Wet Watch

[connorperson]

Hey guys just a quick question,

This morning I was giving my watch a quick wash in the sink. As I was drying it I discovered the crown was not fully sealed.

the crown was not out into the winding position, it was just not sealed all the way.

I'm concerned if water got into the watch and, if so, what I need to do to fix it. The watch seems to be running fine right now, but I gave it a few wounds and it sounded a bit different. That may just be my paranoia though.

thanks guy

[trackntrail]

Take it to your local AD and have it checked out. Although you should be ok, water damage isn't something to play around with.

[polaris72]

Many recent threads on a similar topic, but I think you are fine.

[ADINVA]

Maybe bringing it to an experienced watchmaker or RSC for inspection to have that piece of mind? Before doing so, keep your watch in a container filled with raw rice to absorb any moisture.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by connorperson

Hey guys just a quick question,

This morning I was giving my watch a quick wash in the sink. As I was drying it I discovered the crown was not fully sealed.

the crown was not out into the winding position, it was just not sealed all the way.

I'm concerned if water got into the watch and, if so, what I need to do to fix it. The watch seems to be running fine right now, but I gave it a few wounds and it sounded a bit different. That may just be my paranoia though.

thanks guy

No water has got into your watch the main seals are inside the case the ones outside are purely secondary.

[connorperson]

Originally Posted by padi56

No water has got into your watch the main seals are inside the case the ones outside are purely secondary.

thank you and sorry if this is a repeat thread

[tkerrmd]

no worries, lots of levels of protection

[Jamesha]

Originally Posted by padi56

No water has got into your watch the main seals are inside the case the ones outside are purely secondary.

Assuming the OP's rolex is a 214270 with a twin lock crown, if the watch is safe with the crown unscrewed then how is it possible for water to get into the movement? Is the weak point the caseback more so than the crown?

Cheers

[joe100]

Originally Posted by Jamesha

Assuming the OP's rolex is a 214270 with a twin lock crown, if the watch is safe with the crown unscrewed then how is it possible for water to get into the movement? Is the weak point the caseback more so than the crown?

Cheers

Any perished seal could let water in.

[Mr. K]

Originally Posted by padi56

No water has got into your watch the main seals are inside the case the ones outside are purely secondary.

This sounds good.

However if the seals are old, would it be a bad idea to put in in some uncooked rice? Maybe not bury it but in a sealed container and set it on top.

I hear that is what you do for wet cell phones to pull any moisture out.

[Andad]

Even with 'perished' seals there is no way a drying agent (rice, silica etc.) could extract moisture from the mechanism inside a watch case.

If you suspect that moisture has entered your watch take it to a watchmaker asap and have him remove the caseback and check.

As Peter has stated, if your twinlock and other seals are is good then your watch will be fine.

You could have a simple pressure test done now and that will confirm the seals.

[Mr. K]

Originally Posted by directioneng

Even with 'perished' seals there is no way a drying agent (rice, silica etc.) could extract moisture from the mechanism inside a watch case.

If you suspect that moisture has entered your watch take it to a watchmaker asap and have him remove the caseback and check.

As Peter has stated, if your twinlock and other seals are is good then your watch will be fine.

You could have a simple pressure test done now and that will confirm the seals.

pressure test, that would be a good idea. Would they do one with the crown out and one with it in?

[brandrea]

I think it would depend on how old the watch is and when it was last serviced, as to whether I'd have it looked at.

[travisb]

Should be fine. If you need piece of mind just take it in for a quick check up. I wouldn't worry about it.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Jamesha

Assuming the OP's rolex is a 214270 with a twin lock crown, if the watch is safe with the crown unscrewed then how is it possible for water to get into the movement? Is the weak point the caseback more so than the crown?

Cheers

The twin lock seal is in the case tube the other in the crown head as the OP stated the crown was not fully unscrewed cannot see any problem.Regarding the screw down crown it must only be screwed down finger tight no force is needed and must not touch the case.Quite a few years back I was guiding a group of 5 divers in the Red sea depth around the 25m- 30m mark.Had a glance at my watch wearing a SD I noticed the crown was fully unscrewed.But could not panic as my party of divers in my care were far more important.As we worked our way up the reef and done our safety stop at 5m then all returned to surface.When we got back on the boat checked my watch all was fine and still fine today.

[SMD]

What kind of watch?

[AK797]

Originally Posted by padi56

No water has got into your watch the main seals are inside the case the ones outside are purely secondary.

[watchwatcher]

Relax, you're fine.

[dukerules]

No need to worry at all.

[Jamesha]

Originally Posted by padi56

The twin lock seal is in the case tube the other in the crown head as the OP stated the crown was not fully unscrewed cannot see any problem.Regarding the screw down crown it must only be screwed down finger tight no force is needed and must not touch the case.Quite a few years back I was guiding a group of 5 divers in the Red sea depth around the 25m- 30m mark.Had a glance at my watch wearing a SD I noticed the crown was fully unscrewed.But could not panic as my party of divers in my care were far more important.As we worked our way up the reef and done our safety stop at 5m then all returned to surface.When we got back on the boat checked my watch all was fine and still fine today.

Thanks Padi, I always enjoy your reading your knowledge and input, many people could learn a few things from yourself. Also very reassuring to hear how reliable these watches are, many rolex owners are scared to put a sub in the shower let alone dive with it. Nice to hear someone using it as the tool watch that it is!