Are Smart Watches Waterproof? How to Tell If You Can Sail With Your Smart Watch

Smartwatches, dive watches and other specialized wristwear have become a must-have accessory for anyone trying to stay connected on the go. That may include places where you risk getting wet, such as on a sailboat. In those circumstances, your smartwatch needs to not just update you on the latest trends — it needs to be waterproof, too. If you’re a frequent swimmer, sailor or snowboarder, you’ve got to ensure you have a waterproof or dive smartwatch.

In this post, we’ll sort out if smartwatches are truly waterproof and provide a few tips on how to tell if your watch is fit for wet activities. We’ll also discuss which watches offer the best water protection for various activities. Finally, we’ll share our top picks for the best waterproof smartwatches.

What Are Smart Watches Made Of?

Smartwatches include a few different components such as a screen, battery, processor and various sensors. Depending on the model and size of your watch, it may also include a microphone, speaker and buttons. One of the most important parts of any smartwatch is weather- and waterproofing. While some watches can handle a spray of water or even full submersion, others are more delicate and cannot handle going underwater without substantial damage.

Can Smart Watches Handle Water?

Before taking your watch out sailing or swimming, consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for how to protect it from water damage. Most watches carry a rating based on their ability to withstand certain depths of water (measured in meters). Note that watches with metal casings generally provide more protection than those with plastic cases. And specialty watches like dive watches will also offer extra features to protect against water damage. If your smartwatch does have a plastic casing, check its rating before diving into the water.

Tips for Protecting Your Smart Watch

If you plan on taking your watch out while sailing or swimming, there are a few safety measures you can take to avoid damage:

• Avoid submerging your watch completely if possible; if it does get wet, dry it off immediately
• Make sure all buttons and seals are tightly secured before entering the water
• Use special protective cases designed to protect your watch while swimming
• Avoid subjecting your watch to too much heat, as this can warp components
• Replace the battery periodically, especially if it has features like GPS tracking or other functions that require long-term power usage
• Don’t press any buttons underwater unless instructed by the manufacturer
• Make sure to close any ports that may allow water to enter the internal components of your smartwatch

Maintenance for Water-Resistant Smart Watches

In addition to being careful when entering the water, it’s important to take certain precautionary steps after taking your smartwatch out in order to ensure its longevity:

• Give your watch some time to dry out completely before putting it away; this will help reduce corrosion due to moisture buildup
• Check for signs of leakage around the seals and buttons on a regular basis; replace these parts as needed in order to ensure they provide adequate protection against moisture
• Make sure all screws remain tightly screwed in order to prevent dust and debris from entering the inner workings of your smartwatch
• Have an expert inspect the internal components of your watch for signs of corrosion or damage if they show signs of wear or malfunctions after being underwater
• Do not attempt repairs yourself unless you have previous experience with repairing electronic devices; doing so may cause further damage if done incorrectly

Alternatives to Waterproof Smart Watches

If you prefer not to risk taking your smartwatch underwater, you can find alternatives that offer superior protection against moisture while still remaining stylishly modern. Dive watches make excellent everyday accessories. They have extra seals and construction components that provide enhanced protection against deep waters and are usually far more durable than smartwatches. For those looking for a more fashionable option, choose a classic nautical-inspired timepiece such as an anchor timepiece or chronograph watch made from metal. These pieces often feature luminous dials and hands that make them ideal for sailing at night.

Conclusion

Smartwatches offer a convenient way to keep track of time and stay connected on the go, but when it comes to water-related activities, they may not always be up to the task. Knowing which watches can handle the elements and which ones can’t, may make the difference between keeping your prized possession safe and ruining your expensive watch with water damage. Look for a watch that has a high water resistance rating, use the tips and tricks mentioned above, and invest in quality accessories that will protect your watch while you’re out on the open sea. With the right watch and proper maintenance, you can ensure your timepiece will live up to the challenge of sailing no matter where the journey takes you.