Question about waterproofing

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Andad

Looks like it is submerged and under pressure at 40 psi?

For a picture only, I know how to use it

[supernova]

Seriously asking if it's safe to go into a pool with a 1220m rated watch that's only 3 years old?

Don't worry about the WR of that watch EVER and just get it serviced at normal Rolex intervals.

[IR201]

Originally Posted by Dirt

The old school rule of thumb was always to pressure test a watch annually if it was intended to be used for diving.
I think Rolex always used to subscribe to this view.

In your case it's purely a judgement call scenario.

I have done all sorts of things with watches over the years.
Some were beaten up with cracked Crystals and they still got wet/submerged without any consequences, but they were generally regarded as high quality watches.
Then there were those watches which were of considerably lesser quality which withstood hot showers but failed their 50m waterproof rating either by swimming in a pool or excessive perspiration in outrageously humid conditions. If I recall correctly they were happily replaced under warranty until the warranty was finally expired.

As recommended previously, you can simply have it checked by a watchmaker for piece of mind for a small fee.
Personally, I am a little more blase and wouldn't be concerned.

Unless you have reason to believe the watch has been opened by another unknown party other than Rolex the chances of a problem with your watch are extremely small.
At the end of the day a standard 100m test will suffice
RSC New York will be great as well

Thank you!

[IR201]

Originally Posted by supernova

Seriously asking if it's safe to go into a pool with a 1220m rated watch that's only 3 years old?

Don't worry about the WR of that watch EVER and just get it serviced at normal Rolex intervals.

Would you wear a 2009 16610 that has not yet been serviced in the pool?

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by IR201

Would you wear a 2009 16610 that has not yet been serviced in the pool?

Well, and this is my experience only... A few years ago I bought a 14060M from 2009 that was practically unworn. Still had a few stickers. Had it taken in for a pressure test and verification. It passed the pressure test fine. Then the watchmaker opened it to verify the movement and said the seals were fine for probably another couple of years. However the lube was dried up and the watch was running fast; I decided to have it serviced. The tech said the gaskets are designed to exceed the expected service interval.

But as others have said when you don't know the history of the watch a cheap or free pressure test is lot less expensive than fixing a water damaged interior.

[IR201]

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

Well, and this is my experience only... A few years ago I bought a 14060M from 2009 that was practically unworn. Still had a few stickers. Had it taken in for a pressure test and verification. It passed the pressure test fine. Then the watchmaker opened it to verify the movement and said the seals were fine for probably another couple of years. However the lube was dried up and the watch was running fast; I decided to have it serviced. The tech said the gaskets are designed to exceed the expected service interval.

But as others have said when you don't know the history of the watch a cheap or free pressure test is lot less expensive than fixing a water damaged interior.

Many thanks! Very helpful


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[M45]

Originally Posted by CrackedDial

Out of interest, how does the pressure test work? Are you looking for traces of bubbles and why does the test itself not risk causing damage? Is the tester relying on positive pressure keeping the water out?

Because you’re not pushing water into the watch, you’re pushing air out of it.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by CrackedDial

Out of interest, how does the pressure test work? Are you looking for traces of bubbles and why does the test itself not risk causing damage? Is the tester relying on positive pressure keeping the water out?

Welcome to the forum

Just to add to what M45 has posted.
The air is pushed out of the watch head in the event there is a leak.
The air is pushed out because the Crystal and Caseback along with some degree of added crush on the relevent gaskets occurs on the watch head in the pressurised chamber. The air is squeezed out.
The test pressurises the watch head whilst it's suspended above the fluid, then the watch is lowered to become immersed in the fluid whereby the bubbles become evident where the leak is.
No fluid can't theoretically enter the watch head, but air can escape. The water also has more density so air will come out even if the water can't go in under normal circumstances.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by joli160

For a picture only, I know how to use it

I’m sure you do but you haven’t explained why your watch is under water and under pressure?

Wait, is it because water is denser than air so air will come out even if the water can't go in under normal circumstances.

[CrackedDial]

Originally Posted by Dirt

Welcome to the forum

Just to add to what M45 has posted.
The air is pushed out of the watch head in the event there is a leak.
The air is pushed out because the Crystal and Caseback along with some degree of added crush on the relevent gaskets occurs on the watch head in the pressurised chamber. The air is squeezed out.
The test pressurises the watch head whilst it's suspended above the fluid, then the watch is lowered to become immersed in the fluid whereby the bubbles become evident where the leak is.
No fluid can't theoretically enter the watch head, but air can escape. The water also has more density so air will come out even if the water can't go in under normal circumstances.

Great explanation. Many thanks!