Summary:
- Life Watch is water-resistant, but the type of water, pressure, and duration matter.
- Your Life Watch seals need special care when exposed to pools and saltwater.
- Understanding the distinction between the IP67 rating and a swim-specific 5ATM rating is crucial.
- Preventing long-term corrosion requires precise aftercare, particularly after exposure to saltwater and chlorine.
- Your Life Watch can be your all-time companion.
We all want a watch we can count on, a watch that stays with us through workouts, showers, and even the occasional swim. Your Life Watch can handle a few splashes, but not all water is the same. Knowing what it can (and can’t) handle keeps it working perfectly for longer.
As long as you understand the limitations and follow proper aftercare, your watch will stay in great shape.
So, let's dive in: The Life Watch, with its IP67 rating, can take brief pool swims, but it’s not ideal for saltwater adventures. In fact, prolonged exposure to either environment can cause damage if not cared for properly.
This guide will explain what “IP67” really means, how different water types affect your watch, and how to protect it for the long run.
Decoding the Life Watch's IP67 Water Resistance Rating
Let’s get honest about what those numbers mean for a swimmer.
What "IP67" Actually Means
The "IP" in IP67 stands for Ingress Protection, which refers to the degree of protection a device offers against dust and liquids.
'6' means it's dust-tight, which prevents dust or sand from entering the device.
'7' means it can handle immersion in water up to 1 meter for about 30 minutes.
Sounds impressive, right? But here’s the catch…the water-resistant feature is only for static, calm water pressure at a specific depth.
While swimming, the force of each stroke increases the water pressure on your watch. Unless you maintain a steady, moderate pace, these pressure changes can push the watch beyond its tested limits, forcing those seals to work much harder than they were designed to.
IP67 vs. Swim-Specific Ratings
The water-resistance feature in watches varies based on their ratings, so it’s important to be able to decipher the meaning behind the codes.
IP67 is great for brief submersion (up to about 3.3 feet or 1 meter for 30 minutes), accidental splashes, or unexpected rain. It's the minimum viable rating for any water contact. Think of it as a "life happens" kind of moment.
5ATM (or 50 meters) is the standard for watches made for swimming and snorkeling, offering stronger protection for active water use. Serious swimmers should choose a 5ATM-rated watch.
The Chemical Battle: Saltwater vs. Chlorinated Pools
Different aquatic environments present varying risks and challenges for the watch's seals and internal structure.
The Corrosive Danger of Saltwater
Swimming in the ocean is quite an experience, but not so much for your watch. Here’s why:
Saltwater is highly corrosive. When it evaporates, it leaves behind salt crystals. These tiny crystals can degrade rubber gaskets, clog charging ports, and slowly corrode metal components over time, often leading to irreversible water damage.
The Life Watch’s IP67 rating doesn’t qualify it for saltwater swimming and should be kept out of the ocean. If it does come into contact with saltwater, rinse it thoroughly with fresh water right away to prevent permanent damage.
The Degrading Effect of Chlorine
Quick pool dips can be refreshing, but they pose their own risks for your watch. Pool water is full of chlorine and other cleaning chemicals that can break down the rubber seals and polymers responsible for water resistance. Over time, these materials lose effectiveness, especially with repeated exposure.
Brief swims are generally fine for your Life Watch as long as you rinse it thoroughly afterward. However, frequent or long swim sessions will speed up wear and tear on the seals that protect your watch.
5 Essential Tips to Protect Your Life Watch
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Rinse with Fresh Water: After exposure to water, rinse your Life Watch under a gentle stream of fresh tap water.
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Adequate Drying: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to pat it completely dry.
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Careful Underwater: Pressing buttons underwater may create tiny pathways for water to get past the seals.
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Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Sudden thermal shock can cause the seals to expand and contract rapidly, potentially causing long-term damage.
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It's Not a Professional Diving Instrument: Your Life Watch isn’t built for deep diving. Treat it with care and stay within its water-resistance limits..
Final Verdict: Is the Life Watch Right for You?
The Life Watch is water-resistant, which is fantastic for everyday use, but it's not truly "waterproof" like a dedicated swim watch. Its IP67 rating makes it a reliable companion for occasional pool dips and offers enough protection against accidental spills.
If you are a serious, frequent swimmer or plan to wear your watch in the ocean regularly, consider investing in a device with at least a 5ATM (50m) water-resistance rating. For the casual user who might take the occasional dip and practice good aftercare, the Life Watch is the perfect fit.
Happy tracking — and don’t forget to give your Life Watch the care it deserves!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What does the IP67 rating on the Life Watch mean for swimming?
IP67 means the watch is protected against dust and can be immersed in still water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. It is suitable for accidental splashes and brief, casual pool swims, but not prolonged or intense swimming activities.
Q: Can I use the Life Watch in the shower?
Life Watch is technically water-resistant and safe to wear in the shower; however, extreme temperatures, steam, and soap residue can degrade the waterproof seals over time, causing failure much sooner than expected.
Q: Why is saltwater worse than pool water?
Saltwater is highly corrosive. It may leave behind abrasive salt crystals that actively degrade the rubber gaskets and seals as it evaporates. Chlorine degrades the seals too, but salt causes faster, more aggressive corrosion.
Q: What should I do immediately after my Life Watch gets wet?
Rinse the watch under a gentle stream of fresh, clean water (even after a pool swim) to remove salt or chlorine residue. Then, pat it completely dry with a soft, lint-free cloth before charging or using any buttons.
