Here at URBAN GUY, we frequently get the question, "How waterproof is my watch? As a result, we've made the decision to be clear about the 3ATM, 5ATM, & 10ATM parameters we use to describe the waterproof capabilities of our watches. And at last, we'll recommend the fact.
- 30 Metres (3ATM) - A relatively typical rating for wrist watches, 30 meters or 3 ATM (ATM stands for atmospheres) doesn't imply that the watch is waterproof to 30 meters below sea level. In practice, it merely means that your watch can withstand the occasional splash of water from washing your hands or getting caught in a rain. Additionally, you must avoid taking a watch with this low water resistance into the shower because steam has a terrible knack for finding its way into areas you'd never expect.
- 50 Metres (5ATM) - The water resistance of watches rated for 50 meters (5ATM) is about the same as that of watches rated for 30 meters, i.e., they are hardly water resistant at all. Splashes of water are acceptable but swimming is not; otherwise, the same restrictions as 3ATM apply. Some people will claim that it is acceptable to wear a 5ATM watch while in the shower, but I wouldn't prefer it and, to be really honest, wearing a watch while in the shower just sounds like a really stupid notion.
- 100 Metres (10ATM) -When a watch is rated to 100 meters or 10 ATM of water resistance, it signifies that you can go swimming or snorkeling while wearing it. Now things are starting to get serious. A watch with a 10ATM rating frequently contains a screw-down crown and/or case back, which guarantees a higher level of water resistance than watches without these features. However, 10ATM does not permit wearing the watch while diving to a depth of 100 meters.