Some watches can withstand unimaginably cold temperatures, while others have unthinkable water resistance. But is wearing watches in the shower recommended?
I get it; I really do. Keeping your watch on when taking a shower is super convenient. Though experts suggest you don’t, I tend to shower with my jewelry on. Removing valuables is risky if you use the gym showers or swim in a public area. Plus, you wear your watch for swimming, right? So why shouldn’t you wear it in the shower?
It’s not that water-resistant watches aren’t available, as you already know. You probably even own one or two of them! Moreover, other factors can affect the health of your watch when taking a shower. Allow me to explain in this article.
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Are Watches Waterproof?
No watch is waterproof. Even those that can reach unfathomable depths underwater have a limit. The term “waterproof” suggests that no matter the depth and the duration submerged, a watch will never leak water. It would indicate that no water can permeate a case’s seals and the crown’s rubber gaskets. And despite considerable advancements in water resistance over the years, no watch can promise that. Instead, we use the term water resistance.
Some watches have a low water resistance rating. Those kinds are even more susceptible to damage if you take them in the shower. The tiniest drop of water can cause considerable damage to your favorite timepiece. Then there are the more adequate water-resistant watches. These are timepieces designed with a purpose.
So, even though watches are water resistant, it’s important to remember that no timepiece is ever fully waterproof. These are the key things to remember when showering with a watch. But other factors can damage your timepiece, too.
Water Resistance Explained
The water resistance rating of a watch refers to the pressure it can withstand once submerged underwater before leaking. But depth and water resistance are not synonymous, either. For example, a 30-meter water-resistant watch does not mean you can actually reach 30 meters of water wearing it. The meters on a water-resistant rating refer to the results of static pressure in a laboratory. You should, therefore, bear in mind that unless you’re wearing a professional dive watch, it won’t be suitable for long durations underwater. Prolonged submersion underwater can cause damage to your watch, so always check its water-resistant rating.
Most brands test their own watches for water resistance in an environment between 18°C and 25°C. These temperatures are not relatable to ocean temperatures or hot environments. Indeed, a watch for extreme conditions will undergo several other specific tests. Varying pressures caused by water movement are other variable factors that can exceed a watch’s water-resistant rating.
A 30-meter water-resistant watch is only suitable for water splashes, not submersion or swimming. A 50-meter watch can withstand a light swim. If you’re wearing anything above 100 meters of water resistance, you can swim, snorkel, and scuba dive with it. 200-meter water resistance is dive watch territory, with anything above 300M suitable for professional deep-sea dives requiring helium. 500-600-meter water-resistant watches are ideal for serious, technical dives and will feature the necessary technology for facing extreme conditions.
Why Wearing Watches in the Shower Is Not Recommended
There is a lot of solid and reliable evidence to suggest why you shouldn’t wear your watch for showering. As tempting as it may be, hot temperatures can cause severe damage to the internals of a timepiece. Water resistance aside, hot temperatures and chemicals can cause damage to the rubber seals of a watch’s gaskets. Gaskets are the structures inside a watch that form a tight seal around the case. Damage to the gaskets can result in water seepage over time.
Most watches aren’t fit for withstanding hot temperatures. Gaskets lose their ability to contract and expand over time. Also, as your watch ages, features like crowns and pushers lose their ability to screw in or pop back into place. Crystals can crack under changing temperatures, and a watch can lose its water-resistant raring. Remember, any crown or pusher is another opportunity for water to seep in. This is why many collectors ensure a regular and thorough watch service.
Other factors, such as chemicals, can also damage your watch. Shampoos, soaps, and shower gels can degrade the rubber of the gaskets, and residue can build up over time. Brands build watches to such high standards today that you may not notice the damaging effects of showering with your watch for months or years. This is the one reason why collectors don’t realize that it’s a problem. But it’s never too late to break the habit.
Even a quality dive watch that is ISO-certified can suffer the same fate of degraded gaskets and seals. Make it part of your routine to remove your watch before showering. If you’re showering at the gym, take the time to secure your watch in a locker before you wash.
What Are the Best Water-Resistant Watches?
Showering regularly with a watch can damage more than the seals and internals of a watch. There’s also the strap to think about. Leather bands can deteriorate if regularly exposed to water because they aren’t water resistant. This is another reason why if you’re ever going to shower with a watch, it should be a dive watch. Dive watches come on rubber bands or metal bracelets that are quick-drying. Personally, I’d never risk showering with a watch on. But if I had to choose some I could trust to hold up, these would be them.
1. Doxa Sub 200
The Doxa Sub 200 is an excellent option for water-based activities. This model carries the iconic orange dial that Jacques Cousteau made famous during his many underwater expeditions. This watch has a 200-meter water-resistant rating and sapphire crystal glass. It also features a screw-down caseback and crown to uphold substantial water resistance. This great daily tool packs a punch on the wrist with its vivid and bold color scheme.
2. Apple Ultra 2
The Apple Ultra 2 is one of the best water-resistant smartwatches out there. Even so, Apple recommends you don’t shower with one because of damaging its seals. At a push, however, if you were to dip in and out of the shower with a smartwatch, this would be the one.
Apple optimizes this watch for outdoor adventure, equipping it with a bright display and a scratch-resistant sapphire. Its titanium case is tough and lightweight, too. Like any watch, if you expose the Apple Ultra 2 to saltwater or chemicals, you should rinse it off. However, this watch features a depth gauge and 100 meters of water resistance for light water play.
3. Seiko Prospex
If dive watches are your weak spot, you’ll love a watch like the Seiko Prospex Marinemaster 1968 Diver’s Reinterpretation 300m. Again, manufacturers don’t recommend you shower frequently with any watch, but Seiko makes exceptionally tough tools. This one has a 300-meter water resistance and a screw-down crown.
The design is inspired by the brand’s original 1968 Diver’s watch. It features a clean white dial, retro-inspired dial markings, and lashings of Lumibrite. For this model, Seiko swaps out its famous Hardlex crystal for sapphire. The automatic watch is also resistant to magnetic fields reaching up to 4,800 A/m.
If you need to shower in a watch, dive watches are the only safe option. Even then, they should be ISO-certified. It’s important to note that the Apple 2 Ultra is not ISO-certified. That said, of all the smartwatches out there, it’s one of the best for wet conditions.
Watches That Can Withstand Extreme Temperatures
The constant exposure to hot temperatures in showers can damage your watch. When the watch cools down after a shower, moist air sucks into the case. Doing this repeatedly can cause condensation inside the case as gaskets deteriorate simultaneously. This can happen even if you have a 100M+ watch.
Still, a watch that can withstand extreme temperatures will perform better than one that can’t. Here are some practical recommendations for activities like cold water or freshwater swimming.
1. Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m
The Omega Seamaster is a marvelous timekeeper for underwater environments. To make it so adaptable to extreme conditions, it uses an oil that won’t freeze, even below temperatures of -22°F! The watch also offers a 600-meter water-resistant case and a helium escape valve. This model measures 39.5mm and features a black ceramic case on a quick-drying rubber band. Other options include a lightweight titanium case, but this sleek number looks incredibly stealthy.
2. Casio G-Shock Rangeman
The Casio G-Shock Rangeman is rugged, shock-resistant, and features a heavy-duty resin case. Casio designs some watches within this line, especially for muddy environments and water. As well as being impervious to gravity, vibrations, and electric shock, it can still operate in -80°F environments. On top of all this, it promises a water-resistant capability of 200 meters, making it one of the most adaptable timepieces on the market.
Here’s the icing on the cake: it’s way more affordable than all the other recommendations in this guide. You get a lot for your money with the Casio G-Shock Rangeman. On top of all this, it boasts solar-powered technology, making it a good environmentally friendly option. Other features include a barometer, thermometer, altimeter, and compass.
It’s important to note that Casio G-shock watches aren’t the most slender wrist-friendly. While there are a few G-Shocks suited for small wrists, most are big and bulky. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have one in your collection. Especially if you’re an extreme sports enthusiast or avid outdoor adventurer.
FAQs:
Here are a few Q&As highlighting concerns about wearing a watch in the shower.
What Is the Difference Between Waterproof and Water Resistant?
Water-resistant is a term that describes the water pressure (equivalent to water depth) a watch can withstand. The term waterproof implies that an object is entirely leakproof. However, it’s important to remember that water pressure varies depending on the environment.
Can I Wear My Rolex in the Shower?
Manufacturers don’t recommend wearing watches in the shower. Rolex actually refers to its watches as having waterproof technology. Still, you can damage any watch if you regularly expose it to hot temperatures and soap.
Can You Shower With a 100M Watch?
Generally, brands don’t recommend showering with 100-meter water-resistant watches. The pressure a watch undergoes in a shower differs from exposing it to something like a bowl of water.
Takeaway Tips
So, where do you stand when it comes to wearing watches in the shower? And what’s the conclusion? Are watches waterproof? The bottom line is that you shouldn’t. If you must, ensure you don’t wear your favorite watch, or even better, invest in a good diver!
Take precautions if you want to try your luck and shower with your watch on. First and foremost, check the water-resistant rating of your watch. Anything below 100M, and you really shouldn’t take the risk. Shower only with watches you don’t care about so much. Maybe you have a backup watch for yard work. Your favorite watch may be a cheap Casio but don’t risk it if it’s important to you.
Never operate the crown or chronograph pushers while showering with a watch on. Wash in cool temperatures to avoid the damaging effect of hot showers. Also, ensure you thoroughly rinse it before leaving the shower. Try to avoid adding a lot of soapy chemicals to the watch.
The water pressure in a shower is much different than accidentally dropping your watch in a water bowl. This does expose the case to undue stress, even though it’s not the same as diving pressure. You should also bear in mind that water-resistant capability drops in a watch as it ages. Moreover, the chemicals and temperature can cause havoc with your timepiece. Ensure you stick to dive watches and models for extreme environments if you are going to shower with your watch on. Anything less than that, and you’re putting your watch at risk.
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