A watch is more than just a timekeeper—it’s a tool designed for function, durability, and longevity. However, misunderstanding water resistance ratings can lead to damage or even complete failure of your timepiece. Many assume “waterproof” and “water-resistant” mean the same thing, but the distinction is crucial in protecting your watch and extending its lifespan.
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant: What’s the Difference?
No watch is truly waterproof. The term implies a watch can withstand any exposure to water under all conditions, which is not the case. Instead, watches come with different water resistance levels, which indicate how much moisture, splashing, or submersion they can endure under specific conditions. These ratings are measured in meters (m), atmospheres (ATM), or bars and define the limits of your watch’s performance in wet environments.
Understanding Water Resistance Ratings
Water resistance ratings are tested under controlled laboratory conditions and should not be taken literally. Real-world scenarios often exceed test conditions, which is why proper care is essential. Below is a general guide to what different ratings mean in practice:
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30m (3 ATM) – Resistant to light splashes and rain, but not suitable for swimming or full immersion.
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50m (5 ATM) – Can handle brief exposure to water, such as hand washing and rain. Safe for shallow swimming but not prolonged submersion.
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100m (10 ATM) – Suitable for swimming and snorkeling but not deep diving.
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200m (20 ATM) – Designed for SCUBA diving, following proper safety protocols.
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300m+ (30 ATM and above) – Considered a professional dive watch, suitable for deep-sea exploration.
For those needing military-grade dive watches, Marathon offers high-performance tactical timepieces built for extreme conditions. Explore options like the Marathon GSAR, designed for search-and-rescue divers and military personnel.
Marathon Dive Watches for Professional Use
For those who operate in extreme environments, a standard water-resistant watch won’t suffice. Marathon’s dive watches are engineered to meet military specifications, ensuring reliability underwater, during high-impact missions, and in unforgiving conditions.
41mm GSAR (Government Search and Rescue)
A tactical dive watch built to withstand combat, search-and-rescue missions, and military diving operations.
Key Features:
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300m water resistance, certified for professional diving
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Tritium gas tube illumination for 24/7 readability in darkness
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Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal for maximum durability
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Automatic Swiss movement, eliminating battery dependency
Best For: Military and law enforcement divers, SAR professionals, and tactical operators who demand a combat-proven dive watch.
46mm CSAR (Chronograph Search and Rescue)
A mission-critical chronograph dive watch built for pilots, divers, and elite special forces.
Key Features:
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30 ATM water resistance, meeting military diving requirements
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Chronograph function for precise mission timing
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46mm stainless steel case for rugged field durability
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Anti-reflective sapphire crystal for maximum visibility
Best For: Professional divers, combat pilots, and operators who need both diving capabilities and precise chronograph timing.
46mm JSAR (Jumbo Search and Rescue)
A large, highly legible dive watch engineered for SAR professionals who need instant readability and tactical reliability.
Key Features:
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30 ATM water resistance for deep-water operations
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Maraglo luminescence for long-lasting visibility in low light
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Quartz movement for high accuracy with minimal maintenance
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Jumbo 46mm case for maximum legibility in tactical settings
Best For: Search-and-rescue divers, firefighters, and first responders needing a durable, no-nonsense mission watch.
How to Maintain Your Watch’s Water Resistance
Even the most water-resistant watches require proper care to maintain their functionality. Follow these best practices to protect your timepiece:
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Do not press buttons underwater – Unless the watch is specifically designed with screw-down pushers, pressing buttons while submerged can allow water to seep in.
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Ensure the crown is secure – Always check that the crown (the time-setting mechanism) is fully screwed down before exposing the watch to water.
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Rinse after saltwater exposure – If your watch comes into contact with ocean water, chlorine, or chemicals, rinse it with fresh water afterward to prevent corrosion.
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Avoid high temperatures and steam – Hot showers, saunas, and hot tubs can cause gaskets to expand and contract, potentially allowing moisture to enter.
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Service your watch regularly – Water resistance is not permanent. Over time, gaskets and seals degrade, so have your watch professionally pressure-tested every few years.
For those frequently exposed to harsh marine environments, Marathon dive watches are built for resilience, visibility, and unmatched durability.
Choosing the Right Watch for Your Needs
When selecting a water-resistant watch, consider your daily activities and exposure to water:
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Occasional splashes or rain? A 30m-50m water resistance rating will suffice.
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Regular swimming? Opt for at least 100m water resistance.
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SCUBA diving or extreme marine conditions? Choose a 200m+ rated dive watch, like the Marathon GSAR or JSAR.
Understanding water resistance ratings and following proper maintenance ensures your watch performs reliably for years to come. Whether you're caught in a downpour or exploring deep waters, a well-maintained Marathon dive watch will be your most trusted tool in extreme conditions.
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