Pressure testing a Speedmaster.

[Andad]

Omega’s chart showing the water resistance of their watches is interesting.

This Speedmaster is considered safe for a dip in the pool.

We area heading to the beach this weekend so I thought I would take it (Speedmaster sapphire sandwich from around 2007).

First I had to pressure test it.

Set the micrometer to zero - pumped to 2, 4 and 6 Bar.

Maximum crystal deflection was 0.10mm

Left it under pressure for 20 minutes with no change.

I would be confident to take this one to 60 metres but must not wave my hands around at that depth.

[fskywalker]

Nice test !


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[agriculture&watches]

Very nice and interesting test. Thank you for sharing

[1William]

Interesting test but it always makes me nervous swimming with watches that are not necessarily made for it. I just defer to my army of dive watches. Nice Speedy.

[brandrea]

That’s a great test Eddie, thank you for sharing

There have been quite a few dissenting posts about swimming with a Speedmaster.

I brought up The topic on the Omega.net forums when I bought my 321 and Archer (who is a very well known and respect Omega watch maker) said that the Speedmaster is perfectly fine for swimming. He also indicated that Omegas own depth chart is accurate in illustrating what watches can be used for.

I guess it’s all about your own comfort level, but I’ve never had an issue taking mine in the pool for dip

[Tools]

Here is what Omega says.

I wouldn't worry about an occasional swim with a well maintained Speedy.

Omega Water Resistance.jpg

[Arcotango]

Very cool! Nice to know how little it deflects, and I'd be curious about a Speedy with hesalite crystal...

[Andad]

I have tested many watches including those with plastic ‘crystals’ and they can deflect up to 0.20mm.

My 16600 only deflects a few microns due to the crystal thickness but it is easy to detect.

I am sometimes surprised to see that even inexpensive watches such as my Seagull 1963’s and Dan Henry's etc. hold 6Bar - even those with chrono pushers.

I wasn’t impressed with the standard pressure tester which requires the watch to be submerged in water when under pressure so I made a small PVC frame with a micrometer attached to fit inside the tester.

The micrometer is zeroed and the tester pumped to 6Bar.

The deflection of the micrometer indicates the watch seals are ok and I expect it to hold that deflection for 20 minutes.

Then I give the watch a pass.