Waterproof ratings of smartwatches must be seen in the light of water resistance ratings. In true sense, the smartwatch water resistance ratings give information about the kind of water activities supported by the smartwatch.
Garmin Fenix 8 has a water rating of 10 ATM or 10 atmospheres. It implies that the Fenix 8 smartwatch can sustain pressure at depths of 100 meters below the water surface.
We look at the water proof characteristic of Garmin Fenix 8 in more detail below.
What does 10 ATM water rating mean?
10 ATM water rating means that the watch can withstand a depth pressure equivalent of 10 atmospheres of pressure. The pressure at varying depths underneath the water surface is measured in terms of units of Atmospheres (ATM).
10 ATM pressure is equivalent to depth pressure at depths of 100 meters below the water surface level. From a statistical perspective, water exerts an additional 1 atmosphere of pressure for every 10 meters of depth under the surface. Therefore, at 100 meters depth, the device must withstand 10 atmospheres of pressure (about 145 PSI).
100 meters is equivalent to 330 feet of depth. So, a 10 ATM watch can sustain depth pressure at depths of 330 feet below the water surface.
What does 10 ATM mean in practical life?
The 10 ATM water rating or water resistance rating means you can use the smartwatch for brief periods of time for any of the mentioned activities below.
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Surface-level water sports
- Shallow water activities
Extended periods of exposure to the water pressure could cause unintended consequences. As you go deeper underwater, the water pressure increases, requiring a watch to have greater water resistance.
Garmin, in the user manual of Fenix 8, has includes the following activities for an 10 ATM watch:
splashes, rain or snow, showering, swimming, diving into water, snorkeling, high-speed water sports
Additionally, Garmin Fenix 8 has a DIVE rating of 4 ATM DIVE. This means that the Garmin Fenix 8 smartwatch can be used for dive sports up to a depth of 40 meters under the water surface level.
A 4 ATM DIVE rating does mean that you must not use the smartwatch for deep water sports or deep diving.
Garmin Fenix 8 has a depth sensor that is compliant to the EU 13319 standards. The depth sensor is accurate from 0 m to 40 m (0 ft. to 131 ft.).
You can check the water resistance rating and DIVE rating of the Garmin Fenix 8 smartwatches in the manual on this page.
As a closing thought, we would like to reiterate that prolonged exposure of smartwatch to water may lead to water-induced damage. Higher the depth pressure, lower the time you must expose the watch to water. So, please do ensure that you take the off watch for any prolonged water sport activities.
Fenix 8 vs Fenix 7 Water Ratings
So, what changed from Fenix 7 to Fenix 8 in terms of water resistance ratings. Both, Fenix 8 and Fenix 7 have water rating of 10 ATM.
However, the difference is in the DIVE rating. Fenix 8 is rated for 4 ATM DIVE rating. It implies that the Fenix 8 supports diving up to depths of 40 meters or 131 feet below the water surface level.
In a way, therefore, the water resistance rating of Fenix 8 is a tad better than the water rating of the Fenix 7 smartwatches.