Water Resistance Testing

[HogwldFLTR]

I'm a bit tired of running to the AD to have watches WR tested. I decided to pull the trigger on a home unit which should be able to test to 100m which seems useful for most of my needs. Pretty interesting reading up on testing. It's hard to find reasonable methods for testing at home to higher pressures. The only unit I could find supplies higher pressure but the check is to see if condensation occurs inside the watch. That would seem to late. Also hard to find any articles on how the pros test for WR at high pressures. Any inputs on this topic would be helpful. Anyone else doing home testing?

From a pure engineering perspective, pressurizing a watch in atmosphere and submerging it is really no test for WR but air pressure resistance as air and water diffuse differently. That said, watching for bubble escaping is at least benign to the watch.

[GradeV]

Testing a fully assembled watch runs the risk of damaging the movement if it turns out the water resistance has failed.

I personally would not test any of my nice watches at home as it really should be done with the innards (movement, dial, hands) taken out of the watch en bloc. I would play around with my home-assembled NH70-based toy; I would not dare open the caseback of any of my other pieces.

[Andad]

That will only read to 60 metres Lee which, in any event, is way more than you need.

I converted my one to a dry test.

Note for SpeedMaster sapphire sandwich WR doubters.

It easily held 6 Bar for my 20 minute test.

[GradeV]

Originally Posted by Andad

That will only read to 60 metres Lee which, in any event, is way more than you need.

I converted my one to a dry test.

Note for SpeedMaster sapphire sandwich WR doubters.

It easily held 6 Bar for my 20 minute test.

Dry test much safer; zero risk of water ingress and you are unlikely to deform the case with these pressures.

I never doubted the speedy.

[1William]

Interesting. My AD is only five minutes away and they have the equipment from Rolex to test watches. I don't do it very often and almost never wear my Rolex or more expensive watches in the water. A job for my Seiko's and G-Shocks.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by GradeV

Testing a fully assembled watch runs the risk of damaging the movement if it turns out the water resistance has failed.

I personally would not test any of my nice watches at home as it really should be done with the innards (movement, dial, hands) taken out of the watch en bloc. I would play around with my home-assembled NH70-based toy; I would not dare open the caseback of any of my other pieces.

If the watch fails testing it will need a service regardless. I'm not certain what the real risk is. Note that if the case is opened then the seals should be replaced which is essentially a partial service anyway.

Originally Posted by Andad

That will only read to 60 metres Lee which, in any event, is way more than you need.

I converted my one to a dry test.

Note for SpeedMaster sapphire sandwich WR doubters.

It easily held 6 Bar for my 20 minute test.

What was the conversion out of curiosity; how do you check? It looks like you're looking for deformation.

[Andad]

I made this module from bits of PVC and fixed a micrometer to it.

The deflection is shown on the dial and if it holds the deflection for 20 minutes at 6 Bar it passes my test.

[geoach]

all I do once a year start of summer is the ice cube test............if the condensation disappears in a few seconds the watch is still sealed

[padi56]

Originally Posted by geoach

all I do once a year start of summer is the ice cube test............if the condensation disappears in a few seconds the watch is still sealed

Well doubt if you use your watches in water like say scuba,but a simple dry test in any high street watch shop to 100 m watch will be fine for most water activity but for scuba best test to 200m plus

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by Andad

I made this module from bits of PVC and fixed a micrometer to it.

The deflection is shown on the dial and if it holds the deflection for 20 minutes at 6 Bar it passes my test.

Thanks!

[SOG DIVER]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well doubt if you use your watches in water like say scuba,but a simple dry test in any high street watch shop to 100 m watch will be fine for most water activity but for scuba best test to 200m plus

Submariner and Sea Dweller references were made for either SCUBA or hard hat MK-5 salvage divers. As tool watches, the Submariners have been used since 1953 under water at depth.
Considering current values, a regular gasket and pressure tests are recommended from an AD or trusted CW21 watchmaker. This is particularly true of vintage models.

I have used a red 1680, a 5512, and a 14060M with SCUBA Gulf diving without issues. But, I take my own advice as to pressure tests and new O-ring gaskets.
This includes the crystal and crown O-rings. Double test after installation
or service. Sea water has no mercy on watch caliber internals.