What Is ISO 22810 for Smartwatch Water Resistance?

What ISO 22810 is

ISO 22810 is a standard used by watchmakers to describe a watch's ability to resist water. It is not a smartwatch-specific rating, but many smartwatch brands adopt it to label their products. The standard helps you compare one watch with another, but you still need to read the maker's own guidance to know what you can safely do.

For a smartwatch, meeting ISO 22810 usually means the device can handle casual exposure like splashes, rain, and perhaps a quick rinse under a tap. It does not automatically mean you can go for a swim. Always look for a separate swimming or water activity claim from the manufacturer. To understand how this relates to other ratings, see our comparison of ATM and meters.

What the standard tests

The standard defines a test procedure that exposes the watch to still water under controlled conditions. The watch is placed in a water tank and kept at a set pressure for a defined period. If it keeps water out, it earns the rating. This is a static test; it does not simulate motion, pressure changes from swimming strokes, or temperature shifts.

Because the test is static, a watch that passes ISO 22810 might still fail in a pool if you move your arm quickly or dive from a board. The standard is a baseline, not a guarantee for every water activity. Learn more about what swim-proof really means.

The test also does not include any drop or impact testing. If you knock your smartwatch against a pool wall, the seals may shift or crack, even if the watch met the standard when new. That is why many brands give separate advice about water sports, independent of the ISO rating.

What ISO 22810 doesn't cover

ISO 22810 does not cover saltwater, chlorinated water, or water with soap. These environments can degrade seals and gaskets over time. It also does not cover high-pressure water jets, like those from a pressure washer, or steam, like in a sauna. If you plan to expose your watch to these conditions, look for a more rugged rating or a specific claim from the maker.

Here are common misconceptions about ISO 22810:

• It means you can dive.
• It means the watch is safe for hot water.
• It means you never need to dry it.
• It means the display and buttons are equally protected.

How to interpret water resistance claims

Smartwatch makers often show water resistance in meters or atmospheres. These numbers are not a real depth you can swim to; they are a relative scale. A watch marked for 50 meters is generally more water resistant than one marked for 30 meters, but that does not mean you can dive to 50 meters. The actual safe use depends on the manufacturer's testing and the watch's construction.

To make the right choice, read the manual or the official product page. Look for explicit statements like 'suitable for swimming' or 'not suitable for diving.' If a watch only says ISO 22810, treat it as a minimum level and be cautious. For a deeper look at ATM ratings, see our guide to 5 ATM water resistance. Also be aware that water resistance can wear out over time, as we explain in water resistance and aging.

Some brands combine ISO 22810 with additional testing for the touchscreen, speaker, and microphone. Look for water lock modes or speaker clearing features, but keep in mind that these do not raise the water resistance rating. They simply make the watch easier to use in wet conditions.

Water resistance and smartwatch use

Water resistance affects more than just the case. A smartwatch's touchscreen, speaker, and microphone all need protection. Many smartwatches include a water lock mode that disables the touchscreen in water to prevent accidental actions. Others have a speaker-clearing feature that uses sound to push water out. These features are helpful, but they do not raise the watch's water resistance rating. Find out more about speaker water ejection.

If you swim with your watch, you should also think about how you track your workout. Some smartwatches have built-in swim tracking that records laps, strokes, and heart rate. To get the most out of it, choose a watch with a clear swim mode and make sure the water resistance rating covers your activity. Browse our roundup of GPS smartwatches for models with dedicated swim features.

For cold water swimming or frequent pool use, think about how the watch handles temperature changes. Sudden temperature swings can create condensation inside the case, which is not covered by ISO 22810. If you swim in cold water, let the watch warm up gradually before charging or using heavy apps.

Water resistance and smartwatch longevity

Water resistance is not permanent. The gaskets and seals that keep water out will age, especially if you expose the watch to chemicals, high heat, or repeated impacts. A smartwatch that was swim-proof when new may become less reliable after a year or two. If you rely on water resistance, check the manufacturer's guidance about service intervals or seal replacement.

You can extend the life of your water resistance by rinsing the watch in fresh water after exposure to salt or chlorine, and drying it thoroughly before charging. Avoid pressing buttons underwater unless the watch is specifically rated for that. If you notice condensation inside the lens or a loose button, stop using the watch in water and have it inspected.

The durability of the case is also a factor. A metal or reinforced case may hold up better than a plastic one in rough conditions, but that is separate from the water resistance rating. See our guide to rugged smartwatches for models that combine water resistance with impact protection.

Choosing for your water activities

The right smartwatch for you depends on what you actually do in and around water. If you only need to check the time while washing your hands, a basic ISO 22810 watch will be fine. If you swim laps three times a week, you need a watch that the maker explicitly says is swim-ready, with a higher water resistance rating and a dedicated swim tracking mode.

For open water swimming or triathlon, you also want a reliable GPS signal. Water, especially saltwater, can interfere with GPS, so look for a multi-band GPS model or one known for strong tracking in wet conditions. Read our guide to dual-band GPS smartwatches to understand the difference.

If you dive, even for snorkeling or shallow freediving, ISO 22810 is not enough. You need a watch rated for actual depth, usually expressed in meters or atmospheres, and often with a dedicated dive mode. The standard simply does not cover the pressures you will encounter. Always check the maker's dive specifications before taking any watch below the surface.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Does ISO 22810 mean my smartwatch is safe for swimming?

Not necessarily. ISO 22810 is a baseline water resistance standard, but it does not simulate the motion and pressure changes of swimming. Many smartwatches with ISO 22810 are fine for splashes or light rain, but for swimming you need a model that the maker explicitly says is swim-ready.

Is a higher ATM rating always better?

A higher ATM number generally suggests a more water-resistant construction, but the rating is not a real depth limit. What matters more is the manufacturer's own statement about which activities are safe. Always check the manual or product listing for swimming and diving guidance.

Can I shower with an ISO 22810 smartwatch?

Showering involves hot water, soap, and steam, which are not covered by ISO 22810. Seals may degrade faster in those conditions. Many makers advise against showering with a watch regardless of its water resistance rating. Check your watch's official guidance.

Does water resistance last forever?

No. Gaskets and seals can wear out over time, especially if the watch is dropped, exposed to chemicals, or has a battery replacement. If you rely on water resistance, have seals checked periodically and avoid any activity that could strain them.

What about saltwater exposure?

Saltwater is not covered by ISO 22810. It can corrode metal parts and degrade seals. If you swim in the ocean, rinse the watch with fresh water afterward and dry it thoroughly. Some smartwatches have a water-resistant design that helps, but you still need to follow care instructions.

Can I press the buttons underwater?

Usually no, unless the watch is specifically rated for underwater button use. Pressing buttons while submerged can force water past the seals. If you need to interact with the watch in water, use a water lock mode or wait until you are out of the water.

Is ISO 22810 the same as IP68?

No. ISO 22810 is a watch-specific standard for water resistance, while IP ratings like IP68 cover both dust and water ingress. They are tested differently and are not directly comparable. Read more in our comparison of IP68 and IP67.

How do I know if my watch is still water resistant?

Look for signs of wear, such as a cracked case, loose buttons, or a broken seal. If you notice condensation inside the screen, or if the watch has been dropped or opened for repair, assume the water resistance is compromised. When in doubt, avoid water contact and contact the maker.