Water resistance ratings for watches

[NudeDiver]

Water resistance 50 meters (150 feet): It is wearable around household sinks, while playing sports, and in shallow water. It should not be worn while scuba diving.

Water resistance 100 meters (333 feet): It is wearable around household sinks, while playing sports, and while swimming or poolside diving. It should not be worn while scuba diving.

Water resistance 300 meters (990 feet): It is wearable around household sinks and while playing sports, swimming, and scuba diving at depths not requiring helium gas.

So...um....do you guys do a lot of swimming, poolside diving, or dish washing at anywhere close to 100m? Just curious.

 

[PvtStash]

Armitron rated Water Resistant to 165'

I've had it to 101' w/o incident

 

[NudeDiver]

Armitron rated Water Resistant to 165' I've had it to 101' w/o incident

But in the instructions somewhere, does it say that being WR to 165' really means you can only wear it around the kitchen sink and a pool?

 

[D_B]

Remember .. water resistance ratings are static ratings, not dynamic ones ... move your arm around at 100ft and your watch is seeing pressure in excess of the depth

 

[LiddleSharksyDoisters]

What is the hot tub rating?

 

[D_B]

What is the hot tub rating?

that's very important to know


Looks like a nice job you have Karin, work, but nice

 

[LiddleSharksyDoisters]

that's very important to know
Looks like a nice job you have Karin, work, but nice

I'm a Moffer, myself. Like your avatar and philosophy.

 

[Garrobo]

A couple years ago I bought a dive watch from Wally's for $9.99 and it's still working after 150 dives, 40 of which were over 100 feet. I got worried about the battery recently and bought a better one at Wally's for $17.95. I've got about 20 dives on it, half of which are between 120-130 feet and it seems to be holding up OK too.

 

[lmorin]

I have a Timex that cost $15 at a store going out of business. It's rated 100 m with the caveat, "don't press any buttons underwater." It has survived more than 150 dives and one battery change.

 

[Gombessa]

I think that Amazon description is actually pretty darn accurate.

50m WR ratings fail regularlay at recreational scuba depths (one I've had for 3-4 years died after 10 dives, having never hit the buttons underwater).

100m WR ratings are iffy - some people report they work flawlessly, others say they eventually (or quickly) go.

200m WR ratings seem to be pretty solid. After my 50m watch died, I got a $30 Timex Ironman from Amazon that's rated to 200m and it's been solid for my 40-80ft dives. I know tech divers with the same watch who regularly go below 130ft "on helium" and also report no problems.