At Fast-Fix Denver, we take every measure to ensure your watch is properly sealed and pressure tested before it leaves our shop. However, it’s important to understand the limits of water resistance and how to care for your watch to preserve its integrity.
Our Testing Process
We perform a pressure test to verify that your watch meets ISO standards before it leaves our shop, ensuring it is water-resistant at the time of service. Our testing includes a dry test that subjects the watch to air pressure, checking for any air leaks that would indicate a compromised seal. We advise testing your watch annually or anytime the watch has been opened, as aging metals may not retain the same water resistance over time.
Please Note: WE DO NOT GUARANTEE WATER RESISTANCE ON YOUR WATCH after it leaves our care, as crowns and push buttons can easily become unsecured during normal wear. For continued protection, follow the guidelines below.
Activities to Avoid (Even with Water-Resistant Watches)
The following activities can compromise your watch’s water resistance and may void your warranty, including the manufacturer’s original warranty:
- Showering with your watch on
- Wearing your watch in a hot tub, sauna, or steam room
- Operating the crown or push buttons underwater or when wet
- Exposing your watch to soapy, hot, or high-pressure water
- Contact with chemicals, oils, or solvents
Note: These situations are typically not covered under the original manufacturer warranty, and we strongly advise against engaging in them while wearing your watch.
Watches and H2O: Understanding Water Resistance
It’s essential to distinguish between water-resistant and waterproof. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), watch manufacturers are not permitted to label watches as "waterproof." Even deep-sea diving watches are not considered waterproof. The FTC has outlined the following definitions:
- Water Resistant – Suitable for light moisture, such as rain or handwashing, but not for submersion.
- Water Resistant to 50 Meters – Suitable for surface swimming but not snorkeling.
- Water Resistant to 100 Meters – Suitable for snorkeling and swimming, but not diving.
- Water Resistant to 300 Meters – Suitable for all activities except professional deep-water diving.
- Water Resistant to 1000 Meters (Roughly Three-Fifths of a Mile) – Suitable for deep-sea diving. These watches are built with gaskets that withstand helium in decompression chambers, thick crystals (8mm or about a quarter of an inch), and may include valves for releasing helium gas during decompression.
Important: The depth ratings on a watch represent lab conditions, not real-world conditions. Higher pressures occur when you move your arms or swim, making depth ratings less reliable during active use.