Apple watch series 2 - not waterproof up to 50m

[eastwoodandy]

I think regardless of the argument about 50m depth, the watch can't be used at any depth for diving, and that's where there is going to be an understandable misconception.

In any case, Apple are obliged to replace water damaged watches.

At the bottom is what Apple says about the watch. They do say it should only be used in shallow water. Which is why I find the 50m rating confusing, it doesn't provide any easy way to know what depth is reasonable, perhaps this is hard to do because of variables like sudden movement etc? I don't know enough to add further analysis.

1. Apple Watch Series 2 has a water resistance rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. This means that it may be used for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean. However, Apple Watch Series 2 should not be used for scuba diving, waterskiing, or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth.

 

[MVPinFLA]

Thanks for starting the thread. I was glad that I was going to be able to go snorkeling without worrying about the watch flooding. The way I snorkel, there is nothing high velocity about it. ) Plus, most of my snorkeling is on top of the water, with occasional short drops down to no more than probably 7 meters.

 

[ScubaCinci]

Ironically, I'm going scuba diving in the Caymans the week after they are released in the wild and when I first heard they were waterproof up to 50M I was contemplating whether or not I would actually wear it while diving (just for fun). It's very rare for recreational divers to reach 50M (most never exceed 30M). However, after seeing the disclaimer, I will not be doing so. Would it survive? Based on the rating, probably...but I don't want to go through the hassle of replacing it - especially when they are in short supply.

 

[newdeal]

I think it will be fine with me snorkelling with it (aka an extreme amateur). Most people only get a few meters down and generally are moving their hands a lot less than when swimming since they wear flippers

 

[douglasf13]

"Dynamic" pressure when moving arms around in the water has long been debunked on watch forums. The increase in pressure is insignificant. If you are able to generate a significant amount of more pressure from moving underwater, I'd worry more about loosing your hand.

 

[frifra]

"Dynamic" pressure when moving arms around in the water has long been debunked on watch forums. The increase in pressure is insignificant. If you are able to generate a significant amount of more pressure from moving underwater, I'd worry more about loosing your hand.

You can still jump in a pool from a 5m board .

 

[Julien]

"Dynamic" pressure when moving arms around in the water has long been debunked on watch forums. The increase in pressure is insignificant. If you are able to generate a significant amount of more pressure from moving underwater, I'd worry more about loosing your hand.

Here is the 'lowly' rated IPx7 Watch being exposed to the near maximum dynamic pressure.

 

[douglasf13]

You can still jump in a pool from a 5m board .

Slamming your arm into a door frame would probably be worse. You're talking about impact resistance, not deep water pressure, at that point.
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Here is the 'lowly' rated IPx7 Watch being exposed to the near maximum dynamic pressure.

Yeah, I wear mine swimming and diving all the time. Granted, hitting the water from height is different than water pressure.

 

[Julien]

True athletic swimming too.

And how about an ATM5 (ATM4) water test also.

 

[aplnub]

Oh well, I'm not particularly water resistant at that depth myself. Thanks for the warning though.

Anyone plan to wear their Watch into salty ocean water or a salt water pool? I swim in both. Not very deep. It would be a massive convenience to be able to keep my watch on me when I do.

I will be in the ocean snorkeling in October with my AWS2. If that watch can't take 10 seconds at a depth of 10 ft I don't want it. Swim proof is the only reason I'm upgrading from AWS1. I put my AWS1 in all types of water now but I avoid salt water pools and the ocean with it.

 

[douglasf13]

I will be in the ocean snorkeling in October with my AWS2. If that watch can't take 10 seconds at a depth of 10 ft I don't want it. Swim proof is the only reason I'm upgrading from AWS1. I put my AWS1 in all types of water now but I avoid salt water pools and the ocean with it.

FWIW, I've worn mine in pools, the shower and the ocean quite frequently without issue.

 

[Julien]

Finally someone in the press seems to understand.

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/water-dust-resistance-ratings-in-gadgets-explained/

 

[ScubaCinci]

I like how they use vague terms in the ATM table like "deep water" and "surface diving". Both of those are very subjective so entirely unhelpful. I checked the specs on both of my dive computers and neither have an ATM rating, simply max ft/M depths. I can't recall seeing any dive computers using the ATM metric in the specs. At least the IP rating is very specific but not applicable to any scuba gear.

 

[mallbritton]

Finally someone in the press seems to understand.

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/water-dust-resistance-ratings-in-gadgets-explained/

Except that the ATMs listed under "Water Ratings" in the last table are incorrect. At 10m it is 2 bar/atm not 1 and so on.

 

[aplnub]

FWIW, I've worn mine in pools, the shower and the ocean quite frequently without issue.

My friend swam in a salt water pool by accident with his AWS1 not long after getting it. After getting out of the water he noticed his watch was taking screenshots over and over. Apple took it back, fixed it, and had it back to him within a few days at no charge. I am sure this happening just after released helped the repair go along without issue.

I decided no pools or ocean at that point. Mine is mainly shower and streams, creeks, etc. when hiking. Never had a problem. Glad to know your experience has been good.

 

[douglasf13]

My friend swam in a salt water pool by accident with his AWS1 not long after getting it. After getting out of the water he noticed his watch was taking screenshots over and over. Apple took it back, fixed it, and had it back to him within a few days at no charge. I am sure this happening just after released helped the repair go along without issue.

I decided no pools or ocean at that point. Mine is mainly shower and streams, creeks, etc. when hiking. Never had a problem. Glad to know your experience has been good.

Good to know. I do have Apple Care, so I've got another year of being relatively worry free, then I'll just upgrade if it dies on me.

p.s. I do always gently blow the water out of the speaker afterwards, and I rinse the watch after salt or chlorine.