Is my Spitfire Mark XVI waterproof

I recently purchased a Spitfire Mark XVI with SS bracelet and note that it is water proof to 60 metres and was wondering if this is good enough to be able to wear it while swimming. I have other watches that are supposedly waterproof to 30 metres but this is really considered to be splash proof not waterproof and that you shouldn't even immerse these watches in the basin while washing your hands. Is it safe to swim with my spitfire on?

It may be okay, but in my opinion only, I would not. Spitfires are meant to fly, not dive. : ). The only watch I have put into the ocean is my AT2000, but that's just me. See this brief discussion of water resistance on the IWC website:

www.iwc.com/en/service/faq/

I agree with Bill...I think you would probably be o.k., but the watch is not really made for aquatics. I have the same watch and, frankly, would never contemplate purposely immersing it.

I'm in agreement with Bill & Jim, but I would never risk it! Short of falling overboard can't think of a really good reason to put such a good watch in water.
However, this is just my opinion.

Kevin

Lot of water contains all sorts of other elements in it. Some of which will leave stains on the watch until washed in pure water. Salt water is corrosive and can you assume the spring bars are made totally from stainless steel? Even divers watches by Rolex are advised to be thoroughly washed in fresh water after a sea dive. So why risk it? Just suppose the spring bars get corroded whether originals or replacements and then fails, hello nasty ding possibly? It ain't worth the risk IMO.

I agree with the aforegoing comments, and would not want to swim with a watch on other than for security purposes e.g. instead of leaving it unattended at a poolside, and definitely would not want to wear such a watch in the sea, which would subject it to possible corrosive/abrasive conditions.
However, the IWC 2012/2013 catalogue describes the water-resistance properties as:
1 bar is splash proof
3 bar is good for swimming/skiing
6 bar no problem with water sports and snorkelling

For deep diving there are of course the purpose made ATs with 12 bar to 200 bar water-resistance.

I have never thought of the spring bars possibly causing the hassles rather than the resistance rating ... is this something to be mindful of even with an AT?

Perhaps for any IWC watch that is to be used for swimming, watersports etc., one should observe the advice under the Maintenance and Service section on page 228 of the IWC 2012/2013 catalogue, that recommends a maintenance service to be carried out every 2 years, which service involves replacing the case seals and testing water-resistance.