Water Resistance

The Waterproof vs Water-Resistance Difference.

Water resistance in kids watches is commonly misunderstood and it can be confusing in watches – it is expressed as a depth rating in meters, but it does not correspond with the actual depths a watch can go to.

This is because the different levels of water resistance as expressed in meters are only theoretical – they refer to the depth at which a watch will keep water out, if both the watch and the water are perfectly motionless in a laboratory testing machine [static pressure].

So actually the "M" is meant as a unit of laboratory testing, not the actual depth you can take a watch down on a dive. 30m water resistance is also expressed as 3 ATM [measurements of atmosphere] and 100m water resistance is expressed as 10 ATM [measurements of atmosphere]. Each ATM denotes 10 meters of static water pressure.

Furthermore, water resistance is not always permanent – it depends on several factors, some of which are affected by wear and tear, or simply by time. Gaskets, seals or o-rings are used to ensure water resistance, and they corrode or get misshapen over time, or damaged by humidity and hot water or chlorinated water. Watches should be tested for water resistance every two years and gaskets replaced.

Activities for the different levels of water resistance are as follows:

• 30m Wash hands only [splash proof and rain proof]
• 50m Wash hands only [splash proof and rain proof]
• 100m Wash hands, shower, bath, swimming
• 200m All the above plus diving

 

So the 30m Water Resistant Cactus Kids Watch is specifically excluded from use in the shower, beach or pool, as shown on the packaging. [In the same way that you remove your shoes when swimming or showering, you need to remove your 30m WR watch]. If you wish to swim or shower with your Cactus watch, it must be 100m water resistant [and remember that hot water is never good for your watch]. 

Checkout some of our most popular water resistant kids watches below: