Removing watch during shower?

[jdanza]

Mild soap

[abigsecret]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

So, in reality, the watch is 100% waterproof and impermeable to any outside source.

JJ

Not forever though! The watch needs to be maintained in order for the gaskets to do their work! And if you wait more than 7 years (in mild using conditions) you can be sure that your watch is not water resistant like it was when it came out of the factory!

[D2JP]

Originally Posted by EvEr34

Huh?

I guess I must not be worthy 'cause I like mine to be new looking.

Why?

I'm not suggesting constantly abusing a watch - just wearing it during your daily activities. I have worn my mountain biking, but only if I've mistakenly worn it to the trails, and don't want to lock it in the car. The constant jarring and shaking of mountain biking can't be good for it - much less a crash. But, I have done it many times. Same for golf, skiing, running, fishing, yard work, etc. IF I can remember, and IF there is a place to safely removed it and store it, I will. Otherwise it goes with me whatever I'm doing.

And I'm not talking about Daytona's or 18KDD's or collectible/vintage, I'm talking about the 'core' of the sports watches: Subs, SD, AK, Exp and ExpII, GMT's.

Many people think my watch is new, and it's been 8 years since it's last service...which I need to get done again.

My point is, a Rolex sports watch is one of, if not THE most durable and reliable watches ever made. Unless you actually use it in these environs, you'll may never fully appreciate it. When I traveled 4-5 days a week in sales, I used the 2 time zone feature frequently. If I were buying a watch today, I'd probably skip that, as I don't need it any longer. On the other hand, I'll never dive to 4000 feet, but that doesn't keep me from wanting a SD

[D2JP]

Originally Posted by GrandDaddy

I guess next time you buy a new watch you should run some sand paper through it so you can appreciate it right away. Or better yet, buy someone else's beater watch that's been through it's paces.

Not everyone work in a kind of environment are you are, so YMMV. What really cracks me up is when people say scratches add character to the watch. Get real folks, scractches add ummm SCRATCHES to a watch.

You can USE your equipment and appreciate them - YOU DON'T HAVE TO ABUSE THEM! This applies to watches, cars, SUVs, your houses, etc. BTW, Does anyone here abuse their wives/significant others in order to appreciate them?

My watch looks very good. Amazing in fact. Almost new to a lot of folks. Gains about 1 second per day.

I appreciated it when it was brand new and appreciate it everytime I look at it. I don't abuse it - I worked my ass off for it and am proud of that. I had it serviced after 5 years and as mentioned, it's getting ready to go again.

I don't want someone's else's 'beater watch' - the care I give my watch makes it far from a 'beater'. The bracelet has scuffs and scrathes, but the bezel, crystal and case clean up very well. I will try and post a picture....

I commented on a customer's Sub yesterday. "Beautiful Sub" I tell him. His reply, "Oh, yeah they have them at (local AD) with 12 months same as cash, I thought Rolex's were supposed to be good, but this thing keeps shitty time."

On the other hand, one of my customer's with an obviously well-worn Pepsi GMT. "Nice watch Harry" I told him. "Oh hell, I've had this watch for 20 years or more, still runs great" and then he'll tell me about how it's traveled the world with him, been in board meetings and hiked most of the AT. He's done everything from Ride the Rockies (400ish miles road bike ride), to 50K off road trail runs, and that is just this year alone, and he's 65 years old.

I don't remember who it was, as I'm new here but someone (I think) had a picture of their watch (SD?) on a nato strap on their wrist during a road bike race. Very cool.

I mean only to say: Enjoy your watches as you enjoy your life. And to your point, don't abuse them (or your spouses)

[daunwaun]

how about its a ROLEX and its 100 percent WATER PROOF!!!!! nothing can ruin the seals

[Letsgodiving]

I think those of you who don't shower wearing your Rolex are missing out on something. It looks really good with some water and steam on it.

[abigsecret]

Originally Posted by daunwaun

how about its a ROLEX and its 100 percent WATER PROOF!!!!! nothing can ruin the seals

Don't make statements like that unless you know what you're talking about!

[EvEr34]

Originally Posted by Letsgodiving

I think those of you who don't shower wearing your Rolex are missing out on something. It looks really good with some water and steam on it.

Gotta agree with that one!!

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by abigsecret

Don't make statements like that unless you know what you're talking about!

I'm pretty sure he's referring to a Rolex which is new and still within the 5-year service criteria.....as I was too in my few posts above.

Of course, a Rolex which has never been serviced for several years would be susceptible to all kinds of permeability from external elements like moisture, dust and heat.

JJ

[Chris B]

I always feel naked without my watch, consequently I always take it off when I shower/bathe as I'd still feel dressed

[chris_nor_cal]

ive crashed my mountain bike with my rolex on so bad i went to the er in a helicopter. the thing is a tank. still was +1 second a day. crystal was fine. scratched up bracelet--probably saved my wrist. i will never doubt the punishment these things can take.

[leopardprey]

Chris, Glad you are OK!!!!! Must have been a fun Mountain Bike ride though!!!!

[s7horton]

Originally Posted by daunwaun

how about its a ROLEX and its 100 percent WATER PROOF!!!!! nothing can ruin the seals

lacquer thinner will ruin those brand new factory seals in a heart beat.

Rolex is tough, but not inpervious.

[EvEr34]

Originally Posted by s7horton

lacquer thinner will ruin those brand new factory seals in a heart beat.

Rolex is tough, but not inpervious.

I thought we were talking about taking a shower.

[GrandDaddy]

Quote:
Originally Posted by s7horton
lacquer thinner will ruin those brand new factory seals in a heart beat.

Rolex is tough, but not inpervious.

I thought we were talking about taking a shower.

Originally Posted by EvEr34

I thought we were talking about taking a shower.

Maybe s7horton uses lacquer thinner to rinse off after taking a shower. LOL

I think Rolex watches are as waterproof as a frog's butthole.

[mikey]

If you buying a preowned Rolex, I would not take a shower with it on until I took it somewhere else to get it pressure tested. If I purchased brand new, I would be swimming and very confident. Go ahead and get it wet.

[Earl]

Originally Posted by abigsecret

Not forever though! The watch needs to be maintained in order for the gaskets to do their work! And if you wait more than 7 years (in mild using conditions) you can be sure that your watch is not water resistant like it was when it came out of the factory!

hmmmmm ok I may be going out on a limb here by asking this but, is there anyone here who owns a Rolex, service is past 7 yrs had a problem with water or other liquid getting into your watch. Now if Timex, Casio and a multitude of other brands are never checked and they are worn daily and no water damage has occurred.

You are correct in stating that "not water resistant like it was when it came out of the factory," no watch will be.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Chris B

I always feel naked without my watch, consequently I always take it off when I shower/bathe as I'd still feel dressed

[D2JP]

I've given this subject some thought since my posts yesterday.

I sounded like some testosterone tuff-guy...which I'm not. My watch is going on 8 years since it's service...it's my only (nice) watch and it's stainless. It gets worn almost daily, and through the years has acquired the typical wear of, well, and 8 year old stainless Rolex.

I gotta admit I'd probably cringe everytime I thought I'd scratched the gold on a TT, or if I'd just shelled out $4K~$8K on a watch, even like the one I currently have. Rolex prices have seemed to exceed inflation over the years.

So, while I can't see a problem with showering in your watch, there's no reason not to keep it looking like new if that's what you want to do.

And, instead of turning a blind eye to the guy with the shiney new Rolex who doesn't understand why it's not as accurate as his quartz, I'll try and help him understand why it's not as accurate, but is still a remarkable time piece.

And oh yeah, I'll tell him about this forum as a great resource!

-Jack

[EvEr34]

Originally Posted by D2JP

I've given this subject some thought since my posts yesterday.

I sounded like some testosterone tuff-guy...which I'm not. My watch is going on 8 years since it's service...it's my only (nice) watch and it's stainless. It gets worn almost daily, and through the years has acquired the typical wear of, well, and 8 year old stainless Rolex.

I gotta admit I'd probably cringe everytime I thought I'd scratched the gold on a TT, or if I'd just shelled out $4K~$8K on a watch, even like the one I currently have. Rolex prices have seemed to exceed inflation over the years.

So, while I can't see a problem with showering in your watch, there's no reason not to keep it looking like new if that's what you want to do.

And, instead of turning a blind eye to the guy with the shiney new Rolex who doesn't understand why it's not as accurate as his quartz, I'll try and help him understand why it's not as accurate, but is still a remarkable time piece.

And oh yeah, I'll tell him about this forum as a great resource!

-Jack

[GoldenBear]

I showered with mine for past 7 years, in addition to an occasional dip in the ocean every few years. Never a problem. Any soap scum is more likely to clog around the seal and strengthen the seal than it corrode it, I would think.

[Green Arrow]

I bought my first Rolex in 1981 because I kept breaking Seikos and wanted something tough. My GMT was tough for 23 years, morning runs of 7 miles, showers at the gym, work, whatever. I traded it in on another Rolex. Tune up around every 7 years. TT or not, I buy Rolex as a working watch, unless it's solid gold, and I don't have one of those.

I did learn one thing..... I'm not going to read any more of these threads.

[JamesS]

I wear my SS Sub Date almost everyday. If it happens to be on my wrist when I go to take a shower, it goes with me. I'd hate to think that I spent that much money (well worth it IMO) and couldn't take it into the shower (when it can go in the ocean). I usually make sure to give it a good rinse before I hop out. I like how it looks when it's shiny and wet. I try to be careful of banging/bumping into stuff, but I want to wear it, and wear it a lot. It's been with me shooting, golfing, and on hikes. It's great and I love it. I want it to stay in good shape, but I don't want it pristine looking (or feel that I can't wear it).

That being said, I haven't worn my SS Daytona into the shower yet. Not sure if I will. The opportunity hasn't occured yet. Same goes with that one though. Hate to think that they put all that workmanship into the watch, and it couldn't get wet/soapy in the shower.

[jimbo1mcm]

Wet and soapy probably doesn't affect it at all. I was just thinking about the long term effects of instantaneous 30-50 degree temperature changes when the hot water hits the watch. I honestly don't believe that is good for it.

[BiG JeEzY]

Originally Posted by jimbo1mcm

My current watch is good to a 1000 feet, but old habits die slowly. I take my watch off when I shower each day. Someone told me that the soaps attack the seals. True or false? So do the rest of you remove your watches also? One of my reasons for getting ready to purchase the new GMT is that if I do continue to remove the watch each day, that is 360 clasping operations each year. The new GMT indicates that it has a better clasp. By the way, I found this excellent review on the differences between the new GMT and the previous model. http://www.rolexreferencepage.com/newgmt/newgmti.html

I never ever showered with any of my watches before. It just doesnt feel comfortable to wear it in the shower for me at least.

About soap attacking the seals, it is true, they will wear down the seals over time. The seals are very durable though. Soap also builds up scum in between the links so while it may clean the overall look of the watch, scum builds up in between the links where it is hard to reach and see.

[blueface]

Originally Posted by BiG JeEzY

Soap builds up scum in between the links so while it may clean the overall look of the watch, scum builds up in between the links where it is hard to reach and see.

This is my only real concern about wearing my watch in the shower.
You can rinse out salt, dust and sweat, but soap scum don't rinse out. Next time your shower needs to be cleaned, try cleaning it with just mild hand soap and water.