Water Resistance

There are several features that help make a watch water-resistant. The most important is the gaskets, or "O"-rings made of rubber, nylon or Teflon which form watertight seals at the joints where the crystal, case back and crown meet the watch case. If the watch is a chronograph, the chronograph pushers will also have gaskets. In addition, water-resistant watch cases are lined with a sealant, applied in the form of a quick hardening liquid, which helps keep water out.

The thickness and material of the case is also a factor in determining whether a watch can safely be worn underwater. The case must be sturdy enough to withstand pressure without caving in. In general, this means a steel or titanium case.

A screw-in case back, as opposed to on that pushes in, also contributes to a watch's water resistance. A screw-in crown, a feature of many divers' watches, helps prevent water getting into the case through the watch-stem hole. When it is screwed down it forms a water tight seal much like the seal between a jar and its lid.

The different levels of water resistance as expressed in meters are only theoretical. They refer to the depth at which a watch will keep out water if both watch and the water are perfectly motionless. These conditions, of course, are never met in the real swimmer's or diver's world. In real life, the movement of the wearer's arm through the water increases the pressure on the watch dramatically; so it can't be worn to the depths indicated by lab testing machines.

Most Skagen Watches are rated at 3ATM, 5ATM or 10ATM for water resistance.

	3ATM - Water resistant to 30 meters (100 feet). Will withstand splashes of water or rain but should not be worn while swimming or diving.
	5ATM - Water tested to 50 meters (165 feet). Suitable for showering or swimming in shallow water.
	10ATM - Water tested to 100 meters (330 feet). Suitable for swimming and snorkeling.
	Not Water Resistant - You will know that your Skagen watch is NOT water resistant if there are no markings on the watch.

You can find the level of water resistance of your watch by referring to the case back.