Is my smartwatch water-resistant?

Water resistance is one of the main concerns when it comes to choosing a smartwatch, especially in seasons like summer when contact with water is more frequent and when our watch comes with us everywhere we go.

Although they are prepared to withstand contact with fresh water, we do not recommend their use in salt water, due to their corrosive power.

Here you will learn about the different IP ratings and everything you need to know about your smartwatch’s ability to withstand water and harsh weather conditions.

The IP protection rating is a standard that refers to the international standard IEC 60529. This standard is used to classify and specify the level of resistance offered by an electronic device or equipment against the penetration of solid and liquid elements.

A classification made up of the letters “IP” (Ingress Protection) followed by two digits.

The first digit refers to the protection against solid elements and can take values from 0 to 6:

Figure

Indication

No protection

Protection against solid particles with a diameter greater than 50 mm

Protection against solid particles with a diameter of 12,5 mm or more

Protection against solid particles with a diameter equal to or greater than 2,5 mm

Protection against solid particles with a diameter of 1 mm or greater

Protection against dust particles

Dust-tight; total protection

Figure

Indication

No protection

Protection against solid particles with a diameter greater than 50 mm

Protection against solid particles with a diameter of 12,5 mm or more

Protection against solid particles with a diameter equal to or greater than 2,5 mm

Protection against solid particles with a diameter of 1 mm or greater

Protection against dust particles

Dust-tight; total protection

The second digit refers to the protection against liquid elements and can take values from 0 to 9:

Figure

Indication

No protection

Protection against vertical water dripping

Protection against dripping water at an angle of 15 degrees

Protection against sprayed water up to a 60-degree angle

Total splash protection from all angles

Protection against low pressure water flows from any angle

Protection against high pressure water flows from any angle

Protection against total immersion up to 1 metre depth for 30 minutes in fresh water

Protection against total immersion up to 1,5 metre depth for 30 minutes in fresh water

Protection against high-speed water sports such as rafting, surfing, jet skiing, etc. Also suitable to withstand washing or steam cleaning procedures and high temperature and pressure directed water flows. This also includes saunas, steam baths, hot springs, etc

Figure

Indication

No protection

Protection against vertical water dripping

Protection against dripping water at an angle of 15 degrees

Protection against sprayed water up to a 60-degree angle

Total splash protection from all angles

Protection against low pressure water flows from any angle

Protection against high pressure water flows from any angle

Protection against total immersion up to 1 metre depth for 30 minutes in fresh water

Protection against total immersion up to 1,5 metre depth for 30 minutes in fresh water

Therefore, if your smartwatch has an IP68 protection it means that it is 100% dustproof (first digit: 6) and can be submerged up to 1.5 metres deep for 30 minutes (second digit: 8) in fresh water.

Understanding the water resistance of your device is extremely important when it comes to choosing the right model to suit your lifestyle. This will ensure better performance and durability even in harsh environmental conditions.

For a better maintenance of your watch, we also recommend rinsing it with fresh water in case of contact with salt water or use the self-draining option, available on some of our smartwatch models, after every swim.