Water resistance is the most misunderstood spec on a watch. A "50 meter" rating does not mean you can dive to 50 meters. A "5 ATM" watch handles swimming just fine. And a "3 ATM" rating means you should probably take it off before washing dishes. Here is what the numbers actually mean.
Understanding the Ratings
| Rating | Equivalent | What It Actually Means |
|---|---|---|
| 3 ATM / 30m / 3 bar | Splash-proof | Rain, hand washing. No swimming, no showers. |
| 5 ATM / 50m / 5 bar | Swim-proof | Swimming, showers, rain, water sports (no diving). |
| 10 ATM / 100m / 10 bar | Recreational water sports | Swimming, snorkeling, water skiing. No scuba. |
| 20 ATM / 200m / 20 bar | Dive-rated | Scuba diving, serious water sports. |
Why "50 Meters" Does Not Mean 50 Meters
The meter rating on a watch (30m, 50m, 100m) refers to the static pressure the watch can withstand in a laboratory test. It does not mean the watch was tested at that depth in actual water. Moving your arm while swimming, jumping into a pool, or even the pressure of a shower jet can create localized pressures that exceed the static rating.
This is why 3 ATM (30m) watches are not swim-safe — the "30 meters" sounds like it should handle a pool, but the dynamic pressures of swimming can exceed what the watch was tested for.
5 ATM: The Sweet Spot
All Paul Rich watches are rated at 5 ATM (50 meters). In practical terms, this means:
- Swimming: Yes — pool, ocean, lake
- Showers: Yes
- Rain: Yes
- Water sports: Yes — kayaking, surfing, jet skiing
- Scuba diving: No — you need 20 ATM / 200m for that
- Hot tubs / saunas: Not recommended — heat and steam can degrade gaskets faster
5 ATM is the rating where a watch becomes genuinely water-proof for everyday life. You do not need to think about taking it off for anything except scuba diving or extreme heat exposure.
What Degrades Water Resistance
Water resistance is not permanent. Over time, the rubber gaskets that seal the case, crown, and caseback can degrade from:
- Heat: Saunas, hot tubs, and leaving a watch on a hot dashboard can accelerate gasket degradation
- Impact: Dropping the watch or banging it against hard surfaces can shift the caseback seal
- Age: Gaskets naturally dry out over 3–5 years
- Chemicals: Chlorine, saltwater, and cleaning products can degrade gaskets faster
Practical Tips
- Rinse after saltwater or pool exposure. Fresh water removes chlorine and salt that can corrode.
- Never operate the crown underwater. The crown is sealed when pushed in, but pulling it out while submerged breaks the seal.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes. Going from a hot tub to cold water can cause condensation inside the case.
- Dry the watch after water exposure. A quick wipe with a soft cloth prevents water spots.
Paul Rich Water Resistance
Every Paul Rich watch — from the Star Dust II to the Crystal Bay to the Diamond Astro Skeleton — is rated at 5 ATM. Wear it in the pool, wear it in the shower, wear it in the rain. That is what it is built for.
Browse the full collection to find your next water-ready watch.
