Water Classification of Watches
Dust proof, water resistant or pressure proof? Every watch falls into one of these three categories, and knowing which one you own tells you how much water it can safely handle.
The classification depends on how the watch is built: the type of case back, the winding crown and, on chronographs, the push buttons. Below is what each category means, what it can handle and how to keep it protected.
Not sure which one you have? Call or text (713) 877-8727 and we will tell you.
At a Glance
| Exposure | Dust Proof | Water Resistant | Pressure Proof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dust and elements in the air | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Splashes and rain | No | Yes | Yes |
| Shower | No | Yes | Yes |
| Swimming and snorkeling | No | Not advised | Yes |
| Scuba diving | No | No | Yes |
✓ Yes ✕ No ! Not advised. Assumes gaskets are in good condition. Always check your watch's depth rating.
The Three Classifications
Dust Proof
Dress and evening watchesA dust proof watch is normally a dress watch or an evening watch, most likely made of solid gold. It could be on a gold band or an exotic strap such as crocodile, lizard, alligator or ostrich, in a men's or ladies' model.
This type of watch keeps dust and elements in the air out of the case. It is typically thin, with a pop up back and a pull out, push in winding crown, and may be a manual wind or a battery operated quartz watch.
Water Resistant
Sports watches on a braceletA water resistant watch usually appears as a sports watch on a bracelet, in steel or a combination of steel and gold. Somewhat thicker than a dress watch, it can and will take water splashes, rain water and shower water.
Men's models may have a chronograph function: a stopwatch with push buttons on the side of the case at 2 o'clock, or at both 2 and 5 o'clock, plus additional sub dials on the face. These pushers are generally not the screw down type. The watch may have a screw down crown or a pull out, push in winding crown.
Examples: TAG Heuer chronograph watches and Cartier sports watches.
Pressure Proof
Also called water proofTo be called and marked pressure proof, a watch must have both of these:
- Screw down winding crown that threads into a threaded case tube
- Screw back, a threaded case back
Pressure proof models are typically automatic self-winding watches such as Rolex and TAG Heuer. All Rolex Oyster cases are pressure proof, as are many, if not all, TAG Heuer non-chronograph sports watches. They are offered in steel, steel and gold, and gold.
With this type of watch, water is not an issue. You may shower, swim, snorkel and scuba dive.
Gaskets Don't Last Forever
No watch, regardless of brand, construction or classification, will remain water resistant or water proof indefinitely. With time and exposure to the elements, rubber and plastic gaskets are under stress, wear out and have to be replaced.
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About 8 YearsTypical life of a crystal (glass) gasket
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Up to 10 YearsCase back and crown gaskets
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Every Full ServiceWe replace all gaskets and washers
When giving a full service to your watch, we replace all gaskets and washers regardless of whether they need to be replaced or not.
Is Your Watch Still Water Tight?
We pressure test water resistant and pressure proof watches and replace worn gaskets. Call or text for free concierge service.