their watches tested. If having a water-resistant watch is important to you, check for both its IP rating and the atm or bar depth.
Main image source: Photo by Jeremy Bishop

The Ultimate Guide to Watch Water Resistance: Decoding the Terminology

Decoding Watch Water Resistance: A Comprehensive Guide to Terminology

Introduction

Wearing a wristwatch isn’t just about style; it’s also about functionality and durability. In a world where adventures can lead us anywhere, understanding water resistance and making the right choice when purchasing a watch is crucial. The terminology used to describe water resistance can often be confusing, leaving many watch enthusiasts unsure of which watch would suit their needs. In this comprehensive guide, we break down the key watch water resistance terminology, enabling you to make informed choices when selecting a timepiece that can withstand life’s watery challenges.

1. Water Resistance Ratings Unveiled ATM vs. Metres:

Both metres and atmospheric pressure (ATM) express water resistance, so what’s the difference?

When you see a number expressed in metres like 30m, 50m, 100m, etc. this common labeling refers to a watch’s ability to withstand water pressure to a specified measured depth. However, it’s important to note that these ratings aren’t necessarily indicative of diving depth. For instance, a 30m water-resistant watch is suitable for everyday activities like hand washing, but not for swimming or diving.

In a watchmaker’s studio under tightly controlled conditions, a pressure testing machine measures ATM. The 3 ATM, 5 ATM, 10 ATM grading system indicates the water-resistant ratings. 1 ATM is approximately equal to 10 meters of water pressure. Thus, a watch labelled 5 ATM can endure water pressure equivalent to 50 metres.

2. Diving Deeper: ISO 6425 Standards

ISO 6425 is an international standard specifically for diver’s watches. These watches are tested under rigorous conditions to ensure they can withstand the demands of underwater exploration. Look for terms such as “Diver’s 100m,” indicating the watch meets ISO 6425 standards for diving. Water resistance for diver’s watches starts from 100m (330ft) or 10ATM, but for serious diving with breathing equipment, you should look for watches tested from 200m (660ft) or 20ATM and up.

3. Watch Water Resistance: Clearing the Confusion

The use of both ATM and metres can be perplexing. Keep in mind that while both convey water resistance, ATM is a simplified rating often used for casual or fashion watches, whereas metres provide a more precise measure of pressure endurance. If in doubt, stick to metres for a clearer understanding.

4. Seals, Gaskets, and Crowns: Defending Against Water

Screw-Down Crown: This type of crown screws into the case, creating a watertight seal. It’s common in watches with a water resistance of more than 30 metres/3ATM to prevent water from seeping into the case through the crown. You can see whether the crown on your watch is screwed down, by trying to turn it to move the hands. If the hands move freely when you turn the crown, it hasn’t got a thread. If however (before the hands can be moved) you need to push down and unscrew it until it pops out slightly, then you have a screw down crown.

Gaskets and Seals: These are essential rubber or silicone components that form a barrier against water intrusion. Look for watches with multiple gaskets around the case back and crown for enhanced water resistance.

5. Beyond Splashes: Understanding Depth Ratings

30m (100ft) 3ATM: Suitable for everyday activities like hand washing and light rain. Not recommended for swimming or diving.

50m (165ft) 5ATM: Can withstand brief water exposure like swimming in shallow water. Not designed for snorkeling or diving.

100m (330ft) 10ATM: Suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and light recreational diving.

200m (660ft) 20ATM: Appropriate for more serious diving activities, including scuba diving.

300m (1000ft) 30ATM and Beyond: Professional-grade diver’s watches designed for extensive deep-sea exploration.

6. Why Has my Watch Leaked?

So you’ve done your research and bought the right watch, but it’s now got water damage. What has gone wrong?

User error: Have you left your crown out without screwing it down tightly when you last changed the time? A watchmaker should examine any water damage, and it’s better to do so sooner rather than later! The longer you leave it, the more damage could potentially occur.

Wear and tear: have your gaskets or seals perished? Regular servicing from a reputable watchmaker can largely help avoid this. Has your watch got a cracked glass or a small dent just big enough for condensation to get in? If your watch experiences even a minor impact, it’s worth having it checked before you expose it to water again.

Professional error: were the gaskets and seals checked or replaced the last time the caseback was opened? Was it professionally re-sealed? Amateur handling of your watch (for example when changing the battery) can invalidate its water resistance, so returning it to the original supplier or manufacturer for this is often advised.

Watch Water Resistance Guide: Conclusion

Deciphering watch water resistance terminology is the key to ensuring your timepiece can handle water-related scenarios without compromising its functionality. By understanding the ratings, standards, and components that contribute to water resistance, you can confidently choose a watch that complements your lifestyle, whether you’re diving into the depths or simply navigating through life’s unexpected wet encounters. We hope our Guide to Watch Water Resistance is informative and remember, a watch that can brave watery challenges is a true companion in every adventure.

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ВОДОНЕПРОНИКНІСТЬ ГОДИННИКІВ:ПРО ЩО ГОВОРЯТЬ ЦИФРИ

Перші водостійкі годинники з’явився на початку 1880 років ХХ століття. Їх конструкція заснована на різьбовому кріпленні запчастин, щоб забезпечити механізм від проникнення всередину води та пилу. Ідея була гарною, але далеко не бездоганною. Франсуа Боржель так і не зміг забезпечити стовідсоткову герметизацію. У 1925 році це вдалося зробити годинникарам Перего та Пере. Вони придумали загвинчувальну заводну головку, яка закручувалась у корпус до упору, таким чином у годинник не проникали навіть дрібні краплі води та частинки пилу.

То справді був технологічний прорив. Недоліки цієї деталі помітили з часом. Годинник швидко приходив у непридатність, потрібно було часто змінювати ізолюючу прокладку, яку використовували між деталями. Вона була виконана з повсті і швидко стиралася. На це звернув увагу засновник компанії Rolex, він викупив патент та удосконалив технічні особливості. Прокладку, яка ізолює, перемістили всередину різьблення (раніше вона була поверх і виступала за краї), крім того, цей кожух стали робити зі свинцю, а не з повсті.

Ці зміни подарували світові перший водостійкий годинник.

Що таке водостійкість годинників: класифікація та розшифровка

Водостійкість – характеристика, що визначає, при досягненні якого тиску корпус годинника втрачає здатність протистояти впливу води. Показник водостійкості вказують на корпусі або циферблаті у вигляді позначки Water Resistant або скорочено WR. Чим вище число біля позначки, тим більший тиск витримує годинник. Від цього залежить, як довго можна плавати та наскільки глибоко занурюватися.

Розглянемо докладніше, що означає Water Resistant, як вимірюється, які є класи водостійкості та як правильно доглядати за водостійким годинником.

У чому вимірюється водостійкість годинника

Виробники можуть відображати по-різному рівень водозахисту годинника. Для цього використовують три поширені одиниці виміру:

Глибина в метрах означає реальну глибину водойми – це одиниця виміру тиску. Наприклад, 1 m – це рівень статичного тиску на підставі стовпа води заввишки 1 метр. Якщо на пристрої вказано 30 m (WR 30), це означає, що наручний годинник може витримати статичний тиск води до 3 атмосфер або 3 бар.

Класифікація годинників по водостійкості

    Без позначення та напису WR – годинник не захищений від вологи. Такі моделі бояться води приблизно так само, як і папір. Їх взагалі не варто носити на руці, оскільки навіть краплі поту можуть зіпсувати пристрій. Зберігайте їх за склом і милуйтеся здалеку.

Таблиця водостійкості годинників

Щоб було зрозуміліше, чим відрізняються різні рівні водостійкості годинників, представимо їх у таблиці.

Поради щодо догляду за водостійким годинником

Незалежно від значення водостійкості годинників, вони всі вимагають спеціального догляду. Так пристрій прослужить довше, не ламатиметься.

    Не занурюйте годинник у гарячу ванну, не носіть його в сауну чи баню – ущільнювачі деформуються від екстремально високої температури.

  • Не використовуйте заводну головку та кнопки під водою, якщо їх водозахист нижче 200 м.
  • Уважно вивчіть інструкцію, щоб знати, яке навантаження витримує годинник.
  • Змінюйте батарейку в кварцовому годиннику тільки в авторизованих сервісних центрах: там після розгерметизації корпусу та заміни батарейки обов’язково поміняють ще й ущільнювачі корпусу, перевірять його герметичність.

Якщо у вас виникли запитання, звертайтесь до менеджерів за телефонами, вказаними на сайті. Вам допоможуть підібрати годинник з оптимальним ступенем водостійкості для себе або на подарунок.