Exposing a Rolex to Chlorinated and Salt Water - Does This Reduce Service Intervals?

[Ruud Van Driver]

As far as my (very) limited knowledge goes, most Rolex pieces have a water resistance of at least 100 metres. The divers go beyond. I know they can generally be safely worn in the rain, in the shower, while cleaning my teeth, washing my dishes, yada yada ya.

However, does frequent exposure to salt and/or chlorinated water call for service intervals of less than the now recommended ten years? Or, does rinsing the watch in clean, fresh water after swimming (which I would do anyway) help to negate the possible effects of salt/chlorinated water?

I'm thinking along the lines of seals and gaskets being more prone to wear in salt/chlorinated water.

[1AP]

I would say no as long as you properly rinse after being in salt water.

Just an un educated guess. And the fact that I haven't serviced my 16613 in 13 years witH salt water use

[crowncollection]

in short no, you should pressure test every year or 2 anyway, then just rinse it

[GradyPhilpott]

Rolex recommends a good rinse and that's it.

I'd tend to take their word for it.

I also believe in periodic service.

[T. Ferguson]

Don't open the case back underwater and a simple rinse should do.

[Seaswirl]

I wore my Sub in saltwater regularly for 10 years with no issues. I just let in sit in a glass of water for a few minutes to get the salt off while I showered.

[Tools]

Pools and oceans won't have any affect on your Rolex at all.

You rinse off salt water because it will dry and leave salt minerals behind that cause excessive wear and grit..

[Rashid.bk]

It's 904L baby, just rinse it off with fresh water and keep rocking on.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

Don't open the case back underwater and a simple rinse should do.

[joe100]

I pressure test annually. The peace of mind is worth the small fee

[travisb]

As you said, a rinse with fresh water and you're good to go.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

As far as my (very) limited knowledge goes, most Rolex pieces have a water resistance of at least 100 metres. The divers go beyond. I know they can generally be safely worn in the rain, in the shower, while cleaning my teeth, washing my dishes, yada yada ya.

However, does frequent exposure to salt and/or chlorinated water call for service intervals of less than the now recommended ten years? Or, does rinsing the watch in clean, fresh water after swimming (which I would do anyway) help to negate the possible effects of salt/chlorinated water?

I'm thinking along the lines of seals and gaskets being more prone to wear in salt/chlorinated water.

Well a few of mine have spent well over 600 hours underwater in both fresh water, pool water,and salt.All that's needed with any Rolex if used in chlorinated water or salt is a rinse well in running fresh tap water or bottled if out diving with no access to fresh running water.But if used in water regular then a pressure check would be prudent once a year.

[Tseg]

Over time I've searched the web extensively for proof of water damage in Rolex. Most all water damaged samples reveal 20, 30 and 40+ year old watches that have never been serviced. The other camp of leaking "Rolex" posted on the web are counterfeits. Maybe there are 1 or 2 examples of a legitimate Rolex under 10 years old that have any water damage, or at least condensation under the crystal (even less than the rare example of cracked ceramic bezels).

It is true that other than dropping a Rolex on concrete or ceramic tile floors the other cause of catastrophic damage is water damage. With that said, I'm starting to think the "annual pressure test recommendation" provides as much value to a newer Rolex as servicing it every 3 years, i.e., way overkill.

I suppose as my Rolex cross the 10 year threshold (but newly serviced) I may consider the risk more, and certainly a 20 year old Rolex will start to get me nervous... but I think Rolex of the last 20 years have newer technology, like the 904L steel, of course the newer GMTs now have the trip-lock crown, and tighter manufacturing specifications are in place, etc.... It may be in 15-20 years we never here of water damaged Rolex.

I think a Rolex wrist safety tether or bubble-wrap designer bracelet sleeve would add significantly more protective value to the watch than an annual pressure test.

[Jeffwb65]

Originally Posted by Tseg

Over time I've searched the web extensively for proof of water damage in Rolex. Most all water damaged samples reveal 20, 30 and 40+ year old watches that have never been serviced. The other camp of leaking "Rolex" posted on the web are counterfeits. Maybe there are 1 or 2 examples of a legitimate Rolex under 10 years old that have any water damage, or at least condensation under the crystal (even less than the rare example of cracked ceramic bezels).

It is true that other than dropping a Rolex on concrete or ceramic tile floors the other cause of catastrophic damage is water damage. With that said, I'm starting to think the "annual pressure test recommendation" provides as much value to a newer Rolex as servicing it every 3 years, i.e., way overkill.

I suppose as my Rolex cross the 10 year threshold (but newly serviced) I may consider the risk more, and certainly a 20 year old Rolex will start to get me nervous... but I think Rolex of the last 20 years have newer technology, like the 904L steel, of course the newer GMTs now have the trip-lock crown, and tighter manufacturing specifications are in place, etc.... It may be in 15-20 years we never here of water damaged Rolex.

I think a Rolex wrist safety tether or bubble-wrap designer bracelet sleeve would add significantly more protective value to the watch than an annual pressure test.

This, all day long. I think that a lot of people have missed the stories of Rolex watches lasting literally decades, even without service. The fact that these timepieces have become jewelry status symbols has created the notion that they are "precious and fragile". Despite their prices increasing WAY higher than actual inflation, they are still over-engineered, super tough watches. They don't need to be Babied.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by padi56

All that's needed with any Rolex if used in chlorinated water or salt is a rinse well in running fresh tap water or bottled if out diving with no access to fresh running water.But if used in water regular then a pressure check would be prudent once a year.

The question everyone's asking is do you use Voss or Evian, Peter?

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by kilyung

The question everyone's asking is do you use Voss or Evian, Peter?

[Rolex addict]

Although my Rolex knowledge is also limited, modern seals and O-rings are pretty tough. Rinsing salt water off to prevent deposits will prevent premature wear. Otherwise, the only danger to them is time. Any type of rubber hardens over time which makes them more prone to leaking.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by kilyung

The question everyone's asking is do you use Voss or Evian, Peter?

Any bottled water that was available and when I was on the Liveaboard boats working in the Red sea.Fresh water was that precious so even showering was rationed normally after the first week.So with daily use underwater sometimes it was a week or more before I rinsed my watch in fresh water.Yet after constant use in one of the toughest environments known to man the open sea.All my watches have survived and still in perfect running order and expect they will be still ticking when my own ticker stops permanently.Makes me smile when I see many of the posts on this forum today.As Rolex watches in general now get a very pampered life today.So in theory with today's pampered life watches they should last longer than my used as a tool watch would.Well mine now are well over 25 years old,and doubt if I will be around in 20 years time to find out. But expect they will be still ticking when my sons reach the same age as myself in 30 years time.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Rolex addict

Although my Rolex knowledge is also limited, modern seals and O-rings are pretty tough. Rinsing salt water off to prevent deposits will prevent premature wear. Otherwise, the only danger to them is time. Any type of rubber hardens over time which makes them more prone to leaking.

Well seeing now that Rolex have stated a 10 year service interval it sure will take a long time before any seal problem could occur.

[Rolex addict]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well seeing now that Rolex have stated a 10 year service interval it sure will take a long time before any seal problem could occur.

Very true. I'm not sure what type of abuse you would have to put a Rolex through to need a service every 5 years or sooner. However, I'm absolutely sure someone on TRF will do it and then wonder why they need a service before the 10 year mark.

[Mick P]

Chaps

Some of you chaps worry so much about salt water, chlorinated water and being mugged wherever you wonder, I am surprised you don't end up having an early heart attack.

The advantage of a Rolex is that it is built like the proverbial outdoor brick s***house and it is designed to take more than the wearer ever will.

So wear the bloody thing and stop worrying. Enjoy your life and enjoy your Rolex.

Regards

Mick

(PS Just come back from a walk wearing my Explorer in the rain)

[Castor]

Originally Posted by kilyung

The question everyone's asking is do you use Voss or Evian, Peter?

[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by Seaswirl

I wore my Sub in saltwater regularly for 10 years with no issues. I just let in sit in a glass of water for a few minutes to get the salt off while I showered.

This

[Ruud Van Driver]

Thank you for the advice. As I've said on here once or twice before, I'm very new to Rolex and still have a lot to learn regarding what these puppies are capable of.

I do understand that they are meant to be worn and not wrapped in cotton wool; I'm not stupid. However, I'd rather ask the experts a potentially dumb question and subsequently learn something as opposed to making a very expensive mistake.

Thank you again for the valued responses