Waterproof or Water-Resistant? Watch Depth Ratings Explained

Watch buyers often ask whether a watch is "waterproof" or "water-resistant," like you would about a rain coat or a cell phone. It's the right question to ask about something you're wearing on your wrist, but unfortunately, water resistance is not a simple binary. We'll get into water resistance ratings and what they mean for various watches, but first, that "waterproof" vs. "water-resistant" distinction is worth double clicking on.

Understanding the Terminology: Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant

'Waterproof' implies that a watch is completely impervious to water under any circumstances, suggesting that it will remain unharmed regardless of the depth or duration of water exposure. However, this term can be misleading because no watch is entirely immune to water pressure at all depths and for all periods of time. Recognizing this, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) banned the term 'waterproof' in advertising for watches in the 1960s. The FTC found the term potentially misleading, as no product can guarantee complete imperviousness to water in all conditions.

So, the U.S. market was the first to ditch "waterproof," but most of the industry followed suit into the '60s and '70s, opting for "water resistant" accompanied by a specified depth rating. This should have been a more accurate representation of what consumers can expect, but as we'll get into, depth ratings open a whole new can of worms.

In 1999, the FTC rescinded its Guides for the Watch Industry entirely, so you might see "waterproof" pop up on a modern watch every once in a while. 

A Brief History: Rolex and the Invention of Waterproof Watches

Rolex is a brand known for mechanical innovation, and they are famous for developing highly-water-resistant watches. In 1926 (100 years ago), Rolex introduced the Oyster, which was the world's first "waterproof" wristwatch, as described by Rolex. The watch had a hermetically sealed case, making it highly-resistant to dust, dirt, and most importantly, water. To demonstrate its effectiveness, Rolex famously tested the Oyster by attaching it to the swimmer Mercedes Gleitze during her attempt to swim across the English Channel. After more than 10 hours in the water, the watch emerged in perfect working condition.

Rolex.com 5/23/26

To this day, Rolex continues to use 'waterproof' in its branding, including its recent Oyster Story campaign, celebrating 100 years of the Oyster case. If any brand should be "allowed" to use the term, it's Rolex. Not only does "waterproof" reference the Oyster case's historical marketing, Rolex has extremely high standards when it comes to water resistance, testing its professional models to 25% higher than claimed depth ratings and non-professional models to 10% higher than claimed depth ratings, both with positive and negative pressure.

What Do Watch Depth Ratings Actually Mean?

When you see a watch labeled as "water-resistant" or even "waterproof," you'll usually also see a depth rating in ATM, meters, or feet. These ratings mean different things depending on the brand. Some brands, often those that specialize in dive watches or care about usability, take depth ratings very seriously, while other brands treat them like suggestions.

With Rolex, you can rest assured that the depth rating is accurate. It is "waterproof" to that depth. Even the Rolex 1908, a non-Oyster model without a screw-down crown, achieves a true 50 meter depth rating with just gaskets. In 2024, we saw Patek Philippe standardize its depth ratings, lowering them on paper but making them more accurate and understandable for consumers. The brand said this in a press release: 

"To ensure the homogeneity and clarity of the information provided to clients, Patek Philippe has decided to introduce a new unified standard of water-resistance set at 30 meters for all watches certified as water-resistant – having been tested in air and underwater by immersion at an overpressure of 3 bars (corresponding to a depth of 30 m)."

So, we can trust Rolex and Patek's depth ratings, but what about the brands most people are buying? First, pay attention to the watch itself. Is it a dive watch? Does it have a screw-down crown? Screw-down caseback? Is there a crack in the crystal? Is it 11 years old without a service? 20 years? Before you look at a depth rating, think critically about the watch. If it's a newer or recently-serviced watch from a brand you're not sure about, here's a conservative guide on depth ratings: 

30 Meters (3 ATM): Splash-proof. Suitable for everyday use, including washing hands or getting caught in the rain (don't let your watch get soaked), but not for swimming. If the crown doesn't screw down, which it probably doesn't, try not to get it wet.

50 Meters (5 ATM): Honestly I'd treat this the same I'd treat 30 meter ratings, depending on the brand, but this watch should be able to handle light water activities, such as showering or swimming in shallow water, but it's not suitable for diving. 

100 Meters (10 ATM): Safe for swimming, snorkeling, and recreational scuba diving.

200 Meters (20 ATM) or more: Suitable for diving and high-impact water sports. Watches with this rating are designed to withstand deeper water pressure.

What You Should Know About Caring for Your Water-Resistant Watch

'Hulk Submariner' on Everest Curved End Rubber Strap

Even if your watch has a high water-resistance rating, it's essential to take proper care of it to maintain its performance. Over time, seals and gaskets that keep water out can degrade, especially if exposed to saltwater, chlorine, or soaps in the shower. Regular maintenance and pressure testing by a professional are crucial to ensure that your watch remains water-resistant.

Additionally, you should not manipulate your watch's crown or pushers while it's submerged in water, as this can compromise its water resistance.

The Final Verdict: Is Your Watch Waterproof or Water-Resistant?

Image Source: Rolex

If you're wearing an Oyster-cased Rolex, you're wearing one of the most reliably water-resistant watches available, but no watch is truly "waterproof." Rolex watches, like all high-quality watches, require proper maintenance and sensible care to maintain their water-resistant properties.

Ultimately, knowing the difference between "waterproof" and "water-resistant" isn’t just semantics—it’s about understanding your watch's limitations, taking proper care of it, and not trusting every depth rating you see.