Sub's protection reliability

[sub-eddie]

I have been searching for information regarding water damage/movement damage to rolex watches, particularly subs, and have not found much on it (good thing). I am wondering how common or uncommon it is for a rolex diver's watch to be ruined by water and if anyone has any pictures of any subs with damaged movements. Also, how much would it cost to replace an entire movement in such case. Any stories (positive/negative), pics, etc?

[gpfps]

Very rare if the crown is screwed down to the case. My DD when my dad owned it, flooded the watch movement with water. The crown got knocked off he didn't notice and went for a swim. Rolex replace the entire movement but cannot tell you how much it was. it happen 29 years ago.

[sub-eddie]

How about the caseback? I have heard that it is engineered so well that it has a small degree of water resistance without a seal. How true is that? And, of course, when the seal is added, it will give the watch protection beyond the stated resistance.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by sub-eddie

How about the caseback? I have heard that it is engineered so well that it has a small degree of water resistance without a seal.

Not true without a case back seal it would flood under water pressure now on Subs and SD with the crown un-screwed there is still some water flood protection.But its always best when diving to check crown is screwed down just finger tight.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by sub-eddie

I have been searching for information regarding water damage/movement damage to rolex watches, particularly subs, and have not found much on it (good thing). I am wondering how common or uncommon it is for a rolex diver's watch to be ruined by water and if anyone has any pictures of any subs with damaged movements. Also, how much would it cost to replace an entire movement in such case. Any stories (positive/negative), pics, etc?

Well speaking for myself and one of my watches have spent well over 600 hours under salt and fresh water without any problem.And if used as a diving watch regular then a pressure check once or twice a year will make sure you will not have any problems.Now the only ones that normally get flooded is simply down to the owner in most cases not having the watch correctly serviced and pressure checked.But today as most Rolex watches now are not used as a tool watch and now get a mostly pampered life so water damage very very very seldom happens.

[mjclark32]

I've worn my sub every day for over two years. Had it pressure check last week and was good to go.

[sub-eddie]

Originally Posted by mjclark32

I've worn my sub every day for over two years. Had it pressure check last week and was good to go.

I don't think there are any places in south texas that can do pressure testing. When you say pressure testing, is that the air vacuum or the water vaccum?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by sub-eddie

I don't think there are any places in south texas that can do pressure testing. When you say pressure testing, is that the air vacuum or the water vaccum?

Most any high street jeweler watchmaker could pressure check they dry test first, and even if they can only test to 100m-200m that will be fine for scuba and water sports.

[77T]

There aren't watchmakers in Galveston?

[sub-eddie]

Originally Posted by 77T

There aren't watchmakers in Galveston?

Galveston is about 7 hours north of south texas. To be more precise, I live in the exact area where the show "Border Wars" is filmed. I get to see the helicopters in action as well as some chases.

[kilyung]

Even the best designed watches in the world need regular service and testing. As long as you keep it on a regular service/test schedule, it'll be fine.

[bondtoys]

@ op:

Let me guess: You have a Submariner which has not been tested over the years and now are having some water damage?

If that's the case, you should ask your questions straightforwards and not hiding around the bush.

Submariners are about the best watches in terms of waterresistance.
But even the best watch must be tested regularly if the gaskets are still ok.
Rubber gaskets age over the years, additionally the crown/tube/crystal can be damaged which compromises the waterresistance.

If your watch is out of the warranty, you are the only person who's responsible for keeping it waterresistant.

And yes, water can also leak into the watch thru the caseback. This can have several roots:

1. Caseback not properly screwed back
2. Gasket damaged/aged
3. Rust/dirt on the case middle part/caseback

If your movement has waterdamage, you'll have to replace it very likely completely, together with the dial and the hands.

Expect a hefty multi-thousand $ bill

[sub-eddie]

Originally Posted by bondtoys

@ op:

Let me guess: You have a Submariner which has not been tested over the years and now are having some water damage?

If that's the case, you should ask your questions straightforwards and not hiding around the bush.

Submariners are about the best watches in terms of waterresistance.
But even the best watch must be tested regularly if the gaskets are still ok.
Rubber gaskets age over the years, additionally the crown/tube/crystal can be damaged which compromises the waterresistance.

If your watch is out of the warranty, you are the only person who's responsible for keeping it waterresistant.

And yes, water can also leak into the watch thru the caseback. This can have several roots:

1. Caseback not properly screwed back
2. Gasket damaged/aged
3. Rust/dirt on the case middle part/caseback

If your movement has waterdamage, you'll have to replace it very likely completely, together with the dial and the hands.

Expect a hefty multi-thousand $ bill

Your're way off. Hiding around the bush? Everyone here knows most of my buying history as I post everthing that I do with my watches. I just got my sub a couple of days ago. Before I made the purchase, I got to see the movement. Its a fairly new watch, scrambled serial number, and i was wondering if I should test it because the case was opened. Of course, I made sure he tightened it back up. I saw everything with my own eyes. See the thread and the watch in question.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=284585

[Thatguy]

Anytime the case back is opened I would pressure test it afterwards.

[cop414]

Originally Posted by Thatguy

Anytime the case back is opened I would pressure test it afterwards.

In agreement

[bondtoys]

nevermind, your question sounded like that.

BTW, never put the watch in the ultrasonic cleaner. Only the bracelet shouzld be cleaned that way.

[sub-eddie]

Originally Posted by bondtoys

nevermind, your question sounded like that.

BTW, never put the watch in the ultrasonic cleaner. Only the bracelet shouzld be cleaned that way.

I only put the bracelet in the cleaner. I washed the watch head with a brush.

[Sublover2166]

If you are going to submerge it I would take it to a watcmaker who can pressure test the case for you to be sure you are safe. And to replace an entire movement I believe costs around 2500 dollars. Having a Rolex serviced every 5 years or so ensures your watch will be water safe because all gaskets, seals and sometimes casetube and crown are replaced. Then it is pressure tested and the good independent watchmakers will give you a slip of paper that looks like a store receipt printout that shows your watch passed all tests for pressure proofness.

[Sublover2166]

http://www.qualitytyme.net/pages/service.html Read This.

[sub-eddie]

I will be in San Antonio, Texas this monday and tuesday. Does any one know a good place to get an appraisal for my sub? Thanks in advance.

[sub-eddie]

Originally Posted by Sublover2166

http://www.qualitytyme.net/pages/service.html Read This.

thanks for the link.

[sub-eddie]

I sent my watch to Rikki today to have it checked and pressure tested.

[nauticajoe]

If you plan to dive with it regularly, have it pressure checked every 1-2 yrs if you're that concerned.

[mrhy]

35 years ago had a gmt went in the ocean got totally flooded,back then it cost 300 at rsc to have it fixed.

[sub-eddie]

I got my Sub back today from Rikki and all is well. It passed the pressure test and Rikki gave me a printout of the test results. He checked the gaskets and the movement. He is a great person and took the time on the phone to give me details about the watch. I can honestly say I feel better going to him for my watch needs more than the RSC. Thanks Rikki.