The water resistance levels for watches indicate the depth for the watch under perfect laboratory conditions in which water is perfectly still. Real life swimming or diving conditions are much different. The movement of a swimmer's arm through water increases the pressure on the watch dramatically.



The following chart indicates the real life conditions under which you can generally use a watch.

Water resistant to 30 meters / 100 feet	Splash resistant only and should not be submerged
Water resistant to 50 meters / 165 feet	Suitable for showering or swimming in shallow water
Water resistant to 100 meters / 330 feet	Suitable for swimming and snorkeling
Water resistant to 200 meters / 660 feet	Suitable for recreational scuba diving
Water resistant to 1000 meters / 3300 feet	Suitable for deep sea diving