The ultimate guide to WATERPROOF watches for men!

How is water resistance tested?

The water resistance of watches is tested in a controlled laboratory environment where the watch is exposed to different water pressures. These tests ensure that the watch can withstand the specific pressure levels that are classified, such as 10 ATM. However, please note that these tests are static ; movement in the water can put additional pressure on the watch .

What does water resistant mean?

If a watch is 'water resistant' then your watch can only withstand some splashing water. Your watch is then also 'splashproof'. Which means that it simply cannot withstand much.

What does 3 ATM mean?

3 ATM stands for "3 atmospheres" and indicates that a watch can withstand the pressure equivalent to a depth of 30 meters under water. However, this does not mean that you can safely use the watch at a depth of 30 meters. In practice, a watch with 3 ATM is mainly known as splash-proof and is suitable for light exposure to water, such as:

• Rain
• Splash water when washing hands
• Sweat

A watch with 3 ATM is therefore not suitable for swimming, showering or immersion in water . It only protects against small amounts of water that touch the surface, such as during daily activities.

What does 10 ATM mean?

The term ATM stands for "atmosphere" and indicates how deep a watch can go under water without causing damage. A 10 ATM water resistant watch means (in theory) that it can withstand the pressure that occurs at a depth of 100 meters. While this theoretically means that the watch can go up to 100 meters underwater, it is important to note that 10 ATM is usually associated with activities such as swimming and snorkeling, not scuba diving. With a 10 ATM (100m) watch you can swim and snorkel. Just a bit more and deeper than a 5 ATM watch.

What does 20 ATM mean?

A watch with this classification is highly resistant to water and can be safely used for more intensive water activities. In practice, this means that a watch with 20 ATM is suitable for:

• Diving without tanks
• Deep sea swimming
• Snorkeling
• Water activities

While 20 ATM watches offer sufficient protection for most diving and water activities, they are not always suitable for professional diving with tanks (for extended periods of time at extreme depths). For such use, an even higher water resistance is recommended, such as 30 ATM or more.

What does 30 ATM mean?

This means that a watch with a 30 ATM water resistance rating is suitable for almost all forms of water activities, including professional diving. In practice, 30 ATM means that the watch can be safely used for:

• Professional diving with tanks
• Deep sea diving
• Technical diving at great depths
• Extremely long-term immersion in water

Watches with a water resistance of 30 ATM are designed to withstand the very high pressures that occur during deep-sea diving. They often come with extra robust features such as a screw-down crown, a reinforced case and crystal glass to prevent water ingress, even in extreme conditions.

What does 50 ATM mean?

50 ATM is a very high water resistance rating and is usually used for watches intended for deep sea diving and other extreme underwater activities. A watch with 50 ATM water resistance is suitable for:

• Deep sea diving with tanks
• Technical diving at great depths
• Extreme underwater conditions
• Professional use in naval or scientific missions

With a 50 ATM watch, you can dive under extreme pressure conditions without risk of water damage. These watches are typically built with extra robust materials such as titanium, sapphire crystal , and advanced sealing, and often include features such as a helium release valve to control pressure during deep-sea dives.

What does 100 ATM mean?

This is one of the highest levels of water resistance a watch can have and is mainly used for extreme deep sea diving and other specialist underwater conditions. A watch with 100 ATM water resistance is suitable for:

• Extreme deep sea diving
• Technical diving at great depths
• Professional diving at extreme depths
• Military and scientific underwater missions

These watches are designed for the toughest underwater conditions and often include additional features such as a helium valve to regulate the pressure of the gas in the watch when ascending after a dive. They are built with extremely robust materials such as sapphire glass and titanium to withstand extreme pressures and environmental factors. With a 100 ATM watch, you are assured of exceptional performance, even in the most extreme underwater situations.

Why choose an Urban Ace waterproof watch?

Watches are more than just a practical accessory for keeping track of time. They can be a stylish addition to your outfit, a reflection of your personality, and even enhance your athletic performance with advanced features. For many people, a waterproof watch is essential, especially if you live an active lifestyle or are often in contact with water. Whether you swim, dive, or simply don’t want to worry about getting caught in the rain, a waterproof watch offers the reliability and durability you need. Our Urban Ace watches are certified with a 5ATM rating. This means you can swim and shower, which is convenient for everyday use.

Waterproof swimming watch: What should you pay attention to?

If you swim regularly, a waterproof watch is a must-have. However, not every waterproof watch is suitable for swimming. Watches with a water resistance rating of at least 5 ATM are required for activities where the watch is in constant contact with water. For longer swimming sessions, a waterproof watch with a rating of 10 ATM or higher is strongly recommended.

Here are some of the best features to look for in a waterproof watch for swimming:

• Robust materials such as stainless steel or titanium, which are resistant to rust and corrosion.
• Silicone or rubber bands that are not affected by water and dry quickly.
• Lightweight designs that are comfortable for extended wear in the water.
• Additional features such as timers, heart rate monitors, or GPS, for those who want to track their performance while swimming.
• Some top brands known for their reliable waterproof watches for swimming include Citizen, Seiko , Rolex, and G-Shock.

Waterproof watch men: Style and functionality in one

For men looking for a stylish yet functional watch, there are many options available on the market that are not only waterproof but also fit an elegant or casual style. A waterproof watch for men should be both visually appealing and durable.

Which styles suit a waterproof men's watch?

• Classic design: Watches with a minimalistic dial and a leather or steel strap are perfect for business meetings and formal occasions. See also our blog: Flat watch men
• Sporty design: For the active man, sports watches with robust functions such as stopwatch, compass, and GPS are a good choice. These watches are often made of materials such as plastic or stainless steel and have a high water resistance rating.
• Dive watches: These watches are specifically designed for those who enjoy deep sea diving. They often have extra features such as a rotating bezel to keep track of time underwater and are often 10 ATM or higher.

The Urban Ace Nemesis - Rose Gold is a rose gold watch of 5 ATM.

What are the top brands for waterproof watches?

If you're looking for the best waterproof watches, there are a number of brands that are known worldwide for their reliability, durability, and style.

Luxury brands:

Rolex: Known for their iconic diving watches like the Submariner, Rolex offers high-quality, luxury watches that are not only waterproof, but also incredibly stylish.
Omega: The Omega Seamaster is one of the most popular watches for divers and can withstand depths of over 300 meters.

Affordable brands:

Casio G-Shock: Built for adventure, these watches are known for their ruggedness and high water resistance ratings.
Seiko: Seiko offers a wide range of watches, from diving watches to elegant business models, all with reliable water resistance.

How do I care for my waterproof watch?

Although waterproof watches are designed to withstand water, regular maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity of your watch. Here are some tips:

• Rinse your watch with fresh water after contact with salt or chlorinated water to prevent corrosion.
• Check the seal of the screw-down crown regularly and make sure it is properly tightened before entering the water (this is one of the reasons why your watch leaks!).
• Have your watch checked by a professional every 1-2 years to ensure the waterproof seals are still functioning properly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterproof Watches

1. Can I swim with a 5 ATM watch? Yes, a 5 ATM watch is suitable for short swims, but for longer sessions a 10 ATM watch is recommended.
2. What is the difference between water resistant and waterproof? Water resistant means that the watch can withstand splashes of water, while waterproof indicates that the watch can withstand immersion in water up to a certain depth.
3. How often should I check the water resistance of my watch? It is recommended to have your watch checked every 1-2 years to ensure that the seals are still effective.
4. Are leather watch straps suitable for water? No, leather straps can deteriorate with prolonged exposure to water. It is better to opt for a rubber or steel strap.
5. What does a screw-down crown mean for a waterproof watch? A screw-down crown provides a better seal and prevents water from entering the watch, even at higher pressure levels.
6. Can I take my watch into the sauna? No, high temperatures can affect the seals of the watch, which can reduce its water resistance.