What are water-resistant watches?
Water-resistance is an indicator of how well the watch is sealed against water penetration. It usually goes with the static test pressure results. These tests show how well new watches handle the leakage. The test pressure is usually indicated in units as a bar, atmospheres, meters, or feet. As a matter of fact, we prefer to use the atmosphere indication for our watches.
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If the watch has no indicator, it means it’s unsafe to be at any contact with the water.
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3 ATM is equal to 100 feet or 30 meters - suitable for everyday use, which includes resistance to splash and rain.
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5 ATM is equal to 165 feet or 50 meters - suitable for showering, swimming, and fishing.
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10 ATM is equal to 330 feet or 100 meters - great for water sports, surfing and sailing.
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20 ATM is equal to 660 feet or 200 meters - mostly used for skin diving, water sports, and by professional marines.
At Nordgreen, all our watches are perfect for everyday use. At these levels, even washing your hands, taking a shower, or jogging in the rain is safe. Our Native, Infinity, and Philosopher watches have a 3 ATM level of water resistance. That usually means they are resistant against rain and occasional splashes. However, our flagship, the Pioneer, has a 5 ATM level. That little fact makes our Pioneer watch suitable to wear even when you swim or catch fish. Although, we can’t recommend diving or snorkeling.
What is the difference between waterproof versus water-resistant watches?
In short, there is no such thing as a 100% waterproof watch. Even the most expensive luxury watches, or even diving ones. They are all water-resistant watches, not waterproof. There is always a limit of water pressure for any watch to handle. Besides, even specialized sports watches aren’t waterproof. Diver’s watches have extra heavy gaskets, minimal openings, one screw-down crown, and still, they are not waterproof. In the watch industry, a 100% waterproof watch is a myth. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) prohibits the term "waterproof", for being misleading. German Industrial Norm DIN 8310 is also a similar standard, with similar prohibition.
Can I get my leather strap wet?
Although at Nordgreen we use only the finest Italian leather, it’s not advisable. Water and any kind of leather don’t mix well. That especially goes for the sea or ocean water, full of salt. You are putting yourself at risk of damaging the strap. If you splash your leather strap, it might lose color or deteriorate before time. Luckily, we offer nylon and mesh straps, too. They are the perfect choice for any water activity. And the best part, all our straps are interchangeable. So you can use various straps for the same watch, depending on the occasion.
What do I do if water gets inside my watch?
With our watches, that’s almost impossible to happen. Of course, if you follow the user manual. We are so sure, that we give a 24-month warranty with every our watch. If you didn’t follow the user manual, you should have. Our advice then is to put a watch on a dry area, turn it to the side and let the water work its way out. If the problem is still there, visit a repair shop.
Can I shower with the Nordgreen’s Pioneer watch?
Of course, you can. Although, avoid putting the watch in contact with any other liquids than water. Shampoos, regenerators, and soaps can act highly corrosive to some parts of the watch. If your watch comes in contact with those liquids, act quickly. Rinse that parts of the watch with some clear water, and let it dry.
How does the water damage my watch?
Every watch is a small mechanical wonder. In our watches, we use the finest Japanese Quartz movement, made by Miyota. However, the inside of the watch is pretty delicate. Nothing should enter or leave the case, especially water. Even a small amount of water can damage the quartz battery and the precise mechanism.
Help, I got moisture inside my watch!
The moisture inside the watch doesn’t mean you broke your watch. It usually appears if the watch was under sudden change of the temperature, from low to high. Usually, this moisture disappears after a while. If not, that means your watch isn’t water-resistant at all. Luckily, with Nordgreen watches, you don’t have to worry about it. Along with the warranty, our every watch comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Conclusion
Bear in mind that every watch is tested in the laboratory conditions. That doesn’t include sky-high waves, jumping from dangerous heights, or anything similar. Moreover, the 100 m resistance doesn’t mean someone dived 100 m to check the time on his clock. The lab tests consist of pressure testing and immersing the watch in the water for one hour. Even the most sturdy watches should be kept away from spas and hot air. And after all, most of the water-resistant watches are not created to be under the water for a long time. Their place is on your wrist, and that’s where they finally belong.
