To get the most out of your watch, look at our watch care tips.

How to use your watch in water

Depending on the manufacturer, the water-resistance of a watch is written in bars or meters (m) or atmospheres (ATM). This is usually written at the back of your watch. Metre indications do not refer to the depth of a dive but to the water pressure under laboratory conditions.

Below is a general guide of water resistance

Water-resistance chart
Metres	Bar	ATM	Usage
30	3	3	The watch is protected from splashes. You can wash your hands while wearing the watch
50	5	5	You can wash your hands, shower or bathe or swim in very shallow water
100	10	10	You can swim or snorkel
200	20	20	Suitable for scuba diving
500	50	50	These are special watches for serious deep-water diving

The water resistance of your watch is not a permanent quality. Water resistance can be weakened as watch seals age at different rates, depending on how you use your watch. Sweat and acids can change the sealing elements of a watch. Knocks and big changes in temperature may weaken the water resistance and salt water can cause erosion.  

Before showering/swimming check that the crown is fully pushed in or locked down against the case in order to preserve water resistance.

How to clean your watch

To clean the case of your watch, wash with soapy water and then rinse in clean water and dried with a soft cloth. For leather straps you can rinse with clean water, then rub it with a soft brush and a little soap. Wipe with a soft cloth and leave to dry. Keep away from any source of heat.

For real leather straps such as the ones used in Wenger or Pierre Lannier watches it is recommended you remove your watch for daily showering or swimming.

If you have a very active lifestyle and if you have frequent exposure to salt water and heavy perspiration, we recommend a steel bracelet or rubber strap.

What to avoid

Do not spray any perfumes or cosmetics directly onto the watch.

Do not expose to any chemicals, solvents, or gases as they cause deterioration, discolouration and damage to the case or band.

Avoid any knocks or impacts. Please check your watch after major knocks.

Avoid strong magnetic fields.

Avoid high temperatures. High temperatures can shorten the life of the strap. Temperatures above 60 °C can have a significant effect on the mechanism and battery life. Temperatures below 0 °C should be avoided as this can affect the mechanism of watches.

Avoid prolonged usage in salt water. After each use rinse the watch carefully in fresh water and then dry it.