Women's Water-Resistant Watch

Reading the rating: 3, 5, 10 or 20 ATM

The rating engraved on the case back indicates resistance to pressure measured in a laboratory, not a swimming depth. It must therefore be translated into real uses. At 3 ATM, the watch withstands rain and handwashing. At 5 ATM, an occasional shower, but not the pool. At 10 ATM, the pool, the sea and light snorkelling. At 20 ATM, with the Diver's marking according to ISO 6425, recreational diving. Our guide understanding water resistance ratings details each level. For a water-resistant women's watch, 10 ATM is therefore the useful threshold as soon as you swim, even occasionally.

What sets a water-resistant women's watch apart, based on our catalogue

We compared these watches with our full range of women's watches. The chronograph is found about four times more often: one water-resistant watch in five has one, compared with one in twenty elsewhere. The date appears on more than one watch in two, compared with one in four for the rest. Leather, which tolerates water poorly, becomes three times rarer, in favour of steel and the deployant clasp, which closes three watches in four.

The size also changes, and this is the most noticeable difference on the wrist. The median diameter rises to 39 mm, compared with 36 mm for our women's watches in general. The case thickens from 8 to 12 mm and the strap widens from 17 to 20 mm. A water-resistant women's watch therefore has more presence: on a slim wrist, look at the quarter of models that measure 38 mm or less.

Steel, silicone or sport: choosing a water-resistant watch

Steel is fitted to the large majority of the selection. It is the most versatile strap: it goes from the beach to the office and rinses clean in seconds. Silicone, found on a minority of models, is the most comfortable choice for frequent swimming, as it resists chlorine and salt: our page silicone women's watch brings several together. For more active use, see also our women's sport watch, which combines 5 and 10 ATM. In terms of colours, gold, rose gold and silver share the cases in almost equal proportions.

Keeping a water-resistant watch: crown, seals, hot water

Water resistance requires upkeep. Before each swim, check that the crown is pushed in, or screwed fully down if it is a screw-down crown, and never operate the chronograph pushers underwater. Seals age with time, salt and chlorine: have them checked by a watchmaker, especially each time the battery is changed. Avoid saunas, hammams and very hot showers, whatever the rating. After being in the sea, rinse the watch with fresh water. Finally, water resistance is not covered by the warranty: regular checks remain the best assurance.