If you decide to get a watch in which you can safely splash in the water without fear of ruining an expensive item, then keep in mind that there are models with varying degrees of moisture protection. Moreover, they also differ in design features that ensure reliable operation of the watch movement at various depths.
What watch can you swim inThe first waterproof watches were produced at the beginning of the last century, the model was called "Oyster". It was offered by the Swiss company Rolex, well-known and respected in its industry, already at that time. The degree of protection against moisture of such watches cannot be compared with modern models, but for that time the achievement was sensational: the watch mechanism was not only not afraid of splashing water, but even withstood a short immersion in water.
From that time on, the designers of watch movements began to compete with each other to offer the model that would provide the best protection against moisture. As a result, they proposed mechanisms that withstand immersion to depth and prolonged stay in the water.
Today we are pleased to use the results of their many years of work. We offer watches that provide various degrees of protection against water. There are models that are not afraid of short-term exposure to moisture, and there are those in which you can splash in the water as much as you like. But this is not all the achievements of watchmakers. Today, special watches are also offered to diving enthusiasts. They can withstand prolonged immersion to considerable depths.
The watch category is indicated by special marks on the case. For this, the indicator "WR" - "Water Resistance" has been introduced. It is he who indicates their degree of water protection.
Watches with WR 3 (atmospheres) or WR 30m (meters) are resistant to 3 atmospheres. They are not afraid of splashing water, but showering with such a watch is risky. This degree of protection is entry-level.
The indicator WR 5 (50m) indicates that the watch is not afraid of the pressure of 5 atmospheres. You can safely go to the shower with them, but it is better to refrain from swimming in the pool. For swimming, a watch with an indicator WR 10 (100m) is suitable.
Watches with a WR sign over 20 (200m) will withstand pressure and 20 atmospheres. They are not afraid of long dives to significant depths. But the real example of diving watches is those whose WR value ranges from 30 (300m) to 50 (500m). They can handle any depth.
Certain design features provide reliable protection against water. They differ from their usual counterparts with a durable case, a screw-down crown, metal straps and special glass. These features explain their relatively solid weight and impressive body thickness.