Submariner Pressure testing question

[dgoldberg]

Hi all,
Apologies for what I presume is a rookie question....


I purchased a 1979 sub 6 years ago, and it's still running perfectly. It was serviced prior to the sale, and other than that I've done no proactive maintenance/servicing.

That said, I've always taken it off when I go in water so I'd like to get it pressure tested so I can leave it on.

Any recommendations in NYC/NJ to get that done, and idea as to the cost?

[bullies]

Since it was serviced ~6 years ago I'd wager that it'll be fine in the water, but I certainly understand wanting to be sure considering it's a 1979.
As for pressure testing shops if you're in NJ Lee Perla in Hackensack may be able to do it. Whenever I've had a pressure test done it's always been complimentary.
Good luck

[S7gpt]

I may be wrong but other than Rolex I think most places can only pressure test to 100m although I guess that would be fine

[padi56]

Originally Posted by dgoldberg

Hi all,
Apologies for what I presume is a rookie question....


I purchased a 1979 sub 6 years ago, and it's still running perfectly. It was serviced prior to the sale, and other than that I've done no proactive maintenance/servicing.

That said, I've always taken it off when I go in water so I'd like to get it pressure tested so I can leave it on.

Any recommendations in NYC/NJ to get that done, and idea as to the cost?

Well in the real world most any high street jeweller watch store could perform a dry pressure test to 100m,if passes will be safe for most water activities, but if used for scuba a 200m plus test should be done.

[Andad]

Is that a typo Peter?

Scuba diving at 200 metres?

More divers have been on the moon.

[George58]

divers on the moon

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Andad

Is that a typo Peter?

Scuba diving at 200 metres?

More divers have been on the moon.

No the official recommended test for any watch used for scuba is 200m plus, and yes more men have gone to the moon than have dived past 300m just using scuba gear.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by padi56

No the official recommended test for any watch used for scuba is 200m plus, and yes more men have gone to the moon than have dived past 300m just using scuba gear.

Why is that Peter?

If I test my watch to 5 Bar I would expect it to function at that depth.

Why 200 metres +?

Reminds me of the Omega depth chart where 5 Bar is ok for washing your hands, rain, strong exposure to water and swimming.

If a manufacturer states 5 Bar then that should be good enough for 50 metres, more than enough for recreational scuba diving?

[Thuilln]

Originally Posted by Andad

Why is that Peter?

If I test my watch to 5 Bar I would expect it to function at that depth.

Why 200 metres +?

Reminds me of the Omega depth chart where 5 Bar is ok for washing your hands, rain, strong exposure to water and swimming.

If a manufacturer states 5 Bar then that should be good enough for 50 metres, more than enough for recreational scuba diving?

Better Safe Than Sorry, I’d say..

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Andad

Why is that Peter?

If I test my watch to 5 Bar I would expect it to function at that depth.

Why 200 metres +?

Reminds me of the Omega depth chart where 5 Bar is ok for washing your hands, rain, strong exposure to water and swimming.

If a manufacturer states 5 Bar then that should be good enough for 50 metres, more than enough for recreational scuba diving?

Below charts is what the rating on most all watches apply too regarding W/R and use in water.

[77T]

To the OP’s question - a good answer for all of us to follow is annual pressure testing if you’re in the ocean, the lake, or even diving into the deep end of the pool.

Water pressure (including the differential pressure from different types of water sports) is the enemy of fine Swiss movements.

The gaskets, o-rings and any big bumps into door frames can affect reliable water resistance.

In the day, I always had a hydro done at same time annual VIP sticker gotten for the scuba tanks.
Overkill? Maybe…

So the watch was just as important to keep up with.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[joli160]

You bought a Submariner and take it off when going for a swim

Any watchmaker can do a pressure test and it’s cheap and fast. Doing it regularly doesn’t hurt.

I have a Rolex running over two decades, never opened and still passes a wet test and runs fine.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by padi56

Below charts is what the rating on most all watches apply too regarding W/R and use in water.

Thank you for this common sense guide Peter

[padi56]

Originally Posted by 77T

To the OP’s question - a good answer for all of us to follow is annual pressure testing if you’re in the ocean, the lake, or even diving into the deep end of the pool.

Water pressure (including the differential pressure from different types of water sports) is the enemy of fine Swiss movements.

The gaskets, o-rings and any big bumps into door frames can affect reliable water resistance.

In the day, I always had a hydro done at same time annual VIP sticker gotten for the scuba tanks.
Overkill? Maybe…

So the watch was just as important to keep up with.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Agree with the air tanks diving cylinders should undergo a visual inspection every 2.5 years and a hydraulic test every 5 years from it's date of manufacture.Anything regarding diving its always better to be ultra safe especially with anything to do about the air that you breath while underwater.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Thank you for this common sense guide Peter

Common sense would tell you that if I test my watches and they pass at 6 Bar of pressure they are good to go to 60 metres.

We can agree to differ.

I note the reference on the chart that some manufacturers may have a different definition of pressure resistance versus splashing your watch with water.

Why would you need 3 Bar resistance to wash your watch under running water?

This is a manufacturer’s way of waiving warranty for water damage and we are smarter than this?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Andad

Common sense would tell you that if I test my watches and they pass at 6 Bar of pressure they are good to go to 60 metres.

We can agree to differ.

I note the reference on the chart that some manufacturers may have a different definition of pressure resistance versus splashing your watch with water.

Why would you need 3 Bar resistance to wash your watch under running water?

This is a manufacturer’s way of waiving warranty for water damage and we are smarter than this?

Might I suggest you have a look on the net about W/R ratings on all watches.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Andad

Common sense would tell you that if I test my watches and they pass at 6 Bar of pressure they are good to go to 60 metres.

We can agree to differ.

I note the reference on the chart that some manufacturers may have a different definition of pressure resistance versus splashing your watch with water.

Why would you need 3 Bar resistance to wash your watch under running water?

This is a manufacturer’s way of waiving warranty for water damage and we are smarter than this?

IMHO its overkill plain and simple. They test beyond what is required and put it into a safe zone for certain activities.

They arent going to test for 3 feet of water pressure and call it a hand washing only watch

In my case if Omega states I can swim with a 5 bar watch, thats what I'll go with. YMMV

Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

[dgoldberg]

I ended up getting it pressure tested and it passed at 100m! The watchmaker's general advice was that the biggest issue he sees is that people don't properly tighten the crown and as a result water gets in to the watch that way. Obvious, but good advice

[padi56]

Originally Posted by dgoldberg

Hi all,
Apologies for what I presume is a rookie question....


I purchased a 1979 sub 6 years ago, and it's still running perfectly. It was serviced prior to the sale, and other than that I've done no proactive maintenance/servicing.

That said, I've always taken it off when I go in water so I'd like to get it pressure tested so I can leave it on.

Any recommendations in NYC/NJ to get that done, and idea as to the cost?

glad you got it sorted

[Paka]

Originally Posted by Andad

Is that a typo Peter?

Scuba diving at 200 metres?

More divers have been on the moon.

[Paka]

Originally Posted by padi56

Below charts is what the rating on most all watches apply too regarding W/R and use in water.

This is pretty accurate except with IWC. They say on their website that if IWC watch is water resistant to 60 m you can swim, dive and play watersports with it. I have several 60m water resistant IWC watches and I have done everything above and never had any issues.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Paka

Might i suggest you read the thread and my post 7.

[Tools]

Here is what Omega has to say.

[Paka]

Originally Posted by padi56

Might i suggest you read the thread and my post 7.

I read it. And then?

Andad's comment was hilarious!

[Paka]

Here is what IWC has to say:

"By way of explanation: an IWC watch with an indicated water-resistance of 1 bar is protected against splashing water. With water-resistance of 3 bar, the watch can be worn when swimming or skiing, and at 6 bar it will have no problem with water sports or snorkelling."