Water Resistance 10/19/11
I own many watches, all with different water resistance levels. Here's a handy reference table I found on the interweb which should make it a bit more clear as to what all the markings mean.
NO DECLARATION
This model is NOT water resistant. Any water contact should be avoided.
WATER RESIST
This model is resistant to minor and accidental splashes. Greater water contact should be avoided.
WATER RESISTANT 30M (3 ATM / 100 Feet) *
Showering, accidental splashes, short swimming or car washing - it is resistant against perspiration, water vapor or rain drops. Tested for water resistance up to 3 ATM, and must be able to survive 30 minutes under water at a depth of 1 m (3 feet) followed by 90 seconds under a pressure corresponding to 30 meters.
WATER RESISTANT 50M (5 ATM / 160 Feet) *
Showering, accidental splashes, short swimming, car washing, parachuting, hang gliding and skiing - it is resistant against perspiration, water vapor, rain drops. Tested for water resistance up to 5 ATM corresponding to 50 meters
WATER RESISTANT 100M (10 ATM / 300 Feet) *
Swimming, snorkeling, mountain climbing, parachuting, hang gliding, skiing and all kinds of sports challenges. Tested for water resistance up to 10 ATM corresponding to 100 m
WATER RESISTANT 200M (20 ATM / 660 Feet) *
Free diving without scuba gear, and all kinds of water sports. Tested for water resistance up to 20 ATM corresponding to 200 m
WATER RESISTANT 300M (30 ATM / 1000 Feet) *
Scuba diving to a depth of 30 meters, for 2 hours. Tested for water resistance up to 30 ATM corresponding to 300 m
WATER RESISTANT 500M (50 ATM / 1650 Feet) *
Protected for scuba diving to a depth of 50 meters. Tested for water resistance up to 50 ATM corresponding to 500 m
* The metres value does not relate to a diving depth but to the air pressure used in the course of the water resistance test. (DIN 8310, ISO 2281, NIHS 91-10)
NO DECLARATION
This model is NOT water resistant. Any water contact should be avoided.
WATER RESIST
This model is resistant to minor and accidental splashes. Greater water contact should be avoided.
WATER RESISTANT 30M (3 ATM / 100 Feet) *
Showering, accidental splashes, short swimming or car washing - it is resistant against perspiration, water vapor or rain drops. Tested for water resistance up to 3 ATM, and must be able to survive 30 minutes under water at a depth of 1 m (3 feet) followed by 90 seconds under a pressure corresponding to 30 meters.
WATER RESISTANT 50M (5 ATM / 160 Feet) *
Showering, accidental splashes, short swimming, car washing, parachuting, hang gliding and skiing - it is resistant against perspiration, water vapor, rain drops. Tested for water resistance up to 5 ATM corresponding to 50 meters
WATER RESISTANT 100M (10 ATM / 300 Feet) *
Swimming, snorkeling, mountain climbing, parachuting, hang gliding, skiing and all kinds of sports challenges. Tested for water resistance up to 10 ATM corresponding to 100 m
WATER RESISTANT 200M (20 ATM / 660 Feet) *
Free diving without scuba gear, and all kinds of water sports. Tested for water resistance up to 20 ATM corresponding to 200 m
WATER RESISTANT 300M (30 ATM / 1000 Feet) *
Scuba diving to a depth of 30 meters, for 2 hours. Tested for water resistance up to 30 ATM corresponding to 300 m
WATER RESISTANT 500M (50 ATM / 1650 Feet) *
Protected for scuba diving to a depth of 50 meters. Tested for water resistance up to 50 ATM corresponding to 500 m
* The metres value does not relate to a diving depth but to the air pressure used in the course of the water resistance test. (DIN 8310, ISO 2281, NIHS 91-10)