Dive In: Catalyst Has Apple Watch Protection for Up to 100 Meters
by Anton Shilov on March 1, 2019 10:00 AM EST
When smartwatches emerged several years ago, they were good enough to work as pedometers or count calories burned when their owner used an elliptical strider. However they were not water-proof, so even as basic fitness trackers, they couldn't monitor you during activities like swimming. Modern smart watches have taken this a step further and can be used in pools, but they are still not protected enough for anything deeper. Fortunately, there is a company called Catalyst that has protective covers and cases for many devices, including deep diving with Apple Watch.
The Catalyst Waterproof Case for the Apple Watch Series 4 for 40/44mm can protect the decide at an up to 100 meters (330 feet) depth. The case is comprised of a silicon capsule for an Apple Watch Series 4 as well as a two-piece frame made of very hard plastic. It also features a band that looks like Apple’s silicon Sports Band, thought we haven't been able to confirm the material used for this one.
Being aimed at deep divers, the Catalyst Waterproof Case for the Apple Watch Series 4 is appropriately large and, frankly, looks pretty extreme. To ensure its water-tight seal, the case uses a screw to mechanically hold everything together.
And, unlike a lot of the other products we've seen at MWC this year, Catalyst's waterproof case for the Apple Watch is finished product that's already on sale. The 44mm will set you back around €77.
Meanwhile, the company also had the Catalyst Impact Protection Case for the Apple Watch Series 4 at the show. This is a rugged cover that is intended to protect the Apple Watch against 3-meter drops. Notably however, the device still relies on Apple’s display protection glass, so you have to be careful in general. This product is available for €55. If you want to protect the display, there is a €22 screen protector available too.
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crimsonson - Friday, March 1, 2019 - link
I assume you are not a diver or snorkeler?50m is barely usable swimming in a calm beach. 100m water resistance is needed for snorkeling.
jabber - Saturday, March 2, 2019 - link
Yeah 50m is basic splash/shower proof. I wouldn't trust it longterm in a pool etc.Mine is rated for 1000m with a helium release valve and 5mm thick sapphire crystal. I don't even wear in in the shower.
djboxbaba - Saturday, March 2, 2019 - link
I use my series 4 several times at a rough beach for 30 min - 1 hour at a time. zero issues. I know plenty of others that have done the same.808Hilo - Saturday, March 2, 2019 - link
dj:its showerproof. You squashed the seals. Your watch lives on borrowed time. Apple will gladly sell you a replacement.
Xyler94 - Monday, March 4, 2019 - link
That seems more like IPX7 resistance than that. I honestly hate the misleading nature of this then, and it's not just Apple, any watch or gadget with 50M resistance should be resistant up to 50M, not the equivalent of IP67 or even 66.I hate these industries...
Tams80 - Sunday, March 3, 2019 - link
If you keep on doing that, especially in salt water, then the seals are going to go.djboxbaba - Sunday, March 3, 2019 - link
Ill report back when my "borrowed time" is over.Midwayman - Monday, March 4, 2019 - link
50m should be more than enough for snorkeling, provided they're honest about the rating. 10m is usually sufficient for surface activity. Diving I like to see at least 100m tough. 3x your expected depth isn't a bad safety margin. Trouble being is ratings are typically for static pressure, not dynamic pressure.CharonPDX - Friday, March 1, 2019 - link
"When smartwatches emerged several years ago, they were good enough to work as pedometers or count calories burned when their owner used an elliptical strider. However they were not water-proof"Except, the very first "modern smartwatch" *WAS* waterproof. I swam with my original Pebble many times.
jabber - Saturday, March 2, 2019 - link
Want a dive watch? Check out Enoksen!