One of the watches I like but don't wear it often is my Omega X-33. Why? Because of its water resist rating. It is only rated to 3 ATM, which is 30 M. OK, I know it was design to go into space where there is no water. Yes and I know that the X-33 has been issued to Team New Zealand of the America's Cup competition. However still at the back of my mind.....
Anyway, what does WR 3 ATM means? Well, basically it will withstand splashes or brief immersion in water or even getting caught in the rain.
So I decided to do something I have been wanting to do for a long time, test out the watch. Off to my friendly neighbourhood watch guy.
The watch in the tester. At the same time, I am testing how water resist the 'kevlar' strap is.... not.
My watch guy brings it up to 2 ATM and releases the pressure. This is to make sure any bubble caught is released.
Now he brings it up to the rated depth, 3 ATM. Good news, no bubbles.
Next test. He brings it up to about 5 ATM, well 4.6 ATM to be exact. Old man could not pump it up any higher. Anyway, I am pretty happy with the result. Would be great if it had gone up to 6 ATM.
At 4.6 ATM, no bubbles. All OK. Great.
So what does this mean. Well, I take it that it will go up to 5 ATM. So that means that the watch can be used for swimming in shallow water. But would I do it? I think not. But I will indeed use it more often then not.
The watch on a new cloth strap.
Great job! Any former or current X-33 owner has had this debate. It's nice that someone has actually done a test. Much appreciated!
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