ISO 22810 Horology - Water Resistant Watches

The ISO 22810 Horology - Water-resistant watches standard, published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), describes the test methods and requirements used to verify the water resistance of watches. This standard also specifies the marking that the manufacturer is authorized to apply to these watches. Diver's watches, in particular, fall under the ISO 6425 standard, which defines specific requirements.

The ISO 22810 standard covers watches labeled as water-resistant. This standard is widely used in the watchmaking industry to ensure that watches can withstand exposure to water under specific conditions without damage or malfunction.

This standard applies to all types of watches, including analog, digital, quartz, and mechanical models. It creates a uniform framework so that manufacturers can reliably make water resistance claims and consumers can trust those claims.

The ISO 22810 standard replaces the previously published ISO 2281 standard, introducing stricter and more realistic test conditions. This standard aims to:

To define the minimum performance requirements for waterproofing.
To establish standardized testing procedures.
To ensure consumer safety and product reliability.
Harmonizing practices among global watch manufacturers.

Watches tested under ISO 22810 are typically marked with water resistance levels expressed in meters (m) or atmospheres (ATM). Commonly used ratings include:

30 m (3 ATM): Splash resistant (hand washing, light rain)
50 m (5 ATM): Suitable for showering.
100 m (10 ATM): Suitable for swimming.
200 m+ (20 ATM+): Suitable for diving (however, professional dive watches comply with stricter standards such as ISO 6425)

These ratings do not represent actual diving depths; they indicate that the watch is based on controlled laboratory conditions.

The ISO 22810 standard defines a series of practical laboratory test methods to verify a watch's water resistance under everyday conditions. These tests simulate real-life exposure situations such as immersion, temperature changes, and pressure changes. The main test methods specified in this standard are:

Water immersion (water resistance) test: The watch is submerged in water at a defined depth (pressure). Typical conditions: 10 cm of water for a specific period, followed by higher pressure depending on the rating. The aim is to prevent water from entering the case.
Condensation test: The watch is heated (usually to around 40-45 degrees Celsius). A drop of cold water is placed on the crystal (glass). If condensation forms inside, the watch will fail the test. This is one of the most critical tests as it directly reveals any leakage.
Temperature change test: The watch is immersed in water at different temperatures: 40 degrees, 20 degrees, 5 degrees. Each step takes a few minutes. The aim is to simulate real-life scenarios: entering cold water after being in the sun, or sudden environmental changes.
Extreme pressure test: The watch is placed in a pressure chamber. The pressure is increased to 125 percent of the nominal water resistance rating. For example, a watch with 100m water resistance is tested at a higher pressure than in normal use. The aim is to provide a safety margin beyond the stated performance.
Pressure change test: Pressure is rapidly increased and decreased. This simulates sudden movements in water (e.g., diving into a pool). The aim is to check resistance not only to static depth but also to dynamic pressure changes.
Crown and button operation test: If the watch has a crown or buttons, they are operated underwater or under pressure. The aim is to ensure there are no leaks, not only in a static state but also during use.
Airtightness test (optional preliminary test): The watch is exposed to air pressure or vacuum. Sensors detect deformation or leaks. The aim is to perform a quick preliminary check before submersion in water.
Visual inspection: After all tests, the watch is checked from the following angles:
Whether there is moisture inside
Functional problems
Physical damage

In short, ISO 22810 test methods combine the following:

Static pressure tests (immersion, overpressure)
Dynamic tests (pressure changes, button usage)
Environmental tests (temperature variations, condensation)

The ISO 22810 standard is important because it provides reliability, consistency, and safety in the design, testing, and marketing of waterproof watches. This standard is considered important for the following reasons:

It protects consumers: Before these and similar standards, claims of water resistance were inconsistent. This standard ensures the watch has been properly tested and determines which activities (e.g., hand washing and swimming) are safe for users.
It prevents misleading claims: Manufacturers must adhere to defined testing methods and labeling guidelines. There should be no exaggerated or unverified claims, and clear labeling consistent with actual performance. This creates transparency in the market.
It ensures product quality and reliability: By requiring standardized tests (pressure, temperature, condensation), the standard ensures the following:
Appropriate gasket design and material selection.
Consistent production quality.
Reliable performance in real-life situations.
It supports global trade: This standard is an international standard, meaning,
A watch tested in one country is accepted worldwide.
It simplifies export and import processes.
It creates a common technical language among brands.
It covers real-life situations: Unlike the previous ISO 2281 standard, the ISO 22810 standard includes the following:
Temperature changes
Dynamic pressure changes
Practical use cases
It separates product categories: This standard clarifies the following:
Waterproof watches for everyday use comply with the ISO 22810 standard.
Professional dive watches must meet stricter requirements, such as the ISO 6425 standard.
Reduces warranty issues: Clear testing and labeling ensures:
Less misunderstanding between users and manufacturers.
Lower warranty claims resulting from misuse.
Better customer satisfaction.

In conclusion, the ISO 22810 standard plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability and transparency of waterproof watches. By defining rigorous testing methods and clear labeling rules, it protects consumers while promoting consistent quality in the watch industry.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services compliant with the ISO 22810 standard.