what's the oldest rolex you'd feel ok swimming with?

[bscepter]

i know plenty of folks here not only swim but also dive with their acrylic rolexes. and as long as your watch passes a pressure test each year, theoretically, there shouldn't be a problem at least swimming with it.

but would you swim with a big crown sub, for instance? or a bakelite GMT?

[oceandweller]

Originally Posted by bscepter

i know plenty of folks here not only swim but also dive with their acrylic rolexes. and as long as your watch passes a pressure test each year, theoretically, there shouldn't be a problem at least swimming with it.

but would you swim with a big crown sub, for instance? or a bakelite GMT?

Born to perform its duties but is now enjoying full retirement.

[joe100]

Anything from the 1970s on. As long as there is no case corrosion and a recent pressure test. Swimming with a big crown or 6542 would not on be irresponsible but disrespectful to those historic pieces.

[bscepter]

Originally Posted by joe100

Swimming with a big crown or 6542 would not on be irresponsible but disrespectful to those historic pieces.

they're still "oyster" cases, though - why would a 70s watch be more watertight? or is it just because they're rarer pieces. which i totally get. i'm just wondering if there's a physical difference between the older ones and the newer ones (prior to the sapphire crystal, that is).

[pdoukas]

Literally tossed my 70 red sub in my salt water pool 2 nights ago. Pulled it out this morning. No worries!


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[waspy1]

Well considering how fragile a Bakelite gmt bezel is and how easy it could fall off, no chance id swim with that.

[crowncollection]

i would with a 60's datejust but not expensive one

[FrankNYC]

I used to dive with my old sub, but after awhile the sand scratched it up good. I have the SubC now and that thing will not go near the beach. Pool, yes. Anywhere with sand, no.

[Clay]

Originally Posted by pdoukas

Literally tossed my 70 red sub in my salt water pool 2 nights ago. Pulled it out this morning. No worries!


Sent from my mobile device. Please excuse spelling, punctuation, and brevity.

Pete you gotta stop drinking...

[Clay]

I would swim with what ever watch passed the pressure test...

[bscepter]

Originally Posted by waspy1

Well considering how fragile a Bakelite gmt bezel is and how easy it could fall off, no chance id swim with that.

well, yes, obviously - i was talking about the integrity of the case, though.

[Rod.]

My 40-year old 5513 went diving last month. It had an overhaul by RSC 2 years ago and is good as new, so I've no worries about using it.


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[Frogman4me]

I would never use my vintage for swimming or diving. I have modern divers for that ;)

[bonbonson]

I would swim with almost any rolex as long as its an oyster and pressure tested unless it is a bakelite or another very fragile watch

[Vlad]

Are you worried about water tightness or actually loosing your watch (i.e. spring bar falling out or bracelet breaking in some strange way)?

As far as water tight, I did and still do swim in my bubblebacks (1940s). I also have a model 1069 (1930s) that I have no problem taking into a hottub or a lake. - it the watch passes pressure test, you can swim in it. As far as the value, I do prefer to keep my 620x out of the water, since a single hand can be more expensive than some late model subs - but that's just common sense.

Vlad

[Vincent65]

I think the age of watch is irrelevant, if it is fit for purpose, just like anything else.

[Jason71]

For me, it boils down to expense and ability to replace the dial and hands. If the watch can be brought back to the current configuration by RSC with no loss of value......I will dive or swim with it. Otherwise, I leave the water sports to my more modern Rolex watches. I am fortunate enough to own quite a number of Rolex watches though.

A watch has been pressure tested does not guarantee the watch will not flood. How willing are you to go to the trouble/expense to get a vintage back to current condition??

[slcbbrown]

I have never hesitated to swim with my father's, late 50's thunderbird. As long as a Rolex has been serviced in the not too distant past, I don't worry about water. I've never had RSC or other watch tech tell me that they weren't able to service a Rolex back to water tight, and I've had no problems.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by bscepter

they're still "oyster" cases, though - why would a 70s watch be more watertight? or is it just because they're rarer pieces. which i totally get. i'm just wondering if there's a physical difference between the older ones and the newer ones (prior to the sapphire crystal, that is).

Yes, they are still Oysters.. There is no reason why a well maintained Rolex would not perform as well as it did when it was first off the assembly line.. Age of the case and hard parts should not be an issue as long as the seals are sound and replaced regularly..

However, it boils down to risk aversion.. There is always risk regardless of how careful you are..

If you have an early example that would be very difficult to source parts for if they became water damaged, it may be wise to avoid those situations that put your watch at increased risk..

[bscepter]

Originally Posted by Tools

However, it boils down to risk aversion.. There is always risk regardless of how careful you are..

If you have an early example that would be very difficult to source parts for if they became water damaged, it may be wise to avoid those situations that put your watch at increased risk..

agreed.

i ask because i'd love to find a birth-year (1969) 5513. but i'd want to be able to wear it every day, including at the beach and in the swimming pool.

[bonbonson]

Originally Posted by bscepter

agreed.

i ask because i'd love to find a birth-year (1969) 5513. but i'd want to be able to wear it every day, including at the beach and in the swimming pool.

I dont think there will be a problem with wearing a 5513 in the beach or pool i see alot of photos around here showing 5513,5512 and 1680s in the water where they belong. Parts for a 5513 if ever you do need it im guessing is readily available. I wish you the best of luck in hunting a birth year

[Mike1066]

Swam in the ocean with my 1665 just last year. However, I normally swim/surf with my 16600.

V/R

Mike

[azguy]

I'll use a line from Casino:

Why take a chance..?

[roadcarver]

My wife's 6618 survived in the pool last year. Bottom line is if it is serviced at regular intervals, there will be no issues with water going in.

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[jrgannon]

I don't think I would swim with anything earlier than 1990.