Why You Shouldn’t Wear Your Watch in the Shower | KeepTheTime.com (2024)

Why You Shouldn’t Wear Your Watch in the Shower | KeepTheTime.com (1)

It’s called a SuperOcean, not a SuperShower.

Even if you have a dive watch that is equipped with a helium valve and screw down crown with a depth rating of 1,000m/3,300ft water resistance, it’s a good idea to take it off your wrist when taking a shower. Sure, it’s nice to think that your watch is getting cleaned at the same time as your body, but this shortcut may not be worth it in the long run.

If a watch can go under water then why can’t I shower with it?

The main reason we advise against showering with your watch on is because the shower environment is different than diving underwater. The two issues with the shower are sudden temperature changes and soap.

High Temps:

Depth ratings on watches are for water resistance when submerged under water, specifically when swimming or diving. Watches are designed for colder water than hot. Depending on your preference, showers tend to be warm or hot – creating sudden temp changes from room temperature to hot and steamy, back to room temperature and possibly cold if you step outside of the bathroom on a chilly day. This can cause unwanted expanding and contracting on components of the watch. This potential distortion to the rubber seals and gaskets can turn into a problem, especially when met with the next issue: Suds and bubbles that change the water.

Detergents:

Although we’re told soap and shampoo is good for our skin, the truth is that many of these products contain chemicals that are not good for parts of your watch. What makes a watch water resistant is not the thick stainless steel case and sapphire crystal, but rather the rubber gaskets, oils and glues that hold it all together. Soaps can adversely affect the integrity of these parts, which in turn could allow water to get through the seals and leak into your watch. Not to mention soap scum building up in the nooks and crannies of your timepiece!

I have been wearing my watch in the shower for years and it’s fine.

That is great! But it doesn’t mean that it isn’t slowing deteriorating parts of your watch that may need replaced sooner than expected. It’s one thing to plan for a scheduled routine maintenance, it’s another to have to send your watch in for a water damaged movement.

What about the hot tub, sauna or steam room?

It is also advisable to avoid wearing your watch in these places due to the temperature changes (and possibly the chemicals in the hot tub).

It’s a conspiracy!

You or someone you know may disagree with the advice on this page entirely, and perhaps your watch will continue to function properly after years of never taking it off in the shower, but why take the chance? If the watch is expensive, difficult to replace, or has sentimental significance, we highly recommend that you remove the timepiece and place it in a safe spot before jumping into a hot, steamy and soapy shower – you’re already taking your clothes off and it only takes 3 more seconds to do the same with your watch.

The watch shown above is a yellow dial Breitling SuperOcean 44. Find it in our watch store here.

Why You Shouldn’t Wear Your Watch in the Shower | KeepTheTime.com (2024)

FAQs

Is it okay to wear a watch in the shower? ›

It is strongly advisable not to shower with your watch on. Shampoo, soaps and other liquids are highly corrosive to a watch's delicate components and will wear it out much sooner. If you accidentally expose your watch to soap, you should rinse it off with fresh water and dry it as quickly as possible.

Should you wear your Rolex in the shower? ›

All you have to do after diving or a day at the beach is simply to rinse your watch with fresh water to remove any salt and sand deposits: wearing your watch while showering at the end of the day should do the trick. The Oyster case of your Rolex protects it from water and makes it completely dustproof and waterproof.

What to do if you accidentally wear your Apple Watch in the shower? ›

What should I do if my Apple Watch gets wet? To remove water from your Apple Watch, wipe it off with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth. Don't use heat, compressed air, or sprays. Clean and dry your Apple Watch, the band, and your skin after workouts or heavy sweating.

What happens if you wear your Apple Watch in the shower? ›

Apple Watch is NOT waterproof. It is water resistant and that is a significant difference. As javaliga correctly posts, one can shower with Apple Watch, but exposing it to soaps is not recommended.

Can I shower with a Seiko watch? ›

Do not wear the watch while taking a bath or a sauna. Steam, soap or some components of a hot spring may accelerate the deterioration of water resistant performance of the watch.

Can you shower with a stainless steel watch? ›

Yes, you can.

What happens if you forget to turn on the water lock on Apple Watch? ›

If you forget to turn on Water Lock before going into the water, the water resistance of your Apple Watch doesn't change (just your ability to interact with the screen). You can clear the water from the speakers by manually turning Water Lock on and off once you're out of the water.

How do I protect my Apple Watch in the shower? ›

If you must shower with your Apple Watch, turn on Water Lock

This feature locks an Apple Watch's screen to avoid accidental taps while swimming and during other water-based activities.

What is the water mode on the Apple Watch? ›

When Water Lock is on, your Apple Watch doesn't respond to touch on its display. This prevents accidental input while you're in water. When you turn off Water Lock, your watch ejects any water that remains in its speaker.

Can I swim laps with my Apple Watch? ›

Pool Swim: When you start a workout, be sure to accurately set the pool length to help your Apple Watch measure laps and distance. GPS isn't used during a Pool Swim, and water might prevent a heart-rate measurement, but calories, laps, and distance will still be tracked using the built-in accelerometer.

Can I swim with the Apple Watch 8? ›

Apple Watch Series 8 has a water resistance rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. This means that it may be used for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean.

Can you shower with a smart watch on? ›

While water-resistant smartwatches aren't fully waterproof, they can still withstand activities like swimming, bathing, and showering, as long as it's kept to the specified depth rating.

Can I shower with a 10 bar watch? ›

If your watch is rated to 50 meters/5bar or less, it should only be subject to accidental splash; hand washing, dishes, etc. Never submerge it intentionally. If your watch is rated to 100 meters/10bar, it is suitable for surface swimming. If your watch is rated 200 meters/20bar, it is suitable for skin diving.

Can I shower with a 50M watch? ›

This is because the watch's water resistance seal may degrade over time, especially if it takes a knock. 5 BAR / 5 ATM / 50m / 165ft: Your watch can withstand splashes, showers and is suitable for swimming.

Can I shower with a Bulova watch? ›

If you wear your watch in the shower or in chlorinated or salt water (note that water resistance varies from model to model, be sure to check your manual), you should rinse it with fresh water and thoroughly dry it immediately after exposure.

Can I wear my tag watch in the shower? ›

The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E2, Calibre E3 and Calibre E4 are all water-resistant. This means you can wear them while taking a shower, swimming, or taking part in surface water sports.

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