Are vintage Oyster cases waterproof?

[art-b]

Hi,

This is a cross-post from Omega and Watchuseek forums.

I would love to get a waterproof vintage watch to use when I'm out on the boat or swimming. Currently I'm using a Seiko diver, but not really happy with it since it can't be manually wound, looks too contemporary and I'm not really feeling the diver aspect either.

So maybe an old Tudor in an Oyster case would be good. Would love to know if these are actually waterproof enough that you can swim and surface dive with them?

Is there anything else I should take into account when buying a vintage Tudor? I would like the watch to be affordable, simple to service and keeping reasonable time. Would this mean a manually wound movement would be my best bet?

I thank you for your advice!

[jdog111578]

They are when properly maintained. You can have them tested and may require maintenance if they fail. This could include new seals, new crystal, new crown/tube. Unless the metal is corroded or in bad shape, it shouldn't take much to get it up and running safe for the water.

[zapokee]

In theory: yes; in practice: only to the brave.

It's a lot of coin if something goes wrong even between regular pressure tests/seal changes. That said, this risk may be part of the thrill for some

[yannis]

A properly serviced and maintained (regularly pressure checked) vintage Sub should have no problems whatsoever. Oyster cases are "bomb proof".

[art-b]

A little bit more info: A vintage sub is out of my price range. What I have mainly in mind is an old manually wound Tudor. This is mostly due to the price (My impression is that I can get one for about a 1000 or less). I also like the look of no date and white dials.

[MorningTundra]

A Prince Oysterdate can be had for under $1k...


Sent from my cracked, broken, hand wound Phone

[swish77]

Originally Posted by art-b

I would love to get a waterproof vintage watch to use when I'm out on the boat or swimming. Currently I'm using a Seiko diver, but not really happy with it since it can't be manually wound, looks too contemporary and I'm not really feeling the diver aspect either.

What do you mean your Seiko can't be manually wound? All automatic watches can be manually wound, to get them started anyway. I have a Seiko SKX007 that I wear to the gym because it's the perfect watch for times when you don't care if it gets nicked up, wrecked or even stolen. (Well, I'd care a little, because it's a cool diver, but I wouldn't freak out.) Seiko also re-released the so-called "Turtle" series that are also super cool and retro-looking.

[art-b]

Originally Posted by swish77

What do you mean your Seiko can't be manually wound? All automatic watches can be manually wound, to get them started anyway. I have a Seiko SKX007 that I wear to the gym because it's the perfect watch for times when you don't care if it gets nicked up, wrecked or even stolen. (Well, I'd care a little, because it's a cool diver, but I wouldn't freak out.) Seiko also re-released the so-called "Turtle" series that are also super cool and retro-looking.

I mean that it can't be wound from the crown.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by art-b

I mean that it can't be wound from the crown.

Sure it can. If you don't wear it for a while, you manually wind it to get it going, slap it on your wrist and you're good to go. It's an automatic movement, yes?

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by swish77

Sure it can. If you don't wear it for a while, you manually wind it to get it going, slap it on your wrist and you're good to go. It's an automatic movement, yes?

Art is right. Some automatic watches, such as my Seiko 5, can not be wound by the crown. Automatic wind only.

[MILGAUSS88]

Another thing to consider is, you will need to have the watch pressure tested and possibly serviced.
That is probably another $600-700 through a RSC. Anyone coerect me if I am wrong on that price.
I use an independent and never swim with watches on.

[harry in montreal]

I swim with mine. I have a mint dial 7021 I went into the ocean with last month. It is a lot of fun. I had an independent do a full test crown gasket.
I bought a 79090 for the wife a few years ago. It cost me $1400. I did the hillbilly pressure test. First I put it in a cool glass of water. No fog. Then I swam in a pool. No fog. Then she showered with it. No fog. It's been fine for 4 years.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by art-b

A little bit more info: A vintage sub is out of my price range. What I have mainly in mind is an old manually wound Tudor. This is mostly due to the price (My impression is that I can get one for about a 1000 or less). I also like the look of no date and white dials.

If the sealing surfaces are sound, there is no reason why a vintage watch will be any less waterproof than it was when new.

It is a pretty simple thing for a watchmaker to check, and to replace the seals. Happy Hunting.

[donaker]

Why risk destroying a vintage piece? There's a big difference risking $20+k on a sub versus $2+k on a Tudor versus $200 on a Seiko.

The peace of mind is well worth a few shakes of the wrist to get the Seiko movement running every once in a while.

[MorningTundra]

I think the OP is asking us to suggest an Oyster ref at the low end of the price spectrum.... rather than debate how he plans to wear it


Sent from my cracked, broken, hand wound Phone

[art-b]

Originally Posted by MorningTundra

I think the OP is asking us to suggest an Oyster ref at the low end of the price spectrum.... rather than debate how he plans to wear it


Sent from my cracked, broken, hand wound Phone

Yes. If it's not too big a risk to get one wet.

I am very grateful for suggestions for references, where to buy and specific examples. Like I wrote in the original post I would prefer the watch to be inexpensive and simple to service. I like white dials over silver.

[JohnnyNoDate]

Upgrade out any old plexi/crystals with new modern replacements, install new seals, and get the watch pressure checked.

Keep in mind: vintage divers and tool watches may have case rot from regular use and irregular maintenance.

[art-b]

Would this specific watch be a good candidate: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/282337327290

[MorningTundra]

Buying vintage off ebay is a high risk undertaking. Also I think mods frown upon commenting on specific FS ads. I'd recommend posting a WTB ad in this forums classifieds section. Including example pics in your ad maybe ok too.

Sent from my cracked, broken, hand wound Phone

[art-b]

Originally Posted by MorningTundra

Buying vintage off ebay is a high risk undertaking. Also I think mods frown upon commenting on specific FS ads. I'd recommend posting a WTB ad in this forums classifieds section. Including example pics in your ad maybe ok too.

Sent from my cracked, broken, hand wound Phone

Great! Thanks for the advice.