Are G-Shocks Waterproof?
When looking for a high-quality watch that can keep up with your active and adventurous lifestyle there is a lot to choose from.
However, you will often see these watches being marketed as waterproof. This will often be one of the leading selling points of the product.
However, you may be wondering why watches, such as G-shocks would need to be waterproof and whether they truly are as waterproof as the commercials claim.
In this article, we will be looking at whether G-shocks are waterproof, what that really means, and why it can be an important aspect of design.
Are G-Shocks Waterproof?
The short answer to this question is that yes, G-shocks are waterproof. To be more specific, however, G-shocks are water resistant.
This means that they can resist water up to a depth of 200m.
Although there is a difference between items that are waterproof and items that are water resistant, the most important thing is that if you own a G-shock watch, you can get it wet without causing severe damage to the internal mechanics.
What Is The Difference Between Waterproof And Water Resistance?
Because G-shocks are water resistant rather than waterproof, it is important to understand what the difference is between the two terms.
People often use waterproof and water resistance interchangeably, despite the fact that they mean different things.
For a product to be considered waterproof it needs to be 100% resistant to water.
This means that under no circumstances should water be able to get into the device or product, no matter how deep underwater it goes.
If a product has anything less than 100% water resistance, it must be labeled as water resistant instead, even if it is 99% waterproof.
This means that any product that has buttons or a screen of some kind that does not feature a casing that is completely sealed, will never be technically waterproof.
This is because the buttons and screen are areas that have the potential to allow water into the product or device which can eventually cause damage.
Is Water Resistance Sufficient?
Now that we know the difference between waterproof and water resistance, you may be wondering if the water resistance of your G-shock is sufficient to protect it if you enter any kind of water.
As mentioned above G-shocks are water resistant up to 200m.
This is more than adequate for any activities that you may be doing while wearing your watch.
You can safely swim, dive, and surf without worrying about causing damage to a G-shock.
If you are a recreational diver, you are likely to never go deeper than around 70m which is well shy of the limit for the watch.
In fact, professional divers have been known to use standard G-shocks as a backup device in case their dive computer fails on them.
The likelihood of you wearing your watch to a depth of 200m is very slim, and dropping it that deep is unlikely too.
How Is G-shock Water Resistance Tested?
Casio originally designed the G-shock around something called the Triple Ten criteria.
This means that they have designed the watches to be able to withstand a 10-meter fall, be water resistant up to 10 bars or 100 meters, and have a 10-year battery life.
They managed to unexpectedly exceed this goal by creating a watch that could withstand 20 bars of pressure.
The water resistance of a watch is tested by lowering it into the water with a device that measures the pressure of the water in bars.
The device is lowered until the watch begins to break or malfunction and the depth is recorded.
In the case of G-shocks, the watch was lowered to just below 200m where it met the ocean floor and the watch continued to work as evidenced by a video on the Casio YouTube channel.
Why Is A Depth Limit Important?
It is important for brands to state the depth limit of each of their water-resistant products to ensure that they are used within their limits.
In the case of G-shocks, the limit is less of a limit that helps prolong the life of the watch and more of a boast, as it is unlikely that you are going to descend to a depth of 200m.
However, for products that have a lower depth limit before they become damaged by the water, for example, a smartwatch, it is important to state the limit to protect the product from damage.
Most smartwatches and fitness trackers have a water resistance of around 50m.
This is fine for swimming and even most surfing, however, if you are diving, you run the risk of damaging the device if you wear it.
The information about water resistance helps avoid that.
Why Is Water Resistance Good On G-Shocks?
G-shocks are often worn by the police, the military, and people who enjoy engaging in adventurous past times such as diving and climbing.
This is because they are touted as being virtually indestructible, not just by Casio but by the people who use them.
The level of water resistance that G-shocks possess is just another reason why they are seemingly indestructible.
Also, who doesn’t want a watch that they can keep on no matter what activity they are doing without worrying about damaging it?
Frequently Asked Question
Are G-shocks saltwater resistant?
The answer to this question is, yes. G-shocks are able to deal with saltwater just fine which is why they are so good for divers.
This is also proven by the water resistance video published by Casio which shows a G-shock working fine at sub-200m on the ocean floor.
However, it is important that you thoroughly rinse your watch after it has been in saltwater.
If you don’t rinse the watch properly, the salt can damage it, although it will take years of not rinsing to begin to notice corrosion.
It is still a good habit to get into.
Final Thoughts
G-shocks are waterproof, although the more accurate term is water resistant.
Whichever term you use, however, these watches can seemingly withstand almost anything, and you will have no problems with your watch if you wear it during any watersports.
