Waterproof women's watches

Water-resistant ladies' watches – what the ATM rating means

Water-resistant ladies' watches are watches that can handle more than just the occasional splash. Here, we have gathered models for women with a water resistance of at least 5 ATM, and the selection ranges up to 20 ATM. The number is the most important measurement when choosing a water-resistant watch for women, as it determines whether the watch should handle rain and handwashing or swimming as well.

ATM stands for atmosphere and is a unit of pressure. Each ATM corresponds to approximately the pressure of ten meters of water, so 5 ATM, 5 bar, and 50 meters mean the same thing. The number indicates the pressure for which the watch has been tested in still water, not how deep you can swim. Movement in water, soap, and hot water put more strain on the seals than the test does. Our guide to ATM goes through every level from 1 to 30 ATM.

Watches with 3 ATM can handle rain and splashes but are not made for showering or bathing. They are therefore not included here. If you would rather have a slim dress watch that you take off before washing your hands, there are more options among all ladies' watches.

5 ATM – everyday watches that handle rain and handwashing

Most water-resistant ladies' watches in our assortment have 5 ATM. This level is suitable for those who wear the watch all day and do not want to think about it while washing hands, doing dishes, or going for a rainy walk. Manufacturers describe 5 ATM differently. Some allow showering and swimming, while others draw the line at splashes and brief contact with water. If you intend to take the watch into the pool, 10 ATM is a safer choice.

At 5 ATM, there are both elegant and more casual models. Swarovski watches combine water resistance with crystal details, while Bering for women stands for a cleaner Scandinavian design in series such as Classic and Ceramic. You will also find models here from Fossil, Michael Kors, and Philipp Plein.

10 and 20 ATM – for swimming and water sports

From 10 ATM, swimming and snorkeling near the surface are included. This level is suitable for you if you swim at the gym or on vacation and want to be able to keep your watch on. Among the models are the Bulova Marine Star and several classic Bulova models, as well as Bering Titanium and a Bering with an automatic movement.

Citizen has the most models at 10 ATM. Here you will find Super Titanium, radio-controlled watches that set the time themselves, and light-powered Eco-Drive. Titanium is lighter than steel, which is noticeable on a watch worn from morning until night. More models from the brand can be found among Citizen's ladies' watches.

20 ATM is the highest level in our selection and is found primarily in Casio G-Shock. The ladies' watches in this series feature shock-resistant cases, resin straps, and a combination of hands and digital displays. They are suitable for those who exercise, swim, or want a watch that can handle water sports. The full selection from the brand can be found among Casio's ladies' watches.

Diving requires a diver's watch

No ATM number alone is sufficient for scuba diving. A watch for that purpose must be built and marked as a diver's watch, often with a screw-down crown, a rotating bezel that only turns one way, and clear luminous material on the hands. Such models are gathered among diver's watches.

Movements that avoid battery changes

When a watch gets a new battery, the back of the case must be opened, and the gasket then needs to be seated correctly for the seal to hold. A light-powered movement reduces that need. Citizen's Eco-Drive is charged by light and does not need a battery change in the usual sense. Therefore, Eco-Drive ladies' watches are a practical choice for those who often have their watch in water.

The selection also includes a few automatic models, including from Bering and Citizen. An automatic movement winds itself with the movement of your wrist and needs no battery at all, but benefits from regular servicing.

Materials and straps that handle water

The case of a water-resistant ladies' watch is usually made of stainless steel, which handles water well in everyday life. Steel is also the most common strap material in the selection, and more models can be found among stainless steel ladies' watches.

Titanium appears in a few models and provides a lighter watch. Rubber, silicone, and resin are soft materials that dry quickly and are well-suited for exercise and swimming.

Leather is the material that handles water the worst. A leather strap can become discolored and stiff if it gets wet often, even when the watch itself handles the water. If the watch is to be used for swimming, a strap in steel, titanium, or rubber is therefore a better choice.

How to keep the watch water-resistant over time

Water resistance is not permanent. The gaskets in the case age, and heat, soap, and salt water accelerate wear. Avoid saunas and hot showers with the watch on, and never pull out the crown or press the buttons when the watch is wet. If the watch has a screw-down crown, it must be completely screwed in before it meets water.

After a swim in the sea or a chlorinated pool, it is good to rinse the watch in lukewarm fresh water and dry it with a soft cloth. We show you how to do this step-by-step in the guide on how to clean your watch. During a battery change, the seal should be pressure tested at the same time so that the watch retains its water resistance.

How to choose the right water-resistant ladies' watch

Base your choice on how the watch will be used. For rain, handwashing, and daily life, 5 ATM is sufficient, and you can choose freely among elegant models with steel or leather straps. If the watch will be taken into the pool or on a beach vacation, choose 10 ATM or more, preferably with a strap in steel, titanium, or rubber.

Then consider style, size, and movement. The cases in the selection range from dainty models around 25 mm to sportier watches of about 40 mm. A light-powered watch avoids battery changes, and a G-Shock handles both water and shocks. If you are unsure which level suits you, Kronura's customer service can help you compare models based on how you intend to use the watch.

What water resistance should a water-resistant ladies' watch have?

For rain, handwashing, and daily life, 5 ATM is sufficient. If the watch is to be used for swimming or snorkeling, you should choose 10 ATM or more. Watches with 3 ATM only handle splashes and are not included in this selection.

Can you swim with a 5 ATM ladies' watch?

That depends on the manufacturer. Some allow swimming at 5 ATM, while others draw the line at splashes and brief contact with water. If you are going to swim regularly, 10 ATM is a safer choice.

What does 10 ATM mean on a ladies' watch?

10 ATM means that the watch has been tested for pressure corresponding to 100 meters of water. In practice, it handles swimming and snorkeling near the surface, but not scuba diving.

Can you shower with a water-resistant watch?

Many watches from 5 ATM can handle the pressure of a shower, but hot water, soap, and shampoo wear down the gaskets. It is therefore gentler for the watch to take it off before showering.

Can you dive with a water-resistant ladies' watch?

Not with scuba gear, unless the watch is built and marked as a diver's watch. A high ATM number alone is not enough. For snorkeling near the surface, watches from 10 ATM work well.

Which brands are available among water-resistant ladies' watches at Kronura?

The selection includes, among others, Swarovski, Citizen, Bering, Casio G-Shock, Fossil, Michael Kors, and Bulova. Which models are available changes over time as watches sell out and new ones arrive.