Can I Swim with IP67 Watch? Waterproof Ratings Explained

Are you tired of your watch getting ruined every time it rains? Or maybe you're an adventurous soul who loves diving into the deep blue sea? Either way, you need a waterproof watch that can keep up with your lifestyle. But what does 'waterproof' really mean? Worry not, this blog post will clear things up for you!

What's the Deal with Waterproof Ratings?

So, you've probably noticed that watches come with different waterproof ratings like IP68 or IP67. Actually, the IP (Ingress Protection) rating is a standard used to measure the level of protection provided by a device against dust and water. The IP ratings consist of two digits, with the first digit (range between 0-6) indicating the level of protection against dust while the second digit (range between 0-8) indicating the level of protection against water. The higher the number, the better the protection. Take an example, IP67 waterproof watch basically meets your daily need, which allows you to move freely in different environments. If you are a swimmer keeping a close eye on higher waterproof level for water sports, it’s highly recommended to use IP68 watches is a wise option.

Decoding the Numbers: What does Water Resistant Mean?

The water resistance rating is usually indicated on the item's case back or dial and is measured in atmospheres (ATM), bars (BAR), or meters (M). This rating is expressed in meters and indicates the depth to which a watch can be submerged without water entering the case. But here's the catch: these numbers don't mean you can take your watch to those depths and expect it to survive. For instance, 3 atm water resistant watch can handle a few splashes of water, but it's not suitable for swimming or showering. If you want to take your watch for a dip, you'll need a minimum of 50m. And if you're a certified mermaid or merman, go for a 200m rating to explore the ocean depths without worrying about your watch. Here is another tip for you. These units of measurement are interchangeable, as 1 ATM is equivalent to 1 BAR, and 10 meters of water depth is equal to 1 ATM or 1 BAR.

Here's a quick guide to commonly used water resistance ratings:

Additionally, there is another term——ISO 2281, which is probably new to you. ISO 2281 is an international standard for water resistant watches. The standard specifies the minimum requirements for watches to be labeled as water-resistant and provides guidelines for testing and rating the water resistance on watches. According to ISO 2281, a watch must be able to withstand immersion in water to a depth of at least 10 meters (33 feet) to be labeled as water-resistant. However, this does not mean that the watch is suitable for swimming or diving activities. Based on it, ISO 22810:2010 has also been derived. Apart from testing the water resistance of watches, ISO 22810:2010 also includes requirements for watches that are resistant to saltwater and other chemicals commonly found in swimming pools. 

Water Resistant vs Waterproof: The Battle Begins

You probably have wondered what difference between waterproof and water resistant is. Now, let's clear up this common misconception. Water-resistant items can resist the impact of water to some extent, but prolonged exposure or excessive pressure can cause water to either penetrate or permeate the item. A waterproof watch can handle more water pressure than a water-resistant one. So, if you're planning to take your watch on an underwater adventure, make sure it's truly waterproof and not just water-resistant. You don't want your watch to throw a tantrum underwater, do you? The underwater situation is very complicated. Hence you need a professional waterproof watch, like Findtime Smartwatch EX29, which rated IP68. Its rugged case and prominent waterproof performance enable you to swim smoothly as a duck takes to the water. 

Anyhow, it's important to note that it only measures protection against fresh water and does not take into account exposure to saltwater or other liquids, no matter which rating. Remember that pay attention on taking care of your watch to ensure its longevity and continued performance. Better safe than sorry, right? 

Go and Get It

Maybe you are struggling with hunting for the best waterproof watches. Frankly, what suits you is the best. Now that you're armed with knowledge about waterproof ratings, you can confidently choose a watch that suits your lifestyle. To experience the amazing power of Findtime watch, we sincerely invite you to visit our waterproof watch collection. Happy swimming!