In the world of smartwatches and other smart electronic devices, two terms create a bit of confusion - one is Waterproof, and the other one is water-resistant. Although they seem to be very synonymous at times, there are some differences.

In this article, we try to uncover what is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant features in smartwatches.

The differences:

Well, you have bought or got a precious new smartwatch. The advertisement said that you have your water-resistant smartwatch on your wrist now! You are excited and cannot wait to show it off to your friends during the next vacation in the sea where you all will go for a scuba diving experience. HOLD it right there! Before you go and waste your precious device, please, read this guide. You will not regret it!

1. The first thing you need to know is that no matter how much your smartwatch manual says it is waterproof, you should not take the watch underwater too many times. Because nothing stays waterproof if over-exposed to complete submersion. If you have inherited your smartwatch from your relative, and it is old, please, do not go swimming with it. At best accidental water splashes are alright. Just quickly wipe it off of the smartwatch with tissue paper.

2. Just seeing the ‘water resistant’ tag you should not jump in to buy a product. You need to know that there are various categories of water resistance. Various products can resist various depths of water. You need to know that too. The manual should tell you how many meters into the water you can dive and swim.

3. The problem is the water pressure. At various depths, you feel different amounts of water pressure. You will feel it first in your ears. You may not notice, but your smartwatch feels the same. Depending on the build, your smartwatch may or may not support water activities. Always check the water resistance rating. 

Explanations of Water resistance rating:

1. 3 bars or 30 meters - Do not be fooled by the 30 meters tag. All it is safe for is just splash, not swimming. The manufacturer may have tested it at 30 meters. But you will be using it continuously in the water if you like swimming. So, one or two-time testing is nothing compared to regular use underwater.

2. 5 bars or 50 meters - Again, do not be fooled. Unless you have fallen off of a boat and had to swim to save your life, your watch is no good for a regular swim as you might cause permanent damage to your smartwatch.

3. 10 bars or 100 meters - well, now we are talking! You can actually go snorkelling. But sorry, diving is a no-go.

4. 20 bars or 200 meters - Again! You can go snorkelling but please, avoid going on a diving adventure.

5. 30 bars or 300 meters - At long last! If you have been waiting for a diver’s watch, this is somewhat close to it but cannot compare to a fully certified diver’s watch.

6. ISO 6425 certified Diver’s watch - The watchmaker guarantees that you can go down to the depths mentioned above. But beyond that, saturation diving is not supported. You can do scuba diving.

7. Diver’s watch ISO 6425 over 300 meters - With this watch, you can go saturation diving. This is right for the job.

We hope this article has clarified the confusion you may have had so far. Thank you for reading.