​Are Rolex Watches Waterproof?

Rolex has earned its prestige by creating elegant timepieces and making its watches for the most extreme uses. From the peaks of Mt. Everest to the depths of the Pacific Ocean, Rolex watches have been providing accurate time to generations of explorers. 

So are Rolexes waterproof? It is no surprise that all current Rolex watches are waterproof up to 100 meters. With models like the Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller that are water-resistant beyond the depths of the deepest dive in human history (330 meters), you can be confident a Rolex watch will meet your waterproof needs. Check out the history of waterproof Rolex watches and the various Rolex models’ waterproof ratings.

Understanding Terminology: Waterproof vs Water-Resistant

Many people wonder if Rolex watches can go underwater. The watch industry uses specific terms to describe how watches handle water. A water-resistant watch can handle some water but has limits. True waterproof watches can go much deeper underwater without being damaged.

Rolex watches water-resistant ratings tell you how deep the watch can safely go in water. The Rolex brand uses meters to measure water resistance. All Rolex models have some level of water resistance built in. Even their dress watches have basic protection from water.

The Rolex Oyster case changed everything when Rolex introduced it in 1926. This special watch case keeps water out. The winding crown screws tightly to seal the watch. This creates a safe and dry environment inside for the watch's functions to work properly.

Understanding your watch's water resistance helps protect your investment. Dive watches are designed for deep sea diving and extreme water pressure. Other Rolex watches designed for everyday wear still offer good water protection. The key is knowing your specific Rolex and following their water-resistance guidelines.

Rolex’s History of Waterproof Watches

Rolex is responsible for transitioning the wristwatch from an accessory for women into an everyday necessity for men. This began with a structurally sound Oyster case. It was Rolex’s first hermetically sealed case, which means no dirt, water, or air can pass through it.

In 1953 Rolex built off their hermetic Oyster case and made the first Submariner model. It was a watch that sports divers could wear in and out of the water. It was waterproof up to 100 meters and was handsomely sporty for everyday wear. Since the introduction of the Submariner, it has grown to be Rolex’s most popular model. Celebrities like Robert Downey Jr., Queen Latifah, and David Beckham have all sported various Rolex Submariner models.

Find Rolex Submariners Here

Current iterations in the Submariner line aren’t too different from the original model. Take the Rolex Submariner 14060 and its black rotating bezel that characterized the original model. It is waterproof up to 1,000 feet and has Rolex’s patented Chromalight, which lights up the hands and indices for legibility in the darkest environments. 

All Submariner models are tested where Rolex watches are made to withstand pressures beyond their actual ratings. The Submariner 14060 shares the black dial design with the original Submariner, but its stainless steel bracelet brings it into the 21st century. The stainless steel elements make it a worthy investment in a market that yearns for stainless steel encased timepieces.

Rolex Models & Their Water-Resistance Specifications

Different Rolex models offer varying levels of water resistance. Understanding these ratings helps you choose the right watch for your needs.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is the foundation model with 100 meters of water resistance. This makes it suitable for swimming and some water sports. The Oyster Perpetual Submariner can go up to 300 meters deep. This dive watch became famous for scuba diving and professional underwater work.

The GMT Master II offers 100 meters of water resistance combined with dual time zone features. It's perfect for travelers who need reliable water protection. The Oyster bracelet on these models adds to their durability and comfort during water activities.

For serious deep sea diving, the Sea-Dweller models are your best option. The standard Sea-Dweller offers 1,220 meters of water resistance. It includes a helium escape valve for diving. This valve lets helium gas escape during decompression without damaging the watch case.

The Rolex Deepsea takes water resistance to extreme levels of up to 3,900 meters. This exceeds any real life usage needs for diving. Professional divers and watch enthusiasts appreciate this engineering achievement. The watch's functions remain perfect even when you're deep under water.

Each Rolex water resistance rating is tested rigorously before leaving the factory. Genuine Rolex parts ensure the seals work properly. A fake Rolex won't have the same water protection. Always verify authenticity before testing any water-resistant watch underwater.

The Best Waterproof Rating Available

If you want a new or used Rolex with the best waterproof rating available, then you need the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea. This Rolex line is rated for water resistance up to an astounding 3,900 meters deep. That is deeper than the average ocean depth and exerts over 5,000 lbs. per square inch in water pressure. Rolex created the Sea-Dweller Deepsea, not for practical use but to show their commitment to perfection.

If you want to own a watch that catches a horologist’s eye and can withstand a multi-ton impact, then the Rolex Deep Sea Blue 116660D DLC-PVD is the watch for you. This model still has the unidirectional rotating black bezel from the first Submariner. The Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) stainless steel case is highly durable and scratch-resistant. 

It features Rolex’s helium gas escape valve, which you’ll notice in the information provided on the outer dial. The rest of the dial parallels the color transition in the Deep Sea, with the blue dial transitioning to black.

How Rolex Achieves Water Resistance: Tech & Engineering

Rolex achieves superior water resistance through careful engineering and innovative technology. The Rolex Oyster case serves as the foundation for all water protection. This revolutionary design creates a sealed environment that keeps water out completely.

The winding crown is crucial to maintaining water resistance. It screws tightly against the watch case using special threads. Gaskets inside the crown create watertight seals. When properly screwed down, the crown prevents any water from entering.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual case back is another key element. It screws onto the case using special fluted edges. Multiple gaskets ensure a perfect seal between the case back and case body. This design has remained largely unchanged since Rolex introduced it.

Crystal seals protect the watch face from water intrusion. The sapphire crystal sits in a special groove with compression gaskets. These gaskets compress when the crystal is installed, creating a waterproof barrier. Even vintage watch models used similar technology with different crystal materials.

Keep Your Rolex Waterproof

Rolex watches are waterproof, but they have seals and a crown that can degrade and invalidate the watch’s waterproof rating with time or poor maintenance practices. Rolex watches use gaskets to form seals around the crown and mechanical elements inside the watch. Time itself can cause these gaskets to dry out and the seal to become imperfect.

There are also ways to speed up the gasket’s impairment. Extreme temperatures and quick transitions to extreme temperatures negatively impact a watch’s gaskets. Avoid wearing your watch in hot tubs, saunas, and hot showers to keep its seals healthy. Also, always screw down the watch’s crown when in contact with water. It is still waterproof when the crown is not screwed down because of sealing gaskets. However, if the gasket is impaired, an unsealed crown may allow water into the watch’s movement. If water gets into your Rolex, immediately take it to a servicer because moisture can cause irreparable damage if left for too long.

Invest in a Rolex Watch

Dive into Luxury of Watches Rolex Offerings

If you are interested in a waterproof watch with prestige, history, and a recognizable style, then Rolex watches are for you. Whether you want a classic Submariner or the Sea-Dweller Deepsea that exceeds human diving ability, a Rolex watch is always a good investment. At Luxury of Watches, we have an extensive collection of new and used certified watches from the highest-quality brands. Contact us for more information about Rolex timepieces or our other luxury watch offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are Rolex watches waterproof or just water-resistant?

Water resistant is the technically correct term for most Rolex watches, though many call them waterproof. All Rolex models have some level of water resistance. The Rolex Oyster case provides the foundation for this protection. Dive watches like the Oyster Perpetual Submariner offer high water resistance for scuba diving. The difference matters for deep sea diving applications.

• Can I shower or swim with my Rolex?

Yes, you can shower and swim with most waterproof Rolex watches models. Make sure the winding crown is screwed down tight first. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual and similar models can handle swimming pools and ocean swimming easily. Avoid hot showers, hot tubs, and saunas though. Extreme heat damages the gaskets that keep your watch's water resistance working. Always rinse your watch after swimming in saltwater or chlorinated pools.

• Which Rolex models are best for underwater activities?

The best Rolex models for underwater activities are dedicated dive watches. The Oyster Perpetual Submariner is perfect for recreational scuba diving as it offers 300 meters of water resistance. Professional divers prefer the Sea-Dweller with its helium escape valve. For extreme deep sea diving, the Deepsea model offers the highest Rolex water resistance at 3,900 meters. These watches designed for diving exceed real life usage needs.

• Are vintage Rolex watches still water-resistant?

A vintage watch may not maintain its original water resistance without proper care. Gaskets can dry out over time and may need replacement. Regular servicing and using genuine Rolex parts restores water resistance. Never assume an old Rolex is still waterproof without professional testing. The Rolex Oyster case design remains effective, but internal seals require maintenance. Have any vintage watch tested before exposing it to water.

• Can Rolex watches handle hot tubs or saunas?

No, avoid wearing Rolex watches in hot tubs or saunas. Extreme heat damages the gaskets that maintain water resistance. Quick temperature changes cause materials to expand and contract. This can compromise the seals in your watch case. Even though dive watches handle water well, heat is different from water pressure.

• What does “Oyster case” mean in Rolex watches?

The Rolex Oyster case is their patented waterproof case design. Rolex introduced this innovation in 1926, revolutionizing the watch industry. The case uses a screwed-down winding crown and case back to create watertight seals. The Rolex brand built their reputation on this technology. All modern Rolex models use variations of the Oyster case. This design keeps the watch's functions working in a safe and dry environment regardless of external conditions.