How Often Should You Test For Water Resistance

[Rolexken]

I have a 2019 Submariner and went to the AD where I bought it to ask about water resistance testing prior to a swimming holiday - what would be the process and the cost?

The response was as if my question was as absurd as “do you have a steel Daytona for sale?”. They said this would be totally unnecessary until service time at 10 years, whereas I was thinking a test would be a sensible precaution.

Was it a stupid question?

[kieselguhr]

It was not a stupid question at all.

If you regularly expose your watch to water activities, I would check at least yearly using the dry method. It’s fast, and most watchmakers have it.

[padi56]

Well as diver that used my 16600 SD as a real working tool with well over 600 hours underwater.I used to have mine checked annually .But with today's mainly pampered watches say only used in water occasionally every few years or so a dry pressure test to be sure and safe.

[Tools]

There isn't any set requirements for pressure testing, it's a precaution/risk undertaking.

A watch can be tested in the morning and fail in the evening. If your watch is fairly fresh, as yours is, and the activity is little more than swimming or snorkeling, a pressure test is little more than peace-of-mind.

If your watch is older, say a decade or so, and it gets frequent hard use, a pressure test may be good insurance.

All of my Subs are older than yours and I wouldn't feel it necessary to pressure test before a swimming holiday. I also have a few that are "vintage" and I wouldn't dream of swimming or snorkeling with them, not because they would fail a pressure test, but because in case of a serious misadventure the parts would be very difficult or impossible to replace.

It only takes one smack on a doorknob going out the door to dislodge the case to crystal gasket/seal.

[creepy neville]

My Sea-Dweller that I purchased in ‘98 has had only light use compared to it’s rating (down to ~ 320ft) and it has yet to be serviced in any way.

It hasn’t been abused - but it sure hasn’t been babied either …

OP, your question wasn’t stupid - unfortunately you just directed your query to weakest link - the AD.

[Chewbacca]

The AD wasn’t wrong with their suggestion.

[culvercity]

depends on environment. in socal rubber dies first because its so dry unless you are near the ocean. so after 5 years I just get it serviced because I'm worried about the rubber gaskets decaying due to this environment here.

[VerticalClutch]

I've never given it a second thought. I send my watches to get serviced around 10-12 years into ownership and nothing more. It's fine to do I guess, but not something I'd worry about.

Is it a stupid question? No, not really, but it's one that made me raise an eyebrow. I think you're overthinking it.

[East of Eden]

I would bet relatively few Rolex owners ever take their watches deeper than 10'.

[GONZO2LR]

It is a Rolex...you say...was it a stupid question....

you have a 2019 Submariner...????? If you have to ask that question...you know it was stupid.........

Wear it....the sub is thirsty for water....

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by padi56

I used to have mine checked annually.

As Padi says, if you dive / ocean swim / water a lot then annually to be safe.

[envuks]

Every time I swim!


My watches keep ticking so I’m good :-)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Borkie]

Oh man, this is a nightmare of mine to go swimming and ruining one of my babies :(

Question is great actually

[Chadridv]

For a modern watch I’d assume anything water related would be covered under the 5 year warranty. So within 5 years, my guess.