Is the MoonSwatch Waterproof? The Truth About Water Resistance
The Swatch x Omega MoonSwatch is one of the most exciting watches of the last decade. It is fun, affordable, and packed with Speedmaster DNA. But one question keeps coming up: is the MoonSwatch waterproof?
The short answer is yes, technically it is water resistant to 30 metres (3 ATM). That means it can handle splashes, rain, and light contact with water. But there are caveats: it is not really designed for swimming or diving, and you should be especially careful in salt water.
The Official Water Resistance of the MoonSwatch
The MoonSwatch is rated at 30 metres (3 ATM). On paper that looks reassuring, but in practice it is very limited.
- ✅ Fine for rain, handwashing, and occasional splashes.
- ⚠️ Not built for swimming, showering, or diving.
- ⚠️ Salt water can damage gaskets, crowns, and pushers.
- ⚠️ The bioceramic case is tough, but it is not designed for marine environments.
So while the MoonSwatch is technically waterproof, the reality is that it should be treated as splash resistant only.
Our Experience: Living With the MoonSwatch: Whilst the MoonSwatch is rated at 3 bar on paper, our perspective comes from real-world use. As a team that wears these day in, day out, I can say this: I have personally showered daily in my Mission to Mercury for the past two years and have never had an issue
What 30m / 3 ATM Really Means
“30 metres” or “3 ATM water resistant” is one of the most misunderstood labels in watchmaking.
Here’s what it actually means:
- 30m does not mean you can dive to 30m. It refers to static lab pressure tests, not real-life use.
- 3 ATM equals the pressure of still water at 30m depth, but everyday movement in water creates higher pressure spikes.
- The result? Even waving your arm underwater can exceed the rating.
What You Can Safely Do With a 3 ATM Watch
- Light splashes from handwashing
- A bit of rain
- Possibly sweat
What You Should Avoid
- Showering (heat, soap, and steam damage gaskets)
- Swimming (water pressure from movement exceeds 3 ATM easily)
- Submersion, especially in salt water
Why This Causes Confusion
Many assume “30m” means literal depth, but that is not the case. The ISO 22810 standard for water resistance only requires static pressure tests, not dynamic conditions. That’s why a MoonSwatch marked 30m is closer to splash-proof than swim-proof.
MoonSwatch vs Rolex and Omega Seamaster
This is where context helps.
- A Rolex Oyster case (100m+) is designed for swimming and everyday immersion, with screw-down crowns and reinforced gaskets.
- An Omega Seamaster is ISO-certified as a dive watch, with 300m+ ratings, helium escape valves, and engineering for prolonged underwater use.
- The MoonSwatch at 30m is at the very bottom of the scale. It is designed as a collector’s piece for daily wear, not as a sports or dive watch.
Think of it like this: Rolex and Omega tool watches are built for the sea. The MoonSwatch is built for the street.
How Water Affects the MoonSwatch Velcro Strap
Even if the case survives splashes, the Velcro strap is not water friendly.
- It absorbs water and takes hours to dry.
- It traps odour from sweat, chlorine, or seawater.
- It frays and weakens with repeated exposure.
- It is uncomfortable to wear once soaked.
For collectors who want a practical daily strap, this is a big weakness.
Why Rubber Straps Are the Best Upgrade
If you plan to wear your MoonSwatch more actively, in the gym, outdoors, or near water a rubber strap from MGBWATCHES is the best move.
- ✅ Fully waterproof and sweat resistant.
- ✅ Easy to clean, even after salt water.
- ✅ Comfortable and flexible in all conditions.
- ✅ Built to last for sport and travel.
Our Top picks for the MoonSwatch:
- Rubber Woven Straight End Fit Strap - 20mm to 22mm
- Sailcloth FKM Rubber Strap for Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch
Shop All Rubber Straps For MoonSwatch here
Alternatives for True Water Resistance
The MoonSwatch is fun, but it is not a sports watch. For collectors who want to swim or dive, Swatch already offers the Blancpain x Swatch Fifty Fathoms, a collaboration designed with genuine diving water resistance.
If you want to keep your MoonSwatch practical for everyday wear, upgrading to rubber is the smart compromise.
Final Word
So, is the MoonSwatch waterproof? Yes, but only to 30m and only for splashes. It is not safe for swimming, diving, or salt water use. The Velcro strap is particularly poor in wet conditions, so if you want your watch to stay comfortable and durable, upgrading to rubber is the best move.