vandice
9
Varies from brand to brand...
There isn't a standardized definition for WR. Best thing to do is follow the guidelines in the manual. As a general rule, anything 100m and under cannot be taken literally (i.e. 30m does not mean you can take the watch down to that depth).
For ISO-certified professional divers, the depth rating can be taken literally. This is usually 200m and above, although the minimum prescribed is 100m. The watches are tested to 125% of rated depth.
As for personal experience, I've had a Swiss Made 30m dress watch fog over after handwashing. The manual specifically says the watch can handle handwashing.
I've also had the 30m WR Tissot T-Touch fail after my jacket got soaked through riding in the rain. It was rated "watertight to a depth of 30 metres".
At the same time, I've heard people taking a 30m WR Omega Speedie white water rafting and snorkeling without issue. I don't know what the 30m refers to in the manual. Perhaps Speedie owners can chime in.
My take is, your mileage will vary but the guidelines from the manufacturers are there for a reason.
Yes, Gazoz
By: amanico : August 9th, 2008-23:29
100 meters is a minimum to allow you do dive or swim with your watch. 1 ATM=10 meters, as often only the ATM are written on the case back or the dials... For example, a Panerai Pam 249 is 3 ATM=30 meters water resistant...Do go on the beach with it, or yo...
Further to my first question
By: gazoz : August 10th, 2008-01:58
i have read that 50m - is water resistant but not recommended to go swimming 100m- is suitable for swimming and snorkeling 200m- scuba diving 300m- skin diving then i have read from watch companys only take the watch to the depth indicated meaning 50m is ...
No, Gazoz
By: amanico : August 10th, 2008-02:01
50 meters is not enough for swimming... Think about the pressure your watch receives each time you arm goes in the water when you crawl, or you plunge... The minimum is 100 meters, and with 100 meters you can also practice scuba,at 10/ 20 meters easily! B...
I agree Graham
By: ChristianDK : August 10th, 2008-15:40
Its quite confusing. Apparently the WR is established in a controlled environment by a certain test standard used by manufacturers. I think it was IWC who used to have a technical explanation of this in their website. I was just looking for it but was una...
Thanks COD
By: gazoz : August 10th, 2008-23:37
for clearing up a few things which makes sense and as graham said its very confusing because on the panerai site they say not to take the watch at depth more than indicated which means 100m is ok for diving but they dont recommend 100m for diving so its a...
