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

When choosing a watch, The question of water resistance often comes up. However, the terms "waterproof watch" and "water-resistant watch" do not mean the same thing. Understanding the difference between these two terms is essential for choosing a watch suited to your needs, whether for everyday urban wear or for water sports.

What is a water-resistant watch?

A water-resistant watch can withstand light splashes: rain, hand washing, or ambient humidity. This is generally referred to as a water resistance rating of 3 ATM (30 meters) to 5 ATM (50 meters).

However, be aware that these values ​​should not be interpreted literally. A watch water-resistant to 30 meters is not designed for swimming, but only to withstand moderate conditions. At Charlie Paris, several collections, such as the Initial or the Horizon, offer a water resistance of 3 ATM, perfectly suited to a stylish and dynamic city life.

What is a waterproof watch?

A watch can be considered water-resistant from 10 ATM (100 meters). It can withstand prolonged immersion, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or water sports. Beyond that, some watches designed for exploration or diving boast water resistance of 20 to 30 ATM, or even more.

Waterproof watches at Charlie Paris

At Charlie Paris, waterproofing is central to the design of some collections:

• Concordia : A tool watch par excellence. Water resistant to 300 meters (30 ATM), equipped with a screw-down crown, a sapphire crystal and available in 2 versions (quartz And automatic GMT), there Concordia is designed for extreme environments, without compromising on elegance.

The importance of the screw-in crown and technical components

A waterproof watch relies on precision engineering. The seals, the case back, the quality of the assembly, and especially the screw-down crown play a central role. This system secures the watch against any water infiltration, even under high pressure. This is why all Concordia are equipped with screwed crowns, ensuring professional waterproofing up to 300 meters.

Which watch should I choose: waterproof or water-resistant?

It all depends on your intended use:

• For everyday use, a water-resistant watch (3 to 5 ATM) is more than sufficient.
  
• For swimming or water sports, choose a watch that is water-resistant to at least 10 ATM.
  
• For diving or extreme adventures, look for models water-resistant to 20 ATM and above, such as the Concordia.
  

In short, a water-resistant watch protects against splashes, while a waterproof watch is designed for immersion. At Charlie Paris, we design each watch to be as elegant as it is functional, however you explore the world.