Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

Article: Waterproof watch : Understanding the waterproofness of your watch

montre étanche

Waterproof watch : Understanding the waterproofness of your watch

Is my watch waterproof? Can I swim with it? Between the inscription ATM, Waterproof, or simply "waterproof watch" it can seem difficult to know the waterproofness of his watch and to know if you can swim with it or simply wash your hands. Team Charlie Paris is going to reveal you the different notions of waterproofness in order to protect your waterproof watch as well as possible.


Waterproof watch: definition and levels

Waterproof refers to something that does not let liquids or gases through. In watchmaking, the water resistance of a watch is defined by its resistance to pressure. Manufacturers most often indicate the degree of water resistance in meters (m), feet (ft) or atmospheres (ATM). "ATM stands for "normal atmosphere". ATM refers to the atmosphere and is calculated in a physical process that determines the pressure the watch can withstand. That is, the pressure that water can exert on the watch. The ATM is a unit of pressure that indicates the water resistance of a watch. Watches bearing the designation "waterproof", with or without an indication of overpressure, must comply with and have passed the prescribed tests. Please note that the number written does not refer to the depth, but to the units used to calculate the water resistance of your watch. 

  • If your watch does not show any indication of water-resistance: in this case, systematically move it away from water areas: this means that your watch is absolutely not water-resistant. You risk damaging your watch and its mechanism.
  • 3 ATM: A watch with a 3ATM rating means that your watch is water resistant in the case of slight exposure to water such as when you wash your hands or when it rains. Your watch will withstand occasional splashes such as hand washing or rain. We recommend removing it during a shower or swim to avoid damage. 
  • 5 ATM: This is a slightly waterproof watch. The 5 ATM water resistance allows your watch to withstand submersion in water, so you can use it for swimming. However, if you are planning a swim, make sure it is calm, avoid jumping and diving! A 5ATM watch does not withstand activities that will put your watch under excess pressure. Furthermore, do not take a shower or bath with your waterproof watch because condensation may damage your watch and leave a cloud of mist under the glass of your watch.
  • 10 ATM: A 10ATM water resistance allows a waterproof watch to be more resistant. This waterproofness will allow you to enjoy your swims for a long time without risking fogging up your dial. With a 10ATM waterproof watch you can go swimming and diving in a reasonable way, without fear of damaging your watch.
  • 30 ATM : Watches with a water resistance of 30ATM and more are completely waterproof. Often reserved for professionals, these watches are resistant to deep-sea diving with tanks. With this type of watch you can dive, swim and do water sports without fear of damaging your watch. Diving watches are usually waterproof up to 300m.

Waterproof watch: How to take care of it?

Regardless of the level of water resistance of your watch, there are certain conditions that must be respected in order to take the best possible care of your watch.

  • Sudden temperature changes should be avoided as they can damage your waterproof watch. In summer, be careful not to give your watch a thermal shock when you decide to go swimming after exposing it to the sun for several hours.
  • Be aware of the condensation that can appear under the glass of your watch. Water resistance and condensation are two different phenomena. A waterproof watch is water resistant, but temperature changes can cause condensation, for example when you take a shower. 
  • If you encounter a problem with your waterproof watch, such as condensation, it is best to have it checked by a watchmaker as soon as possible. It is also recommended that you have the water-resistance of your watch checked every 3 to 5 years if you use your waterproof watch occasionally and every year if you regularly go into the water with your watch.

Waterproof watches by Charlie Paris

Now that you know better the indications concerning the waterproofness of your watch, here is a small summary of our watches according to their waterproofness:

  • If you want to wear your watch every day, you can choose a waterproof watch with 3 and 5 ATM of waterproofness. All our watches have a minimum water resistance of 3 ATM, whether our men's quartz watches or our automatic watches
  • Looking for a waterproof watch for women? Designed and manufactured in France, the Aurore, waterproof 10ATM, has been designed to accompany you all year long. Its sleek silhouette draws athletic and sophisticated lines. Available in multiple colors and equipped with a quartz movement, this watch offers a wide variety of dials, each embodying its definition of elegance. 
  • Do you want a waterproof watch? Our Concordia dive watch is for you. It is a 30 ATM waterproof watch. It has been designed as a tool to be worn everywhere, every day and forever. Designed and assembled in France, equipped with a Swiss automatic movement, waterproof to 300m, the Concordia is a sporty model with a strong watchmaking content while remaining signed with the modern elegance characteristic of the House. 

.

You might like these articles

Montre automatique vs montre quartz

Mechanical watch vs. quartz watch

When it comes to choosing a watch, two schools of thought seem to oppose each other: quartz or mechanical watches? Manual or automatic winding?

Read more
Combien de fois par jour les aiguilles d'une montre se chevauchent-elles?

How many times a day do the hands of a clock overlap?

You probably know that the hands overlap at exactly noon and midnight, but do you know how many times a day the hands of a watch overlap?

Read more

You might also like...

Fête des Mères : 5 montres Charlie Paris pour lui faire plaisir

Mother's Day: 5 Charlie Paris watches to please her

Mother's Day is fast approaching, and what better way to give a gift than with a watch that combines elegance, precision, and functionality? Explore our 5 flagship models that will delight women w...

Read more
Quel futur pour l'horlogerie française ?

What future for French watchmaking?

Between tradition and innovation, French watchmaking is experiencing a new lease of life. Discover how the TimeFest trade shows in Bordeaux and We Love Watches in Paris are celebrating this renais...

Read more
Étapes d'assemblage horlogerie

Everything you need to know about the steps involved in assembling a watch

At Charlie Paris, assembling our watches in France is more than just a promise: it's a concrete commitment. Each model is carefully assembled in our Parisian workshop, the result of rigorous and p...

Read more
Couronne vissée : à quoi sert-elle et pourquoi est-elle si importante en horlogerie ?

Screw-down crown: what is it for and why is it so important in watchmaking?

Discover the importance of the screw-down crown in watchmaking. Essential for the water resistance and robustness of watches, it protects the movement against water and dust infiltration. Featured...

Read more
5 montres pour le printemps

Our selection of watches in spring colors

Looking for the perfect watch for spring? Discover our selection of five fresh and elegant watches from the Sauge collection by Charlie Paris.

Read more
Les plus belles revues de montres Charlie Paris 2025

The most beautiful Charlie Paris watch reviews 2025

Because a watch never lives alone, we've gathered your most beautiful photos of Charlie Paris watches here. Thank you for these inspiring views.

Read more
Montre étanche ou résistante à l’eau : quelle différence ?

Waterproof or water-resistant watch: what's the difference?

What does a "water-resistant" watch really mean? And what's the difference between a waterproof watch and a waterproof watch? We'll explain everything you need to know to make the right choice.

Read more
Pourquoi porte-t-on sa montre à gauche plus qu'à droite ?

Why do we wear our watch on the left side more than on the right?

Many of you wear your Charlie on your wrist, but not just any wrist! Very often the left one.  There are various explanations for this, but just for you, we have chosen three.

Read more
Pourquoi offrir une montre à un homme ? Voici les différentes  siginifications.

Why give a watch to a man? Here are the different meanings.

Giving a man a watch is more than just a gift. It's a gesture that embodies time, shared memories, and the values we wish to convey.

Read more