Waterproof watch

Practicality and reliability are the hallmarks of a waterproof watch. Models are chosen by athletes and people leading an active lifestyle, as well as those who live in changeable climatic conditions. In addition, a stylish watch from a well-known manufacturer will serve as an expression of the status of its owner.

The problem of moisture getting inside the watch case worried many craftsmen a hundred years ago. Many manufacturers have tried to solve it. Rolex was the first to achieve success: it was she who received a number of patents for waterproof technologies in 1926. In particular, the brand came up with a crown, a two-layer case, sealing seals, a winding shaft oil seal and other innovations that made the product dust and moisture resistant.

The development of liquid-resistant models did not end there. In 1932, the Cartier watch and jewelry house introduced a version of the waterproof case, which was based on a special screw cap. And they began to think about creating deep-sea models already during the Second World War, when they began to seal the most vulnerable parts - the top cover and the head.

Nowadays, waterproof watches are chosen by both those who are engaged in diving and those leading an active lifestyle. Companies offer models for representatives of different social strata, age, gender. The products have an original design and are able to satisfy the needs of the most demanding customers.

Waterproof watches have a long service life and are highly durable due to their design features. Depending on the markings, the models can withstand rainfall, swimming in the pool or diving to great depths.

Such watches are resistant to:

• excessive pressure of water and air;
• temperature differences;
• external mechanical stress.

The tightness of products directly depends on the quality of the used seals. With timely replacement of gaskets and observance of operating rules, the watch will last more than one year. Models from expensive manufacturers are equipped with a precise mechanism, therefore they are not in a hurry and are not late.

The cost and practicality of the watch directly depends on the Water Reistant indicator, which signals the ability of the device to work under water. Some of them can only withstand a direct hit of liquid droplets, with others a person can even swim.

Along with the letter designation, the watch will be marked with a specific number: for example, 100 or 200 meters. It is impossible to take it literally, since it is conditional and must be correlated with other indicators. WR 10 ATM will mean that the pressure on the watch should not exceed 10 amu. t. m., otherwise they can be flooded.

Waterproof marking:

• 30 m (3 ATM). Splash proof models. They are not directly waterproof watches, but you don't have to worry about getting caught in the rain or getting wet from the tap.
• 50 m (5 ATM). Withstand short-term immersion under water - experts do not recommend using them for swimming.
• 100 m (10 ATM). Designed for water sports: surfing, snorkelling. A sudden pressure drop at great depths can damage your watch.
• 200 m (20 ATM). The watch is popular among divers because it can withstand immersion to a considerable depth. As a rule, the real indicators are lower, and it will not be possible to descend 200 meters. Among other things, the models are durable, resistant to external influences.

Some manufacturers produce models with intermediate values: 60, 120, 220, 800 and 1000 m. Swiss Military watches have one of the highest markings: they can withstand diving to a depth of 6000 meters.

The watches differ in appearance, design features and built-in functionality. The simplest models are used purely for showing the time, while others are capable of counting the owner's pulse or sending messages. Based on this, there are varieties of waterproof watches:

• Mechanical. Classic products that start the history of wristwatches. Equipped with hands and dial. The products are characterized by reliability and ease of use: to sum up the time, it is enough to turn one wheel.

• Electronic. They are distinguished by a durable body and a high level of practicality. Models can be equipped with additional functions: have a built-in calendar, timer, stopwatch.

• Solar powered. An innovative model that is sustainable and saves money. The watch has a built-in rechargeable battery that is powered by the sun's rays. To charge the product, there is enough light obtained by regularly wearing the accessories. The system is designed so that energy is accumulated during the day and used even at night.

• With a compass. Option for travelers, hikers and expedition lovers. The clock indicates the cardinal points and helps to navigate the terrain.The convenience of the model lies in the fact that the compass can be used even when the hands are busy.

• Smart, or smart watch. Gadgets are synchronized with your smartphone. They are able to show missed calls and messages, allow you to find out the weather forecast for the next day or remind you of upcoming events. Like a regular watch, it is worn on the wrist. Touchscreen models are easy to operate and have an intuitive interface.

• Sports. Used as a fitness tracker. They are equipped with a heart rate monitor, pedometer, chronometer and other functions. Models are effectively used to measure performance while running or exercising. They are quartz, computer or mechanical.

• With GPS tracker. Gadgets are used to determine location. There are two groups of watches: for adults and children. In the first case, the data is displayed on the watch screen, in the second - on a mobile device through which the parents track the location of the child.

• Tritium backlit. The principle of operation of the products is similar to that of a picture tube. They are miniature light sources with a service life of up to 25 years. They are effectively used in dark conditions, on trips.

• Tourist. An electronic watch that is used in hikes, trips to nature, climbing mountains. The built-in mechanism is reliable, the durable case prevents damage to the product in the absence of the benefits of civilization. There are models not only with a compass, but also with a thermometer or with a navigator. Such multifunctional models will not let you get lost in unfamiliar terrain.

Watches are divided into women and men, which is reflected in their design. Models for the fair sex are smaller, elegant and sophisticated. Crystals, precious stones, inserts and patterns of other shades are used as decorative elements. Men's wristwatches, as a rule, are made in restrained shades and are characterized by minimalism.

The watch appeared as a fashion accessory intended primarily for the upper class. Initially, they were made of gold, silver and decorated with precious stones. Now these materials can be used in the manufacture of accessories, but they have given way to more practical raw materials.

What are the cases of waterproof watches made of:

• Plastic. A cheap option, often used for making budget models.
• Alloy of aluminum and zinc. Inexpensive material that is resistant to external influences, but cannot withstand heavy impacts.
• Brass. Strength, reliability are the characteristic features of the metal. Refers to the middle price category, it can oxidize.
• Steel or titanium. Demanded materials widely used by manufacturers. Such accessories are durable and have good aesthetic characteristics.
• Precious metals. Watches from them are expensive and belong to the premium class.

A waterproof watch made of silicone is a practical option for swimming in a river or pool. These models are lightweight (about 10 g), easily attached to the hand. They are made in variegated shades; there are both plain and variegated products. They are decorated with crystals, colored inserts. There are also watches in which a silicone strap is combined with a metal dial.

To protect the dial, different types of glass are used: organic, mineral, sapphire, combined. It prevents the ingress of not only moisture, but also dust and dirt. The use of plastic is acceptable, but it is not strong enough and is not suitable for use in harsh conditions.

The brands offer both adult and children's watches. The products will appeal to young swimmers: the accessories are firmly attached to the wrist, are not felt during training, are devoid of sharp corners and are absolutely safe for the child.In the event of a breakdown, they do not form piercing fragments and are not able to injure their little owner. Children's watches are made of high quality plastic, the dial is protected by mineral or acrylic glass.

Having decided to buy a new watch, you need to ask yourself a question about the conditions in which they will be worn:

• Will the owner wear them every day?
• Are you planning to take them to the beach?
• Does it live in high humidity conditions?

What is considered when buying a watch:

• Marking. The degree of water permeability depends on the conditions in which the product can be worn. When the owner does not plan to swim in them, there is no point in purchasing expensive models for diving and professional water sports.
• Manufacturer... On the market for waterproof watches, there are both budget products made from inexpensive materials and premium models. The latter are distinguished by greater strength and improved characteristics.
• Design. Monochromatic watches, made in soothing colors, will be combined with almost any outfit. Black, gray watches are suitable for both everyday wear and festive looks. Another option is when the watch is selected for a specific clothing, combining shades, decorative elements, or, conversely, building an image based on contrasts.
• Functional. The watch can be used only for its original purpose or as a modern device connected to a smartphone. Depending on the needs of the owner, a product is selected with one or another set of functions.

If the product is purchased by a traveler, it would be wise to take a shockproof watch, since they will be used in rather difficult conditions, for example, in the mountains. For a city dweller whose lifestyle does not imply frequent trips to nature and to other places, simplified models are suitable, but in this case, the appearance of the product will become of paramount importance.

Brands offer a wide variety of waterproof watches that differ in price and functionality.

Xiaomi WeLoop Hey 3S - a practical model for a wide consumer segment. It is aimed at athletes as it has satellite navigation, built-in running and cycling modes. The maximum battery life of the watch is about a month without recharging. The watch is equipped with a small screen, supports Bluetooth and has a reasonable price.

Model Lg watch sport is a multifunctional gadget in a stylish minimalist case. Its round screen is covered with a protective layer. The watch operates on the Android Wear 2.0 operating system, with a maximum memory capacity of 4 GB. They can also be connected to the Internet. The battery life is about two days.

Professional watches are more expensive due to their improved performance. Suitable for extreme tourism Casio Pro Trek WSD-F20 with built-in GPS and Wi-Fi. The model allows you to download an interactive map, find out the weather, it is equipped with height and pressure sensors, a pedometer. The display is highly detailed, the design is based on contrasting shades.

Luxury accessories include watches from brands such as Rolex, Blancpain, JeanRichard, Girard-Perregaux... The models are made in a laconic case, have a large number of useful functions and can withstand immersion to a considerable depth.Products can be equipped with indicators of an air supply, show the date, and have an anti-reflective coating.

When wearing waterproof watches, you should be aware of their weak points, these are: the crown, back crown, chronograph button and glass. These parts can leak liquid and should be handled with care. The tips for using a waterproof watch don't end there.

Although they are stronger than conventional models, the following guidelines should be followed to extend their lifespan:

• It is forbidden to immerse products in boiling water and hot water. When worn in the bathroom or sauna, the watch may deform under the influence of high temperatures, after which it will be impossible to repair the models.
• Sudden changes in temperature are just as dangerous to the watch as soap solutions.
• Expensive models are made of corrosion-resistant metals, while budget models can rust when immersed in salt water. To avoid this, after swimming in the sea, products are washed with fresh water.
• Pressing the buttons underwater is only permissible for the highest performing watch. Otherwise, water may seep inside.
• Replacing the batteries requires professional knowledge, therefore, the watch should be returned to service centers for repair or maintenance.

Manufacturers often indicate additional parameters for different elements, in particular, for the crown and case back. We are talking about the tightness indicators, on which the service life of the products directly depends. The watch mechanism is protected by special gaskets, which are responsible for the tightness of the system. The seals are made of rubber and should be changed every 2-3 years.

Consumers note the high durability of waterproof watches. They are popular with athletes, adherents of active and extreme recreation. Products with an electronic mechanism are well-known; their advantages include durability, reliability, and resistance to mechanical shock. In addition, only such watches are equipped with many functions.

Representatives of the fair sex choose a small watch with a case decorated with stones. Ladies love models with narrow straps, made in rich colors. Men prefer massive accessories in dark shades. They note the convenience of several hands on the dial; more and more often they buy watches that can perform additional operations.

An informative video will summarize all of the above.