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 refer to the same thing. Understanding the difference between these two terms is essential for choosing a watch that meets your needs, whether for urban or everyday use, 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 generally means a water resistance of 3 ATM (30 meters) to 5 ATM (50 meters).

Be careful, however: these values ​​should not be interpreted literally. A watch 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 an elegant and dynamic city life.

What is a waterproof watch?

A watch can be considered waterproof at 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 a water resistance of 20 to 30 ATM, or even more.

Waterproof watches at Charlie Paris

At Charlie Paris, waterproofing is at the heart of the design of certain collections:

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

• Aurore : Designed for women looking for a reliable and elegant watch, the Aurore collection offers water resistance to 100 meters (10 ATM). Available in quartz or automatic versions, and in several colors, it is the perfect companion for swimming, water sports, and sunny days.

The importance of the screw-down crown and technical components

A waterproof watch relies on precision engineering. The gaskets, the case back, the quality of the assembly, and especially the screw-down crown play a central role. This system protects the watch against water infiltration, even under high pressure. For this reason, all Concordia models are equipped with screw-down crowns, ensuring professional water resistance up to 300 meters.

Which watch to choose: waterproof or water-resistant?
It all depends on your usage:

• For everyday use, a water-resistant watch (3 to 5 ATM) is more than sufficient.
  
• For swimming or water activities, choose a watch that is water-resistant to at least 10 ATM.
  
• For diving or extreme adventures, turn to models waterproof to 20 ATM and more, like 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 stylish as it is functional, no matter how you explore the world.