Apple Watch Series 3

Please register or login

Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.

Benefits of registering include

  • Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
  • A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
  • You can make this box go away

Joining is quick and easy. Log in or Register now!

uncfnp

Solo Diver
Messages
7,208
Reaction score
6,568
Location
Home
# of dives
None - Not Certified
I am looking at the Apple Watch Series 3 GPS and noticed it is rated to 50 meters. Does anyone wear it diving?
 
I wouldn't on Apple's recommendation
About Apple Watch water resistance

"Apple Watch Series 3 may be used for shallow water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean. However, Apple Watch Series 2 and Apple Watch Series 3 shouldn't be used for scuba diving, water skiing, or other activities involving high velocity water or submersion below shallow depth. "
 
I had read that precaution about the Series 2 but missed it on the Series 3. Disappointing and yet another corporation’s attempt at marketing something it is not and then coving themselves with the fine print. :(
 
Watch ratings are NOT similar to dive computer depth ratings.

Watch 30m = minimal rating, not water-resistant.
Dress watches, for the same situations where you'd wear a suit. Ranges from essentially no WR to safe for showers when new. Unless you're sure, limit water exposure to washing your hands, but only wipe the watch itself with a wet towel.

Watch 50m = some water resistance. Usually safe to gently wash the watch, unless the seals have aged.

Watch 100m = actual water resistance. Safe for warm (not hot or contrast) showers. Implies that it can be worn while swimming. Good non-chronograph ones usually can, if they've been serviced regularly and the crown is screwed tight. With most swimming should still be avoided, because aging of the seals or touching any buttons in the water will cause leakage.

Watch 200m+ = dive capable. Can actually be taken to a significant fraction of their rated depth if tightened and with new seals. 100m->200m is the biggest jump, except for the few older 100m models that were more honest in their rating (and serviced!)

I killed a 200m watch once by not re-tightening the crown before swimming (not diving). It felt tight, but there was a last quarter-turn where it would feel that way. Don't be me.
 
I can't even remember the brand of the $25 watch I bought in 2011. I let it dry after each dive/rinse, then pull the tab to stop it from going in between dive days to make the battery last (I heard that if you open it to replace the battery it may not now be so water proof). So over that time I used it for about 460 dives, though most of them shallow. It was still going on the original battery until I (must have) mistakenly left it at a dive site this past July. Think it was at MaClearie Park in N.J.
 
I have a Walmart purchased Timex Ironman watch, I think it was 35 dollars, that has been on many recreational dives with me over the years. Read about it here on SB. Also still with original battery and I wasn’t smart enough to pull the stem.

It is a shame that Apple doesn’t make, and stand by, one suitable for recreactional depth. Since Apple is known for sealing their products with batteries that are not user replaceable it would seem a simple next step. And it would be interesting to have the HR and activity information. Just another toy for me really but still I would like to see a comparison with my other activities.
 
It is a shame that Apple doesn’t make, and stand by, one suitable for recreactional depth.

You mean this?

Petrel_Apple_Watch.jpg
 

Back
Top Bottom