N
Nightstalkers
Guest
A few years back watches were sold as being waterproof. The whole idea of that term must have been objectionable so the Federal Trade Commission got into the act and declared that water resistance must be stated in terms more easily understood. Water proof was dropped from the vernacular of speech and terms more endearing were invented.
Now we use terms like “Atmospheres”, “Bars” and of course the everlasting “feet”, “meters”, etc.
Water and moisture is everywhere. Water can and usually does penetrate a watchcase when least expected. Moisture inside a watch can destroy the movement and ruin a very good watch.
When water does make its way inside a watchcase the watch should never be dried by placing it inside a microwave or oven. The destructive effects of this sort of treatment can be easily imagined. Take the watch to your nearest watchmaker. Usually watches can be dried but damage also often may necessitate a cleaning, overhaul or service of some sort.
Water penetration can be seen by moisute appearing on the underside of a watches crystal. This is a phenomenome that is caused by temperature differences inside a watchcase and usually to the benefit of the movement as the moisture inside a case may move to the crystal rather than to gather on the working movement. If seen on the crystal many times the movement may be seen to continue working. The assumption can be drawn that moisture is not, at present, on the movement and getting a watch to a technician to dry it out is important.
Water can enter a case by case cracks, through the crystal, crown or the caseback.
Water cannot go through the crystal glass if it’s not cracked. It must enter through a crack or separation of the seal at the case and crystal connection.
Caseback seals are often compromised after battery replacement. The caseback seal must be broken when a power cell is replaced and unless resealed, often water may enter.
The crown, which on modern watches is the device that is used to set the time or date may wear out with age as well. The crown seals may harden and become brittle which will allow water to pass along the stem into the watch. Sometimes when water makes entry through the crown it travels right to the crystal and can be seen. The most damaging moisture is from caseback penetration.
In 1926 Rolex produced the first of the new designs of water resistant watches. The name Rolex and water resistance is almost one. Other watches have been made and are perhaps as secure against water penetration as is a Rolex watch but none has gained the worlds attention like Rolex watches have.
In any case when battery’s need to be replaced, professional replacement is always recommended. The ability to test a watch for water resistance is not always available from mall and even established jewelers. Usually, battery replacement does not guarantee that a water resistance check has been made.
Now we use terms like “Atmospheres”, “Bars” and of course the everlasting “feet”, “meters”, etc.
Water and moisture is everywhere. Water can and usually does penetrate a watchcase when least expected. Moisture inside a watch can destroy the movement and ruin a very good watch.
When water does make its way inside a watchcase the watch should never be dried by placing it inside a microwave or oven. The destructive effects of this sort of treatment can be easily imagined. Take the watch to your nearest watchmaker. Usually watches can be dried but damage also often may necessitate a cleaning, overhaul or service of some sort.
Water penetration can be seen by moisute appearing on the underside of a watches crystal. This is a phenomenome that is caused by temperature differences inside a watchcase and usually to the benefit of the movement as the moisture inside a case may move to the crystal rather than to gather on the working movement. If seen on the crystal many times the movement may be seen to continue working. The assumption can be drawn that moisture is not, at present, on the movement and getting a watch to a technician to dry it out is important.
Water can enter a case by case cracks, through the crystal, crown or the caseback.
Water cannot go through the crystal glass if it’s not cracked. It must enter through a crack or separation of the seal at the case and crystal connection.
Caseback seals are often compromised after battery replacement. The caseback seal must be broken when a power cell is replaced and unless resealed, often water may enter.
The crown, which on modern watches is the device that is used to set the time or date may wear out with age as well. The crown seals may harden and become brittle which will allow water to pass along the stem into the watch. Sometimes when water makes entry through the crown it travels right to the crystal and can be seen. The most damaging moisture is from caseback penetration.
In 1926 Rolex produced the first of the new designs of water resistant watches. The name Rolex and water resistance is almost one. Other watches have been made and are perhaps as secure against water penetration as is a Rolex watch but none has gained the worlds attention like Rolex watches have.
In any case when battery’s need to be replaced, professional replacement is always recommended. The ability to test a watch for water resistance is not always available from mall and even established jewelers. Usually, battery replacement does not guarantee that a water resistance check has been made.
