There are smartwatch models that can withstand steam saunas. Much depends on the waterproofing rating, but it’s also a good idea to check the manufacturer’s recommendations. Also, consider temperature changes in the Sauna.
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What to look for in a sauna watch?
A sauna is a room or building designed to experience thermal sessions. Typically, the temperature in a sauna is around 80-90 °C, and steam is generated by pouring water over hot stones.
Since you have steam water, you must check two things: the waterproof and operating temperature ratings.
Waterproof rating
Watches are typically rated for ATM ratings or depth ratings in meters. ATM is the atmospheric pressure that tells how effectively a device holds the tension to a certain depth.
At sea level, the average atmospheric pressure is about 1 bar. When submerged, the pressure increases by approximately 1 bar pe10 meters. So, a 3atm rating means 30m water resistance.
You should not wear your smart watch in a sauna where the instructions state that it is splashproof and hand washable. Instructions should say that swimming is okay so you feel comfortable taking it to the Sauna.
Operating temperature rating
Devices are usually rated for an operating temperature range in the device documentation. For example, Garmin Vivoactive 3 manuals state an operating temperature of -20º to 50ºC (-4º to 122ºF).
Even if the Sauna is hotter than the stated maximum operating temperature, you shouldn’t worry too much about that. You can wear the smartwatch in temperatures below –20ºC during the winter without any problems. Your wrist keeps your device warmer than the outside air. Likewise, your wrist will keep your device cooler in a hot sauna.
Best Watches for Sauna in 2024
There aren’t many watches explicitly designed for sauna use, but you can choose from ones known for their durability, heat resistance, and water resistance. Here are the best watches suitable for a sauna environment:
1. Casio G-Shock DW5600E Watch
Casio G-Shock DW5600E is a classic, durable digital watch. It is water resistant to 200 meters and can withstand the heat and steam of a sauna. It also has a built-in stopwatch and timer, which can help track your sauna sessions.
2. Seiko Prospex Samurai Watch
The Seiko Prospex Samurai is a more stylish option that is water resistant to 200 meters. This versatile watch can be worn in the Sauna or outdoors with a stainless steel case and black dial.
3. Vantage V2 and Vantage M2
Polar Vantage watches, such as the Vantage V2 or M2, are designed for athletes and are known for being durable and water-resistant. They can handle sauna conditions effectively.
4. Suunto Core watch
Suunto Core is an outdoor watch designed to withstand extreme conditions. It is water-resistant to 100 meters and has a built-in barometer, altimeter, and compass. This makes it a good choice for those who like to take a sauna in the wilderness.
5. Garmin Forerunner 245
This is a smartwatch designed for fitness tracking. It’s water resistant to 50 meters and has a built-in heart rate monitor. This is a good choice for people who want to track their heart rate and other fitness metrics while in the Sauna.
6. Nixon Mission
The Nixon Mission is a rugged smartwatch for outdoor and extreme sports enthusiasts. Its durable construction and excellent waterproofing make it a good choice for sauna use.
Conclusion
When choosing a should, it is essential to ensure it is water resistant to at least 50 meters. Additionally, it would be best to avoid watches with leather bands because the leather may deform in the heat.
Even with such a watch, it is essential to rinse it with cool water after a sauna session to remove sweat and prevent salt build-up.
We also recommend you regularly check your watch’s water resistance and service it as necessary to ensure performance even in hot and humid environments.
Can I wear my Fitbit in a sauna?
According to the official Fitbit website, most Fitbit products operate between 14° and 113°F and are water resistant to 50 meters. You can usually use the Fitbit in a steam room or infrared Sauna, but you can’t use it in a regular sauna because the temperature of 177° F is too high.
Can I wear Garmin in a sauna?
Some Garmin smartwatches have a maximum operating temperature of 122ºF and a water resistance rating of 5 ATM (atmospheric pressure), making them safe to use in saunas and steam rooms.
Here are the best Garmin watches for the Sauna:
The Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music has a waterproof rating and a maximum operating temperature suitable for steam rooms and some infrared saunas. The warranty does not cover damage caused by sauna use, but no damage has been reported after use in a traditional sauna.
The Garmin Fenix 6 Pro has a temperature indicator that does not exceed our conventional Sauna’s maximum operating temperature during testing.
Which Fitbit watch should I wear?
To best watches for the Sauna by Fitbit:
The Fitbit Versa and Charge are best for sauna use but are not recommended for traditional sauna use.
Also read: Can You Wear Apple Watch in Sauna?
How do I know which watch to wear in the sauna room?
Many people wear their watches all day, and Sauna wear concerns many active users. To preserve and operate the device correctly, you must follow the recommended limits for each model.
You should wear your watches in a sauna when the average temperature is below 113°F. Excessive heat, higher altitudes, and abundant moisture can damage electronic devices. Some smartwatch models are water resistant, and while some can withstand temperatures of 140° F, none can withstand the 177° F heat of a traditional sauna.
Other things to consider:
Temperature range and altitude capability
Each watch model has specifications to follow while wearing it and what the company calls “environmental requirements.”
You can check the operating temperature range and maximum operating altitude according to the environmental requirements on the website. Depending on the model, the maximum temperature is 113°F or 140°F, and the maximum working height is 28,000 feet.
Degree of water resistance
As with temperature and altitude limitations, Fitbit models all have different levels of water resistance to function correctly. Some are safe for swimming and exposure to high heat, while others are especially recommended to avoid saunas and steam rooms entirely.
Materials and care
The material used in some watches is a combination of silicone, metal, polyester, and plastic. Take care of your watch correctly, as the Sauna’s temperature may increase your allergic reaction to these substances.
