Voc

TinaMr What's the difference between "waterproof" and "watertight"?

These are approximately the same. To my ear "waterproof" suggests that water cannot harm something by coming in contact with it or by passing through it; "watertight" suggests that water cannot get in it.

TinaMrCan a watch be watertight but not waterproof?

I have a sentence:
"Don't worry about swimming with that watch on. It is ....... You can't damage it."
a. waterproof
b. watertight
c. foolproof
d. water-free
The correct answer is B (watertight). I don't understand why it can't be A (waterproof).

TinaMrThe correct answer is B (watertight). I don't understand why it can't be A (waterproof).

I don't understand it either. In American English we often say "waterproof watch".

CJ

It's really strange... Anyway, thank you very much!

"watertight watch" sounds a bit odd to me. I don't think I would ever use that expression. I would always say "waterproof watch".

I think the reason for this is that many watches are waterproof, which means they can't be hurt by rain, or if you forget to take them off in the shower, or if you wash dishes with them. However, you could not go swimming with these so-called waterproof watches.

Watches that you can go swimming with would be in a different class from the above waterproof watches. They are watertight and

AnonymousI think the reason for this is that many watches are waterproof, which means they can't be hurt by rain, or if you forget to take them off in the shower, or if you wash dishes with them. However, you could not go swimming with these so-called waterproof watches.Watches that you can go swimming with would be in a different class from the above waterproof watches.

CliveIn my experience, most watches that you can swim with are marked water-resistant. This means 'we think it is water-proof, but you can't sue us if it is not.'Clive

Oh, is that right. I always thought that "water-resistant" was an even lower level of protection that meant it would probably be OK if you splashed it a bit, but you shouldn't immerse it.

Water resistant indicates that they claim that water should not get in so long as you don't go below a specified depth, for example 200 meters. In terms of watches, there really isn't any such thing as waterproof, because it wouldn't be practical to make one that can withstand the pressure at any depth.
By the way, my experience has been that many pieces of equipment, including watches,