Name: APOLLO III - Automatic Olive Green Gold w/ Leather Strap
Brand: Argos
SKU: Olive Green Gold w/ Leather Strap
Rating: 4.7 (66 reviews)

Automatic Watches

Understanding Water Resistance: What 100M Really Means for Your Watch

By Argos Watches

When buying a new watch, especially if you enjoy outdoor activities or water sports, you are likely to see terms such as "water-resistant" or a rating of "100M" But what does it really mean? In simple words, water resistance is the ability of a watch to withstand damage caused by water. But there's more to it than just splashing it in the pool. Let's break down what different water resistance ratings mean, starting with the common 100M rating.

What Does Water Resistance Actually Mean?

Water resistance refers to a watch's ability to withstand water pressure at different depths without leaking or affecting its timekeeping. However, no watch can be completely water-resistant. The term is misleading because it actually means that "under certain circumstances, a watch can handle a certain amount of water." No watch can endure water under every situation. Watches must be tested only under controlled conditions, especially in still temperatures between 18°C and 25°C.

How Are Water Resistance Ratings Measured?

When you look at your watch and see "100M" or "10 ATM," you know how many meters or atmospheres of water pressure the watch can withstand. However, it's not just about how deep you can go. This rating speaks to how much pressure the watch can handle at that depth. For instance, "100M" indicates the watch can tolerate pressures at 100 meters deep, but that doesn't necessarily mean you should wear it at that depth for a dive. The deeper you go, the greater the pressure; hence, understanding the difference between water resistance and depth is key.

The Most Common Water Resistance Ratings

Here's a quick guide to understanding the different water resistance levels you might see on a watch:

3 Bars / 30 Meters / 3 ATM / 100 Feet

What it means: Great for handling light splashes—like rain or handwashing.
What it can't handle: Swimming or full submersion in water.
Example: Fine for getting caught in the rain, but don't wear it in the pool.

5 Bars / 50 Meters / 5 ATM / 165 Feet

What it means: Can handle light swimming and splashes.
What it can't handle: Deep or prolonged swimming.
Example: Perfect for a quick swim in shallow waters, but avoid diving.

10 Bars / 100 Meters / 10 ATM / 330 Feet

What it means: Ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and light water sports.
What it can't handle: Deep diving or prolonged submersion.
Example: Snorkeling or swimming at the beach? No problem. But skip diving deep.

20 Bars / 200 Meters / 20 ATM / 660 Feet

What it means: Suitable for recreational scuba diving.
What it can't handle: Diving with helium unless designed for it.
Example: Great for casual diving trips, but not for extreme depths.

30 Bars / 300 Meters / 30 ATM / 1,000 Feet

What it means: Suitable for professional diving with extreme resistance to water.
What it can't handle: Swimming casually should skip this rating.
Example: Diving deep and professional diving events, not suited for the pool and everyday use.

What Does 100M Mean for Your Watch?

Now that we know the ratings, what does "100M" (or 10 ATM) really mean for a watch? A 100M water-resistant watch can handle water pressure at depths of up to 100 meters. But here's the catch: this doesn't mean it's safe for you to dive to that depth. A 100M water-resistant watch isn’t safe for deep diving because the rating is based on controlled lab tests, not real-world conditions.

Diving introduces dynamic pressures from movement and currents that can exceed what the watch can handle. Temperature changes during dives can also affect the seals and gaskets, potentially allowing water to enter. Over time, wear and tear further reduces water resistance. Unlike dedicated diving watches, a 100M watch lacks features to withstand extreme underwater conditions. It’s fine for swimming but not for the high pressures of deep dives.

The Difference Between Water Resistance and Depth: Explained

Water resistance is not equated with depth. A watch's water resistance rating tells you how much pressure it can endure, not how deep it can go. The deeper you go in the water, the more pressure is applied to the watch. Therefore, a 100M watch is perfect for swimming and snorkeling, but probably not for extreme diving. If you plan on scuba diving, make sure you pick a watch with a higher rating.

How to Care for Your Waterproof Watch:
Even if your watch has a solid water resistance rating, it's important to take good care of it. Over time, the gaskets and seals that prevent water from entering the watch will wear out. It’s advisable to have your watch checked regularly, even if you frequently use it in the water. Regular servicing, especially checking the seals and gaskets, will keep your watch water-resistant for the longest period possible.

Final Thoughts

Water resistance is an important feature for any watch, especially if you're active or enjoy spending time in the water. A 100M-rated watch is great for everyday water activities like swimming and snorkeling. But remember, no watch is truly waterproof, and even the best water-resistant watches need care. Regular checks and servicing will ensure your watch stays in great shape for years to come.

At Argos, we take water resistance seriously and ensure that each of our watches, including the Apollo 3, undergoes rigorous testing to meet the highest industry standards. Our masterpieces are assured to perform perfectly, even under extreme conditions, using advanced techniques and the best industrial practices.

Whether you dive, or delve deeper into waters, the Apollo 3 was built to handle it all. Trust in the quality and endurance of Argos: your next adventure awaits, and the Apollo 3 is ready for it!