You are now aware that special diving watches are required for when scuba diving and not just a water resistant watch. Scuba watches are categorized according to their water resistance rating.
Below is a table that will show us the different water resistance ratings and the activities that they are suitable for and this will help you select the correct scuba watch for you.
| Water resistance rating | Suitability | Remarks |
| Water Resistant 30 m or 50 m | Suitable for water related work, recreational swimming and fishing. | NOT suitable for diving. |
| Water Resistant 100 m | Suitable for recreational surfing, snorkelling, sailing and water sports. | NOT suitable for diving. |
| Water Resistant 200 m | Suitable for professional marine activity and serious surface water sports. | NOT suitable for diving. |
| Diver's 100 m | Minimum ISO standard (ISO 6425) for scuba diving at depths NOT requiring helium gas. | Diver's 100 m and 150 m watches are generally old(er) watches. |
| Diver's 200 m or 300 m | Suitable for scuba diving at depths NOT requiring helium gas. | Typical ratings for contemporary diver's watches. |
| Diver's 300+ m helium safe | Suitable for saturation diving (helium enriched environment). | Watches designed for helium mixed-gas diving will have additional markings to point this out. |
Note: The depth specified on the watch dial or case represents the results of tests done in the lab, not in the ocean.
