Is the Google Pixel Watch waterproof?

Yes, Google Pixel Watch is waterproof. It has one of the best water ratings and IP protection amongst the contemporary smartwatch options available in the market.

Google Pixel Watch has a water rating of 5 ATM or 5 atmospheres. It can withstand water pressure at a depth of 50 meters or 165 feet below the water surface level. Apart from the water rating of 5 ATM, Google Pixel Watch also has an ingress protection or IP rating of IP67. IP67 rating implies that the watch is protected against water ingress to the maximum possible levels of acceptable ratings.

For a watch to be considered waterproof, the best possible combination is a high ATM rating and IP67 or IP68 Ingress Protection ratings. ATM 5 or 50 meters under water rating is a standard water rating for most smartwatches. This would include the Apple Watch 8, Apple Watch SE, and Garmin Venu 2 series.

Some premium watches like the Garmin Fenix series do have an ATM 10 rating. ATM 10 rating is equivalent to 100 meters of water rating. It effectively means that the watch can withstand a depth pressure of up to 100 meters. Such watches can handle a higher wear and tear when it comes to water pressure.

Having said that, we would still want to emphasize that ATM 5 rating does not assure you of prolonged water exposure to a smartwatch. While most smartwatch manufacturers have not stipulated any time limit for swimming with a 5 ATM watch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 lays down that you must not expose the watch to extend periods of water activities. There is a 10 minutes limit that has been shared by Samsung as the typically acceptable water exposure duration for a 5 ATM watch like the Galaxy Watch 5 at depths of 50 meters below the water surface level.

Here is what Samsung has stated about 5 ATM watches and the ability to handle 50 meters of depth pressure for a period of up to 10 minutes:

The above devices have been certified to 5ATM standards. This means that they are water resistant to up to 50 metres in depth for 10 minutes. They are now suitable for low-velocity and shallow-water activities, including swimming. You can enjoy more freedom to explore, stay connected, and capture the adventure.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and the Google Pixel Watch share many characteristics and features. Therefore, it is acceptable to believe that the Google Pixel Watch can be used for up to 10 minutes at depths of 50 meters below the water’s surface level.

Finally, it may be pertinent to mention that the Google Pixel Watches are suitable for shallow water activities, pool water swimming, or open water swimming. But, we suggest that you must avoid wearing the Google Pixel Watches while snorkeling or while engaged in deep water sports activities.