Have you ever heard that you can wear your watch in the shower because it’s water-resistant or waterproof? Perhaps you’ve even done it yourself, thinking it’s harmless.
Unfortunately, this is a common misconception that can lead to costly repairs or even the need for a new watch. Water resistance is not equivalent to being showerproof.
It’s a common misunderstanding that waterproof watches can withstand exposure to water under any circumstance. While different watches come with various levels of water resistance, none are safe from constant exposure to moisture and steam found in showers.
Why You Should Care About When and Where You Wear Your Watch
Your watch is not just an accessory to help you keep track of time; it’s an investment that requires proper care and maintenance. Wearing your watch in the shower or other inappropriate environments increases its susceptibility to damage, shortening its lifespan significantly. Moreover, wearing your watch in the shower poses health risks as well.
Harmful bacteria and fungus thrive on damp surfaces; thus, continuously wearing a damp watch on your wrist increases the risk of skin irritation and infection. Knowing when and where to wear your watches will not only help prolong their life but also ensure your safety and hygiene.
The Risks Involved
Water Damage to Watch Components
Have you ever accidentally spilled water on your watch or had it soaked in the rain? Did you notice how some watches stop functioning properly after being exposed to water? This is because water can seep into the internal components of a watch, causing rust and corrosion.
The damage can be irreversible, and repair costs can be astronomical. Even if your watch is labeled as “water-resistant” or “waterproof,” it doesn’t mean that it’s immune to water damage.
These terms actually refer to the degree of protection a watch can offer against moisture, but they do not guarantee complete waterproofing. So, if you continue wearing your watch in the shower or while swimming, you’re taking an unnecessary risk of damaging your precious timepiece.
Steam Affects Watch Functionality Too
Besides water droplets that can damage the internal components of a watch, steam produced by hot water in a shower can also affect its functionality. Steam has tiny particles that are smaller than those in regular water droplets. As such, these particles can penetrate even the smallest openings in your watch case and cause moisture buildup inside.
This moisture buildup affects the accuracy of timekeeping and damages the movement of gears inside your watch. If left untreated for long periods, steam-related issues may result in permanent damage to your cherished timepiece.
Soap and Shampoo Can Cause Discoloration and Deterioration
Another significant risk associated with wearing a watch during showers is exposure to soap and shampoo chemicals. Over time, these products’ chemicals may cause discoloration or physical deterioration when they come into contact with straps made from materials like leather or rubber. Soap residue build-up also attracts dirt and dust that may clog up openings on your watch’s caseback or pushers which makes them susceptible to water damage.
Taking off your watch during a shower or swim is the best way to prevent these risks and extend the lifespan of your favorite timepiece. Wearing your watch in the shower or while swimming increases its vulnerability to water damage and reduces its lifespan.
Steam produced by hot water in a shower can also affect its functionality, while soap and shampoo chemicals can cause discoloration or physical deterioration of the straps. Don’t take an unnecessary risk; it’s best to remove your watch before any exposure to moisture.
Types of Watches That Can Withstand Water Exposure
Introducing Diver Watches and Their Water-Resistant Features
Diver watches are designed for water sports enthusiasts and professional divers alike. They’re built with airtight seals, which prevent water from entering the watch and damaging its internal components.
Most diver watches have a screw-down crown that locks into place, achieving a perfect seal against the case of the watch. The water resistance of these watches is measured in meters or feet.
For example, a diver’s watch with 200m/660ft water resistance is capable of withstanding pressure at depths up to 200 meters or 660 feet. The higher the number, the more resistant it is to pressure caused by being submerged in water.
Why Even Diver Watches Should Not be Worn in the Shower
Despite their impressive water-resistance features, it’s still recommended that you avoid wearing your dive watch while taking a shower. While most high-quality dive watches can withstand exposure to saltwater and chlorine, they’re not designed for prolonged exposure to hot liquids such as steam.
Shower steam can penetrate into the watch case through its seals, causing condensation inside which can eventually lead to rusting or even complete failure. Furthermore, soap residue can build up on your watch over time if you wear it every day in the shower, leading to unsightly discoloration.
Other Types of Water-Resistant Watches Suitable for Outdoor Activities
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys activities such as hiking, camping or kayaking, then you probably need a high-performance waterproof watch. There are many options available on the market today that offer both style and functionality.
For instance, sports watches like G-Shock by Casio offer excellent shock resistance and waterproof features while also being stylish enough to wear every day. Other popular brands like Suunto and Polar offer watches with GPS tracking, heart-rate monitoring, and water resistance up to 50 meters.
While diver watches are highly resistant to water damage, it’s still not recommended that you wear them in the shower. Instead, opt for other water-resistant watches that are designed for outdoor activities or simply remove your watch before hitting the shower.
Proper Watch Care Tips
Emphasize on removing your watch before showering or swimming
Although many people believe wearing a watch in the shower or pool is harmless, it can potentially damage the timepiece. It’s essential to take off your watch before you indulge in water activities to prevent any water from entering the casing of the watch.
Water can corrode and rust delicate internal components of the timepiece, making them ineffective over time. Additionally, chlorine and other chemicals used in swimming pools can have negative effects on a watch’s finish.
Provide alternative ways to keep track of time while in the shower or pool
For those who cannot bear being without their watches, there are alternative waterproof options for tracking time while swimming or taking a shower. There are waterproof digital watches available that can be worn while enjoying activities that involve water.
Some watches also come with timers and alarm functions that allow you to monitor your swim times. Alternatively, if you prefer an analog watch, consider purchasing an inexpensive waterproof wristwatch for your water activities that won’t break the bank if it gets damaged.
Suggest ways to clean and maintain your watch properly
Cleaning and maintaining your watch regularly will extend its life span and keep it looking its best for years to come. Regular cleaning helps remove dirt, dust, sweat residue, oils from our skin that may accumulate on our watches after prolonged use. To clean metal bracelets, use warm soapy water with a soft brush or cloth.
For leather straps or bands made of fabric material, avoid using soap as they may cause discoloration and deterioration over time. When not wearing your watch for more extended periods like when sleeping at night or during travel times where you don’t need it nearby but still want access whenever possible ensure it is stored correctly in a dry place away from moisture such as humidity and light.
Conclusion
Summarize the main points discussed in the article
In this article, we have talked about the various risks involved in wearing your watch in the shower. Water can damage the internal components of your watch, and steam and soap can also affect its functionality by causing discoloration and deterioration.
We have also looked at different types of watches that are water-resistant, including diver watches, but emphasized that even those should not be worn in the shower or bath. Furthermore, we have provided tips on how to take care of your watch properly to prolong its lifespan.
Removing it before showering or swimming is key to avoid any accidental damage. We also suggested alternative ways to keep track of time while in water environments and explained how to clean and maintain your watch correctly.
Encourage readers to take good care of their watches by being mindful of when and where they wear them
Watches are more than just a tool for telling time; they are often a valuable part of our daily outfits. But like anything else you own, taking good care of them is essential if you want them to last long enough for you to pass down as family heirlooms. Therefore, it’s crucial always to be mindful of when and where you wear them.
Before rushing into any water activities with your watch on, make sure it’s water-resistant or ask a professional jeweler for advice if unsure. And if it is water-resistant enough for swimming or diving activities, be sure not to wear it in a shower or steam room since hot water can cause more significant damage than cold water.
Taking proper care of your watch will help maintain its durability and functionality over time so that you can enjoy wearing it for years ahead. By following these simple tips mentioned above, you’ll keep your watch safe from damage while looking stylish no matter what activity you’re doing.