Help! Foggy crystal after swimming

[Mastergreenhand]

I am on vacation and went for a swim. About 15 minutes after exiting the pool, my friend asked me how the crown guard lever worked. I assumed I was dry by then but still, I stupidly open and then closed the lever. but the watch didn't appear wet, but even so, I realized this wasn't the smartest thing to do. A half hour later I checked it and it was fine. But fast FWD a few hours later, after dinner I noticed my crystal had gone foggy.

So what do I do now? Will it go away? Or does it need service now?

[aboen]

You have moisture inside the case that could possibly cause corrosion on the movement, hands or dial, I recommend sending it out for service.

[yld2rob]

Service time for sure!

[Mastergreenhand]

Yeah. I woke up and it was clear. Then I closed the lever and it got foggy again. I'm on vacation in California. Should I contact service and send it from the hotel or wait till I return home? Any tips? It's a P series, so still under warranty.

[B. Doggy]

They should fix it under warranty then!

[Survivor]

Originally Posted by Mastergreenhand

Yeah. I woke up and it was clear. Then I closed the lever and it got foggy again. I'm on vacation in California. Should I contact service and send it from the hotel or wait till I return home? Any tips? It's a P series, so still under warranty.

If you're in SoCal, there's a Panerai Boutique, right in the heart of Beverly Hills, right off Rodeo Blvd. You can drop it off there and have them send it out for service and have them ship it to you back home, wherever that might be.

Good luck!!!!

[U Boat]

Originally Posted by Mastergreenhand

I am on vacation and went for a swim. About 15 minutes after exiting the pool, my friend asked me how the crown guard lever worked. I assumed I was dry by then but still, I stupidly open and then closed the lever. but the watch didn't appear wet, but even so, I realized this wasn't the smartest thing to do. A half hour later I checked it and it was fine. But fast FWD a few hours later, after dinner I noticed my crystal had gone foggy.

So what do I do now? Will it go away? Or does it need service now?

Makes me wonder if the locking mechanism is leaking, as i can't hardly believe water got into the watch 15 minutes after being in the pool. It would have to submerged in water for it to enter the watch, just opening the level and closing it that many minutes after being in a pool, it's hard to believe water could have gotten into the watch.
Unless it was still wet and you by opening it and closing it forced water into the watch. Either way, a servicing is most definitely needed, as I suspect the seals on the stem are leaking.

Is this the first time you had the watch under water?

[Mastergreenhand]

Thanks. And yes this is the first time under any water. Never even a shower. I have swam with my other Pams without a problem. Maybe there was still moisture near the lever and that let it in. I would never open it if I thought it was wet. So I was a bit surprised.

[Mastergreenhand]

I feel so naked without my watch.

[KBM]

I have had something similar happen to a Breitling of mine. I had washed the watch in the sink and thoroughly dried it (or so I thought) with a towel. I then changed the strap and unscrewed the crown to adjust time and date. The next morning my crystal was fogging up. This definitely requires a service, like others have said, to avoid corrosion in the movement caused by the humidity that got in. In my case, even though the watch was still under warranty, they claimed it was my fault and charged me $600. Good luck on getting yours fixed!

[Mastergreenhand]

Do I need my warranty card? I don't get home till next Monday. Thanks for your help guys.

[U Boat]

Originally Posted by Mastergreenhand

Do I need my warranty card? I don't get home till next Monday. Thanks for your help guys.

I would take it just in case, but sending it into for service you should not need then. I have never had a warranty issue, Knock on Wood!

It will be back under warranty {usually one year} after the repairs are done.

I know what you feel like, as mine was sent into for repairs. The A/R coating was distorted. It drove me nuts, especially when it's gone. You suddenly want to wear that one, It never fails.

[DiverAsia]

Just a reminder. Take lots of photos of your watch before you send it in for repair. I don't want to be an alarmist, but taking photos of all aspects of your timepiece could prove beneficial if there is some issue while its being serviced.
Cheers, good luck.

[Mastergreenhand]

Thanks. I will take plenty of pics of the case before sending it. I'm trying to find the service center contact info and can't seem to find the web address. Anyone know where to find the service center info? Thanks

[Jeffa32]

it probably does need a service but what do could do in the meantime is lay the watch on a bed of salt crystals with the leaver open in a sealed container overnight. That will draw out some of the moisture.

[Passionata]

I hardly doubt if any water can get into your case from the crown after 15minutes ,just imagine your hands get completly dry after fifeteen minutes washing your hands,i d rather think there s a little leak where some water got in and condensed on sour crystal later on.I suggest to rush for a service and get your watches pressuretested every year

[Mastergreenhand]

Thanks for the tips gang

[mborkow]

You will need to send the warranty card in with the watch

[robisan]

I just read the title, but this means moisture got inside the watch and you need to have it checked and have the gaskets replaced.

[U Boat]

Originally Posted by robisan

I just read the title, but this means moisture got inside the watch and you need to have it checked and have the gaskets replaced.

Yes it does, moisture will cause corrosion on the movement and also make the oil turn acidic which is bad. It's also a good time to have the gaskets checked and replaced. As i suspect that a seal has failed and allowed water into the watch.

You would not want to leave it that way, as the moisture is not going away till it's serviced properly. Which means a cleaning, and inspection of watch movement, and reassembly of movement, and proper lubrication of pivot points and mainspring. Plus replacement of seals on the watch, and of course a pressure test.

[Mystro]

The watch is suppose to be a certain amount of water resistant even with the crown out. Panerai test it both ways.

[SUBversive]

Originally Posted by aboen

you have moisture inside the case that could possibly cause corrosion on the movement, hands or dial, i recommend sending it out for service.

x2

[Challenger Deep]

It should dissipate. Wait till it does, then send it in.

[Mastergreenhand]

Thanks everyone. I'm sending it in tomorrow now that my vacation is at its end. The warranty card is valid, though it's not in my name. I hope this isn't an issue.