Water Resistance – Vostok-Europe.bg

Vostok Europe Anchar NH35A-5104144 -Leather Strap — Vostok Europe Anchar NH35A-5104144 300m WR

What water resistance means

Water resistance is the ability of a watch to withstand different ways of exposure to water – from splashes to saturation diving. Water resistance ratings are listed in depths or pressure, usually metres which appear on the watch dial and/or case back.

What dept rating means

The depth rating actually signifies the results of a static pressure test, undertaken in a laboratory environment. The number of meters shown is not to be confused with how deep underwater a watch can go. Except a watch is built specifically for deep sea diving the water resistance feature means that the watch is not designed for prolonged use under water.

WR without rating

A watch marked as water-resistant without a depth indication is designed for accidental splashes only. Take a look at the water resistance chart for specific information.

ISO 2281 water resistance testing of a watch

Here are the requirements, set by this international standart:

Resistance when immersed in water at a depth of 10 cm. Immersion of the watch in 10 cm of water for 1 hour.
Resistance of operative parts. Immersion of the watch in 10 cm of water with a force of 5 N perpendicular to the crown and pusher buttons (if any) for 10 minutes.
Condensation test. The watch shall be placed on a heated plate at a temperature between 40 °C and 45 °C until the watch has reached the temperature of the heated plate (in practice, a heating time of 10 minutes to 20 minutes, depending on the type of watch, will be sufficient). A drop of water, at a temperature between 18 °C and 25 °C shall be placed on the glass of the watch. After about 1 minute, the glass shall be wiped with a dry rag. Any watch which has condensation on the interior surface of the glass shall be eliminated.
Resistance to different temperatures. Immersion of the watch in 10 cm of water at the following temperatures for 5 minutes each, 40 °C, 20 °C and 40 °C again, with the transition between temperatures not to exceed 1 minute. No evidence of water intrusion or condensation is allowed.
Resistance to water overpressure. Immersion of the watch in a suitable pressure vessel and subjecting it within 1 minute to the rated pressure for 10 minutes, or to 2 bar in case where no additional indication is given. Then the overpressure is reduced to the ambient pressure within 1 minute. No evidence of water intrusion or condensation is allowed.
Resistance to air overpressure. Exposing the watch to an overpressure of 2 bar. The watch shall show no air-flow exceeding 50 μg/min.
No magnetic or shock resistance properties are required.
No negative pressure test is required.
No strap attachment test is required.
No corrosion test is required.

Water-resistant watch – care and maintenance

Here is what you should do to maintain your watch’s ability to resist water for as long as possible:

Batteries in a water-resistant watch should be changed only by the manufacturer or approved service agent so that the seal can be checked and renewed if necessary. If this is not done, the watch can no longer be guaranteed water-resistant.
Remember leather straps are less resistant when exposed to water frequently than the silicon or metal bracelets.
After swimming or diving in seawater, rinse your watch in fresh water and dry thoroughly. This will prevent a build-up of corrosive salt.
Although your watch is water-resistant, we would recommend removing it before a hot shower or entering a sauna. The extreme heat can cause watch seals to expand and create openings, allowing water to get inside.

If you are looking for a performance diver’s watch then see the water resistance chart for more guidance. For a watch suitable for scuba diving, a design featuring a screw in crown keeps the watch water tight as the crown screws directly into the watch case. Vostok Europe offers such options like the Anchar series.

Learn more about the water resistance here