Commit TV Yagi Column ~ What is the true meaning of the function called waterproofing? ~

Hello everyone!

This may seem sudden, but when I serve customers in stores, I often get asked, "How waterproof is this product?"
"Are there any problems in your daily life?"
We sometimes receive questions like these.

After all, when it comes to luxury watches that can cost hundreds of thousands, or even millions of yen, it is only natural that people would be concerned about their waterproof performance .

However, in reality, they seem to understand it, but they don't really understand it [Waterproof performance]

This time, I would like to focus on the waterproof performance . I will explain it as simply and clearly as possible, so please stay with me until the end!

What is "waterproof performance"?

The broad definition of "waterproof performance" is

"The ability to prevent water from entering the watch when water pressure is applied to the watch"
This refers to the following.

And what is waterproofing?

"It can withstand the water pressure of that depth."
This is what it means.

You will often see descriptions such as "waterproof to a depth of XX meters," but this does not actually mean that you can dive to a depth of XX meters, but rather that it can withstand water pressure at a depth of XX meters.

in short,

If it is waterproof to 300m, it has a waterproof function of 30 atmospheres ≠ it can withstand a depth of 300m

about it.

Furthermore, the waterproof rating only indicates whether the watch can withstand water pressure, so if you move your arms vigorously in water, the water pressure may be greater than the water depth indicated, and the watch may not even be able to withstand the water pressure at the indicated depth .

Let's take a look at waterproof performance using concrete examples

In fact, it can withstand the water pressure at the depth stated.

Even so, there are few situations in everyday life where we need to worry about water pressure. Let alone how much water pressure there is! I don't think we often check this.

From here on, I would like to introduce what situations each waterproof rating can be used in .

"Waterproof for everyday life (assuming waterproof level of 3 to 5 atmospheres)"

"Waterproof for everyday life (assuming waterproofing of 3 to 5 atmospheres)" means
It is waterproof to approximately 30m to 50m, which corresponds to 3 to 5 atmospheres of air pressure.

 [ Specific scene ]

 - Can withstand rain and sweat

 [ You have to be careful! ]
 
- Be careful if the watch is exposed to heavy water, such as during a sudden downpour!

"Water resistant to 100m (assuming water resistance of 10 atmospheres)"

"100m water resistance (assuming water resistance of 10 atmospheres)" means
It refers to a water resistance of approximately 100m or less, which corresponds to up to 10 atmospheres of pressure.

 [ Specific scene ]

・You can enjoy light marine sports
 (*Assuming relatively mild conditions such as riverside or beach)

 [ You have to be careful! ]

・If you move your hands vigorously underwater, the pressure may exceed 10 atmospheres.
 -You should also be careful about jumping into the pool.

Representative models
[Rolex] "Oyster Perpetual 34" Bright Blue Dial "Ref. 124200"

The world's first waterproof wristwatch, this model is a symbol of Rolex robustness. It features exceptional chronometer precision, a waterproof Oyster case, and all the fundamental features of the Perpetual collection.

Sales price: 624,800 (tax included)

"Water resistant to 300m (assuming water resistance of 30 atmospheres)"

"Water resistant to 300m (assuming water resistance of 30 atmospheres)" means
This refers to a water resistance of approximately 300m or less, which corresponds to a pressure of up to 30 atmospheres.
*By the way, models that are waterproof to 200m or more are called "diver's watches."

 [ Specific scene ]

・Water resistant up to 300m for serious divers
 - Designed for diving, withstands pressure well and has high specs
・Compatible with most marine sports

 [ You have to be careful! ]
 
-With this level of performance for everyday life, you'll have no need to be afraid of water!

Representative models
[Rolex] "Submariner Date"
"Ref.116610LN"

This masterpiece from Rolex is fully waterproof to 300m and was developed for true professional divers. It is so well-known that it is no exaggeration to say that "diver's watch" = "Submariner". It is also famous as the world's first "diver's watch" equipped with a rotating bezel to measure diving time.

Sales price 1,408,000 (tax included)

"Water resistant to 1000m or more (100 atmospheres of water resistance)"

"Water resistant to 1000m or more (equivalent to 100 atmospheres of water resistance)" means
This refers to water resistance of approximately 1000m or more, which corresponds to 100 to 100 barometric pressure.

 [ Specific scene ]

・The dark depths of the ocean, where no sunlight reaches and where water pressure is far greater than you can imagine, are also available.

 A diver's watch with the ultimate waterproof function 
Highest visibility and pressure resistance underwater

 [ You have to be careful! ]
 
nothing special

Representative models
[Rolex][Rolex][Rolex] "Sea-Dweller Deep Sea" D-BLUE
"Ref.126660"

A model with even more amazing specifications

The Sea-Dweller Deep Sea is an upgraded version of the Sea-Dweller.

Its waterproof performance is astounding... 3,900m!!!

The specs are so high that it's surprising (lol). The Deepsea was released to commemorate James Cameron's historic solo dive to the deepest part of the ocean, the Mariana Trench, at a depth of about 11,000m. It is the highest-end model of Rolex's diver's watch.

summary

What did you think.

When purchasing a luxury watch, many people are more concerned about whether it will break if it comes into contact with water than about its waterproof performance . Will it be a problem in everyday life?

We hope that by sharing some surprising facts about water resistance , you will be able to gain a solid understanding of your own watch and respond calmly if something should happen to it.

I hope that by reading this information, you will gain a better understanding of waterproof performance and consider it as one of the points to consider when purchasing a luxury watch.

see you!