Casio watches come with various water resistance ratings, which indicate how well the watch can withstand water exposure. These ratings are typically measured in ATM (atmospheres), meters, or feet. Here are the common water resistance ratings for Casio watches and what they mean:
3 ATM (30 Meters / 100 Feet)
Description: Suitable for everyday use and can handle minor splashes and brief immersion in water.
Activities:
- Hand washing
- Rain or accidental splashes
Not Suitable For: Swimming, diving, snorkeling, or any prolonged water exposure.
5 ATM (50 Meters / 165 Feet)
Description: Provides a bit more protection and can handle short periods of swimming in shallow water.
Activities:
- Showering (though not recommended due to soap and temperature changes)
- Swimming in shallow water
Not Suitable For: Snorkeling, diving, or prolonged swimming.
10 ATM (100 Meters / 330 Feet)
Description: Suitable for recreational swimming and snorkeling, but not for high-speed water sports or diving.
Activities:
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
Not Suitable For Diving or high-impact water sports.
20 ATM (200 Meters / 660 Feet)
Description: Suitable for professional marine activities, serious surface water sports, and skin diving without scuba gear.
Activities:
- Skin diving
- Scuba diving (without decompression)
Not Suitable For Saturation diving with helium gas.
Diver’s Watch (ISO 6425 Standard)
Description: Meets specific standards for scuba diving watches and can withstand deeper and more prolonged underwater activities.
Common Ratings:
- Diver’s 100M: Suitable for scuba diving at depths not requiring helium gas.
- Diver’s 200M or More: Suitable for professional diving activities including those requiring helium gas (depending on the specific rating).
Activities:
- Scuba diving
- Professional diving
- Saturation diving (for watches rated for it)
Understanding Water Resistance Ratings
ATM (Atmospheres): Refers to the amount of pressure a watch can withstand. 1 ATM is equivalent to the atmospheric pressure at sea level.
Meters and Feet: Often used interchangeably with ATM ratings, but they refer to theoretical depths. It’s important to note that the depth rating does not directly correlate to the actual depth the watch can safely be submerged due to water pressure and movement factors.
Key Points to Remember
Daily Activities: Even watches rated at lower water resistance (e.g., 3 ATM) can handle everyday activities like washing hands or rain.
Swimming and Water Sports: For activities involving more water exposure, such as swimming, snorkeling, or light diving, watches with at least 10 ATM are recommended.
Diving: Professional or serious divers should look for watches with 20 ATM or more, ideally those certified under the ISO 6425 standard for diving watches.
Practical Tips
Avoid Extreme Conditions: Even if a watch is rated for a certain depth, avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, chemicals, or high-speed water sports, which can compromise seals and gaskets.
Check Gaskets and Seals: Regular maintenance of gaskets and seals is essential to maintain water resistance over time.
Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Always refer to the specific instructions provided by Casio for your watch model to ensure you are using it within the recommended water resistance limits.
By understanding these water resistance ratings, you can choose a Casio watch that best fits your lifestyle and water-related activities, ensuring both durability and functionality.