Since their launch, smartwatches have become a staple in many people’s lives. Combining various cell phone functions, exercise equipment, and a traditional wristwatch, these little gadgets are a must-have for tech enthusiasts. To underscore this point, the companies behind them have continued to innovate, adding even more uses, features, and—in the case of Android—essential apps for new users than before. There’s even a smartwatch that doesn’t need charging. While that’s all well and good, with innovation comes greater complexity and terms you may not be familiar with.

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A prime example of a smartwatch term that may be unfamiliar to some is the 5ATM acronym. These four numbers contain important information about the watch’s water resistance. ATM stands for “physical atmosphere” and is the average air pressure at sea level. 1 ATM is about 10 meters below sea level. So 5ATM means that a watch with this marking can withstand pressure equivalent to that found at a depth of 50 meters. That means it can withstand being worn while exposed to water, for example, when washing hands, walking in the rain, or taking a shower.

As it turns out, there is a little more to the story of the 5ATM label that is worth exploring in more detail.

To fully understand how 5ATM can affect a smartwatch’s performance and water resistance, it’s important to differentiate between water resistance and water resistance. Generally speaking, water resistance means that something can be fully submerged in water and used in water for a period of time without water seeping in. Water resistance, on the other hand, means that the device can hold small amounts of water, but cannot be submerged or used in water without malfunctioning. So just because a watch has the 5ATM label doesn’t mean it can be safely submerged 50 meters underwater. It can only withstand that pressure from any of the above or similar sources.

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So if you’re looking for a smartwatch but need something that can survive underwater, check out the other variants. The 10ATM is for swimming and snorkeling, while the 20ATM is for water sports and surface diving. It should be noted that even these smartwatches are susceptible to water damage over time. Water resistance is not an absolute guarantee, nor is waterproofing, as even products advertised as such can absorb water. At least you can make use of the water ejection feature if you wear an Apple Watch to avoid major problems.

Even in this technologically advanced age, electronics and water don’t mix. Hopefully, your knowledge of the ATM scale will help you determine if a 5ATM smartwatch is right for you or if you need something more robust.

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