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Waterproofing and wearables: We explain IP and ATM ratings

IP codes and watch ATM or meter markings describe different kinds of water protection and are not directly interchangeable. Check your exact wearable’s manufacturer instructions to find out which activities are permitted.

By WatchRanker Team 5 min read
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IP and ATM ratings describe different kinds of water protection: IP codes classify enclosure protection, while watch water-resistance markings are covered by a separate watch standard. Neither label alone tells you which activities are safe for every wearable, so check the exact model’s manufacturer guidance before swimming, showering, or diving.

A “50 m” or 5 ATM rating is a pressure equivalent, not a universal promise that you can use the watch at that literal depth. Likewise, IP68 does not automatically mean swim-safe: its conditions and permitted uses depend on the device and its maker.

IP vs ATM: what the ratings mean

Marking What it describes What to check
IP code Protection provided by an enclosure against specified solid and water ingress tests under IEC 60529. The full code and the manufacturer’s instructions for the exact device.
ATM or meter marking on a watch Watch water resistance addressed by ISO 22810:2010 when that standard is specified; depth figures express pressure equivalence. The named standard, model-specific permitted activities, and any restrictions.
ISO 6425 A separate standard for watches intended for scuba diving. Whether the exact watch is stated to meet the standard; do not infer this from a depth number alone.

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) describes IEC 60529 as the standard for degrees of protection provided by enclosures. Its IP code uses one digit for protection against solids such as dust and another for water ingress. An IP code is not, by itself, a swimming or diving approval.

ISO 22810:2010, Horology — Water-resistant watches, specifies requirements and test methods for water-resistant watches and their markings. ISO lists the edition as published and confirmed in 2021; its record entered review in 2026 and says it is to be revised. That does not mean a replacement edition has already been published.

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What IP67, IP68, and IPX8 tell you

In an IP code, the first digit concerns solid ingress and the second concerns water ingress. The tests describe specified enclosure protection; they do not provide a general promise about daily swimming, repeated exposure, or diving.

IP67 and IP68 are not interchangeable activity instructions. In particular, the IP68 label alone does not give a universal depth-and-duration claim for all products. Check the manufacturer’s stated test conditions and use guidance for the exact model. An “X” in a position, as in IPX8, means that the code does not state a rating for that category; it is not a claim that the device has failed that test.

What 3 ATM, 5 ATM, and “50 m” mean

ATM and meter markings on watches should be read in context. Garmin, for example, describes 5 ATM as pressure equivalent to 50 metres and publishes activity guidance for its own devices. The equivalence is not a universal permission to use every 5 ATM watch at 50 metres.

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ISO’s explanation distinguishes watches intended for daily use and swimming under ISO 22810 from watches for scuba diving under ISO 6425. Do not assume that every device with an ATM or meter marking follows the same standard, or that a depth figure alone establishes scuba suitability.

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Manufacturer guidance can also differ by activity and model. Garmin’s activity mapping is guidance for Garmin devices, not a universal chart for other brands. Garmin cautions that an activity can create pressure exceeding the depth-equivalent rating. Use the maker’s instructions rather than applying another brand’s chart.

Why IP and ATM are not comparable scales

IP and ATM markings come from different systems and describe different things. An IP code classifies enclosure protection under specified ingress tests; a watch water-resistance marking relates to pressure and the applicable watch guidance. There is no direct conversion that makes IP68 equal to 5 ATM, or vice versa.

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When comparing wearables, look for the exact model, the standard or code the maker names, the activities it permits, and any conditions or exclusions. Compare the intended use—such as rain, surface swimming, snorkeling, high-speed water sports, or scuba—not just the biggest number on a product page.

Check the exact model before getting it wet

  1. Find the manufacturer’s support or specification page for your exact model and generation.
  2. Confirm which water activities the maker permits, and note any stated depth, environment, or use restrictions.
  3. Check component guidance as well as the watch guidance. Bands can have different water suitability from the watch itself.
  4. Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions after water exposure, and do not assume that a rating guarantees protection after damage or servicing.

Apple Support states, “Your Apple Watch is water resistant, but not waterproof.” Apple’s guidance distinguishes models and activities, and identifies some band materials as not water resistant. That is a useful example of why a general rating cannot replace the exact product instructions.

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As a product-specific example, Apple lists Apple Watch Ultra 4 as water resistant to 100 m under ISO 22810:2010 and specifies swimming, snorkeling, scuba, and high-speed water sports subject to its conditions. This is Apple’s claim for that model, not a rule for every watch marked 100 m.

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Can I wear my smartwatch in the shower?

Do not assume that an IP or ATM rating makes showering safe. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for your exact model and follow them; the rating alone does not establish permission for hot water, soap, or shower use.

FAQ

Is 5 ATM waterproof?

No rating makes a device absolutely waterproof in every circumstance. Garmin describes 5 ATM as pressure equivalent to 50 metres and provides its own activity guidance, but that guidance should not be generalized to other brands. Check the exact model’s instructions.

Can I swim with a 50 m watch?

A “50 m” label alone is not enough to decide. Confirm the applicable standard and the manufacturer’s permitted activities for that model. ISO distinguishes daily-use and swimming watches from scuba-diving watches, and a depth-equivalent marking is not a literal-use guarantee.

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What is the difference between IP68 and 5 ATM?

IP68 is an enclosure-protection code; 5 ATM is a watch water-resistance marking expressed as pressure equivalence. They use different systems and cannot be directly converted. Consult the product maker’s guidance for the activity you have in mind.

Does IPX8 mean a watch has no dust protection?

The X means the code does not state a solids-protection rating. It does not, by itself, prove that dust enters the device. Check the device documentation for any separately stated dust protection.

Can I scuba dive with a high ATM rating?

Do not infer scuba suitability from a high ATM or meter number alone. ISO 6425 is the watch standard for scuba-diving watches; check whether the exact product is specified as meeting it and follow the maker’s activity guidance.

Sources

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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