Water Resistance Myths That Cost Collectors Thousands
Most of what circulates about water resistance is wrong, and the errors are expensive. Here are the eight that do the most damage. Myth 1: "100 meters means I can go 100 meters deep" The rating comes from a static pressure test — the watch motionless in still water at a constant temperature. Moving water behaves differently. A swimming stroke, a dive off a board, even a hard arm swing underwater creates brief pressure spikes well beyond the equivalent of your actual depth. The number describes how the watch was built and sealed. It is not a depth you should go anywhere near. Myth 2: "My watch is rated for the shower" Almost none are, regardless of the number. Hot water expands the case metal and the rubber gaskets at different rates. Gaps open for a few seconds, steam enters — it penetrates smaller openings than liquid water — then the watch cools and seals the moisture inside, against the dial and movement. Add soap, shampoo and shower gel, all of which br...