Here is all you wanted to know about water resistance for your Citizen Watch, taken from CitizenWatch.com
Q:
How can I make sure my watch remains water resistant?
A:
Water resistance is not a permanent feature of any timepiece. The rubber or plastic rings, called gaskets, used in sealing your watch do deteriorate over time. These gaskets can experience accelerated deterioration if your timepiece is exposed to salt or chlorinated water, soaps or chemicals. We recommend having the gaskets replaced in your timepiece every 18 months, yearly if your watch is exposed to salty or chlorinated water, soaps or chemicals.
Q:
What is Water Resistance?
A:
A product may be classified as “Water Resistant” if it is sufficiently impervious to water or moisture when it is immersed completely in water for five minutes under atmospheric pressure of 15 pounds per square inch and for at least another five minutes under an additional pressure of at least 35 pounds per square inch without the entrance of moisture.
Q:
How do I know if my watch is water resistant?
A:
If your watch is water resistant, there will be clear markings on the back such as Water Resist, WR, or Water Resistant. If there is no indication, then your watch is NOT water resistant and you should take great care not to get your watch wet. For more information, click here to view our Water Resistance Guidelines Page.
Q:
Can you please explain Water Resistance in detail?
A:
The water resistant quality of our timepieces comes in varying degrees, from non-water resistant to 20 BAR (ATM). Outlined below are examples of exposure to moisture as well as a description of the varying degrees of water resistance.
A primary factor about water resistance to keep in mind is that it is not a permanent condition. When a piece is new, it meets the specifications for water resistance as indicated on the case back. However, as the watch ages, the gaskets which seal the watch become dry and brittle diminishing its water resistant quality. Exposure to environments such as chlorinated pools, salt water or soaps from showering can accelerate drying of the gaskets. We recommend that the gaskets be changed at least every 18 months to maintain the water resistant quality of your timepiece. If the watch is exposed to chlorinated pools, soaps salt water, etc. on an occasional basis, we recommend that the gaskets be changed on a yearly basis. If the watch is exposed to the previously mentioned environments on a daily basis, we recommend the gaskets be changed every six months to insure the water resistant quality.
Water resistance is measured at a static, or motionless state. As the watch is moved in water, such as from the motion of swimming, pressure is added from velocity. While you may be swimming in a pool at surface level, the watch may be experiencing forces equal to 3 BAR (ATM). Diving into a pool can cause pressures on the watch in excess of 3 BAR (ATM).
1 BAR (ATM) is equivalent to 33 feet of water pressure. Always allow a margin of safety when exposing your watch to moisture. You should never “push the limit” of the degree of water resistance. For example, if the case back of your watch states “Water Resistant to 10 ATM, you should only expose the watch to 7 or 8 ATM of pressure. This will allow a margin of safety and is especially important as the watch ages and the gaskets dry out.
Be sure the crown is completely pushed in prior to any contact with moisture. If your model is equipped with a screw-down crown, be sure it is properly closed. Do not operate the crown or any push button when the watch is wet as this may allow the entrance of moisture.
Q:
How do I care for non-water resistant models?
A:
The case back has no indication of water resistance. This piece is not designed for contact with moisture at all. Great caution must be taken by the wearer to avoid any contact with moisture, such as when washing your hands or from a rain storm. If a non-water resistant model gets wet, immediately dry the piece and send it to the service center for immediate inspection. This will minimize any damage that may be caused by moisture.
Q:
What does “WR” mean when there is no depth designation after the WR?
A:
It means that the watch is designed to withstand accidental splashing only, such as from washing your hands or rain. Any submersion into water may result in the entrance of moisture. Be sure to immediately dry the watch after exposure to moisture.
Q:
What does “Water resistant to 10 Bar (ATM)” mean?
A:
This watch is designed to withstand accidental splashing, exposure to rain, showering, swimming in a pool, etc. Rinse the watch with fresh water after exposure to a chlorinated pool, salt water, soaps, etc.
Q:
What does “Water resistant to 20 Bar (ATM)” mean?
A:
This watch is designed to withstand accidental splashing, exposure to rain, showering, swimming in a pool, and recreational SCUBA diving. Rinse the watch with fresh water after exposure to a chlorinated pool, salt water, soaps, etc.
Q:
Is it safe to wear my watch in a Sauna, Jacuzzi or hot tub?
A:
The various components used in the manufacture and assembly of your watch expand at various rates. The rapid change in temperature when entering a Jacuzzi or hot tub could result result in a loss of the sealing capabilities of gaskets, which may allow moisture to enter. In addition, heat from these sources can cause deformation of certain materials leading to mechanical failures. For these reasons, you should remove your watch before entering a sauna, hot tub or Jacuzzi.
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Hurley Roberts Service Co. Any questions? We’re here to help. Call us at 770.263.8669 or email us at care@watchhelp.com