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What exactly does "Water-Resistant" mean for watches? -E. Shapiro Stamford, CT The water resistance of watches is rated based on laboratory static pressure tests comparable to a swimmer or diver sitting motionless at the prescribed water depth. In real life situations however, many water-based activities involve a lot of movement and other environmental changes which increase the amount of actual water pressure being exerted on a watch. For example, the sudden and rapid force of plunging your arm into the water while swimming can for a fraction of a second greatly exceed the static pressures the watch was rated for. Furthermore, the changes of temperature experienced going from a 100° hot tub to a 70° cold swimming pool are both sudden and extreme which cause a contraction of the rubber seals in a watch which may allow water to leak in. Even taking a shower or bath with your watch on can be detrimental. Besides the hot water issues I already mentioned, bath soap is an extra fine abrasive which builds up in the small joints of the watch bracelet links, which over time wear down the link joints, ruining the bracelet. Bear in mind, the ability of a watch to remain water resistant deteriorates as it ages. Since the waters of rivers, swimming pools, lakes, and oceans contain various levels of chemicals, salt, and other minerals which overtime deteriorate the gaskets and sealants which prevent water from entering a watch, I recommend rinsing the watch with fresh water after exposure to such elements. Water resistance is not a permanent condition and I recommend having the water resistance of your watch checked and maintained every time the watch is serviced. |
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