Service
ThomasM addresses persistent misconceptions surrounding watch water resistance ratings, particularly the debate over whether a 30-meter rated watch is safe for swimming. He seeks to clarify industry standards and debunk common 'pop wisdom' by gathering direct feedback from watch manufacturers, aiming to provide accurate information to the WatchProSite community.
has all the answers, all the time, but it has always been my hope that, with integrity and sincerity; a certain amount of humility that we might not know it all, and a certain healthy skepticism not only about industry marketing claims, but also against the pop wisdom of self appointed experts whose qualifications are based on early internet vetting standards - say something long enough, loud enough, and sooner or later it starts to carry the weight of "truth" on the net, whether it is in fact "true" or not. 
Might make more sense to you Basically, the pressure testing is done with air, not water pressure. In summary, I quote: ===================== As a quick guide to watch watch resistance we will say this. Watches which have a 30 or 50 meters water resistance are OK for activity such as washing your hands but not much more. At 100 meters of water resistance you should be able to swim in a pool without a problem. 200 meters of water resistance is OK for ocean swimming and activities such as snorkel
please go back and read my original thread, which I have updated. I've read many, many of the online articles, including those by active divers writing for other publications, online and otherwise. Many of those publications and writers I do trust and respect. Believe me, I know many / most of them personally. So again, use your own best judgement. Cheers, TM
...and the comment regarding the 1500m watch with no Helium valve borders on ignorance. A Helium relief valve has nothing to do with water resistance, beyond being another possible source of a leak. Same applies to the implication that there is a difference between the air pressure and water pressure. Truly puzzling. And until the author can tell me whether the ratings are at STP or gauge, I'll take his tech talk with a pinch of (sea) salt. I don't want to put words in TM's mouth, but isn't this
put words in my mouth anytime, my friend! Hope you are doing well, look forward to catching up. TM
try include graphics and comments. I saved the edits and could see those edits; even now I can see the graphic in the thumbnail. But when I open the thread or original post (OP) I only see the original post, BEFORE the edits to include RETYPED comments from industry friends ad contacts, which should have just been an easy cut and paste. UGH. Oh, well, so 4 (four) retyped comments from private emails may or may not be up above, but just to be sure about THIS graphic, I repost and add the comment
cut and paste and my last update with those comments now seem to be lost... :-(==========Company O marketing manager - In short, we have been assured that it can be used in a pool environment as long as it remains below the water resistance level indicated on the case back. ... As always, we advise our customers to make sure to check water resistance once a year if they do use their watch under water and remind them that they should read the technical instructions in each official warranty deliv
This thread is active on the Horological Meandering forum with 30 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
