Really like the Speedmaster, but what about water resistance?

[ProfEd]

Hi all,
I have really taken a liking to the Omega's even though I am a Rolex kind of guy.

The Omega Speedmaster really is a nice piece as far as looks (though I have never actually tried one on). I am looking into getting one, but I often spend time in the water (or with my hand in my coral reef aquarium).

My question is this: I have read that the Speedmaster has a depth rating of 30m/100ft, is that rating meant for me to actually swim with it? (I have checked out the chart in the sticky) What about submersing it for only a few seconds at a time in a saltwater fish tank? I can't be bothered with taking my watch on and off every time I need to stick my hand in my tank (which is often).

I just wanted some insight from those of you who have either used in such an environment, or those of you who have worked on them and understand their real world ratings.

Thanks much!
Ed

[Andad]

We have an Omega sheet somewhere on the Forum that lists the actual depth ratings against the stated ratings. I am sure Peter or Larry will post it up.

I'll have a look for it.

[Andad]

We have an Omega sheet somewhere on the Forum that lists the actual depth ratings against the stated ratings. I am sure Peter or Larry will post it up.

I'll have a look for it.

[PhilM]

Don't take the Speedy near water IMO, unless you want to then take the watch for a service... it's not desinged to withstand submersion into water at all, maybe the odd rain shower and that's it

[jwalther]

I believe new Speedy Pros are rated to 50m. That said, I wouldn't stick one in a salt water tank on a regular basis. You've got a Sub for that

[xjeeunitx]

You can bath/swim/shower in it without any problems. No worries.

[PhilM]

Originally Posted by xjeeunitx

You can bath/swim/shower in it without any problems. No worries.

Really not with a depth rating of 30m/100ft

[xjeeunitx]

Originally Posted by PhilM

Really not with a depth rating of 30m/100ft

Are you kidding me? You can swim in a pool without any issues as long as you know the watch has been pressure tested. The OP said he will be slightly submerging his watch in his "aquarium." If he swims in a regular pool, his watch will be submerged 15 feet at max. I've done all of this without any issues. I mean don't go scuba diving with the watch. Daily washing, bathing, and swimming is no problem for the Speedy Pro. I can guarantee it. Ask any other Speedy Pro owners on this forum.

[BH13GMT]

Sorry Guys, I cant get Deuce Bigalow out of my head when reading this post

[xjeeunitx]

Originally Posted by BH13GMT

Sorry Guys, I cant get Deuce Bigalow out of my head when reading this post

"I think there's something wrong with my...big fish."

"That's a huge b***h!"

"There must be some kind of mistake."
"Did you say STEAK?"
"No, MIS-take."
"Oh, see, now you got me all excited."

That movie is a classic.

[ProfEd]

You guys are a riot. I do dive/fish/etc, and when I am in the ocean I would have my Sub on. I just want to get something that has a different "look" than the Sub that can still take getting wet. Also, I am in Florida, so it will undoubtedly get rained on. It had better be able to take that, bear minimum, or it isn't worth a bent nickel to me.

The reason I posted the inquiry is because of the lack of understanding on my part (and others) as to what these "depth ratings" really mean. If it says 30m, I would expect that it can be submerged for an extended period of time under 30m of water. Evidently this is not actually a "real world" rating. It seems that these ratings need a "real world" adjustment.

I greatly appreciate the responses, but I am still a little uneasy about it. I certainly don't want to shell out money fixing it; I just want a watch that has great looks (like the Speedmaster) that is also at least somewhat compatible with my lifestyle.

Thanks again!
Ed

(here's my Deuce Bigalow shot....from awhile ago...didn't know my wife was there....btw, every last thing in this glass box is a piece of living coral)

[SLRdude]

You can even swim with it, just don't water ski or smack your arms against the water with it on. That kind of activity will create water pressure far higher than a 10 meter column of water.

[ProfEd]

I noted in the original post that I have already seen the chart. I have just heard and read a great deal of conflicting information as to how accurate that chart is in the "real world." I am really hoping to come across someone who is saying that they have in fact swam (maybe a couple hours duration, at anywhere from surface to 15 feet of water) with it on, without any resulting damage.

So far, xjeeunitx has stated that he has done this very thing. Contradictory to that, however, we have PhilM stating that I should NOT attempt to swim with it.

I won't dive with it, I have a dive watch for that. I just want to know that if I go down the path of getting one (most likely going to sell the Rolex GMT-II "coke" that I just bought on a whim to get one) that it will be able to take up to ~3m of saltwater, with 100% certainty, without getting damaged.

I know it seems like a simple question with a simple answer, but after talking to some people (with the much appreciated input here as well), it seems like there is a great deal of misinformation and confusion about the ratings.

Thanks!
Ed

[AWATCH]

I think the chart put out by the manufacturer pretty much says it all. As long as it is maintained you should be able to do the things you want to do. But if it were me and I were going to the beach I would still wear the Sub.

[SLRdude]

It passed NASA's tests for water resistance so I'm sure a swim won't do anything.
I had mine in a swimming pool before with no issues whatsoever.
A decade ago, I used to have a 30 meters water resistance dress quartz Raymond Weil watch which I took to the lake every weekend and I used to water ski with it on.

[ProfEd]

Awesome. Thanks guys!

[enronforme]

I'm waiting for Fr. John to chime in- I'm on the fence about the speedy moon as well- you would think it would be ok for a dunking, but who knows?

[rad87gn]

My Speedy Pro is rated 50m. Omega says it's fine with splashes, rain, showering, and a light swim. I've worn mine washing cars, in the rain, showering, and swimming. Not one issue. Long as the seals are good no problem. Just don't push the buttons or move the crown while wet or go scuba diving with it.

It seriously drives me nuts when people say it can't get wet. Part of NASA's requirement was for the watch to resist water.

[xjeeunitx]

Originally Posted by rad87gn

My Speedy Pro is rated 50m. Omega says it's fine with splashes, rain, showering, and a light swim. I've worn mine washing cars, in the rain, showering, and swimming. Not one issue. Long as the seals are good no problem. Just don't push the buttons or move the crown while wet or go scuba diving with it.

It seriously drives me nuts when people say it can't get wet. Part of NASA's requirement was for the watch to resist water.

I feel you on that brother!

[PhilM]

It's interesting to see that Omega table above, as it actually differs to the ISO one .... as they clearly quote that 30m is only good for spalsh \ rain resistant and nothing else.

So it looks like there's the ISO and then Omega

BTW: As we're talking about Speedy's, here are a couple of mine

[Tools]

ISO ratings are stated minimums.. Any watch manufacturer can exceed those in actual testing and manufacture...

Early Speedys were only rated at 30 meters, but improved manufacturing methods and seals have pushed the newer ones up to 50 meters.

Even at 30 meters (over 90 feet), it is still deeper than anybody can go swimming without risking themselves; so it would follow that your watch won't have any isssues..

[jwalther]

Originally Posted by SLRdude

It passed NASA's tests for water resistance so I'm sure a swim won't do anything.
I had mine in a swimming pool before with no issues whatsoever.
A decade ago, I used to have a 30 meters water resistance dress quartz Raymond Weil watch which I took to the lake every weekend and I used to water ski with it on.

I'm pretty sure NASA was not concerned with WR in space

[vukotab]

Well, although it`s not suitable for diving and all other water sports, it`s perfectly safe for you to do with it all that you mentioned above. I had Speedy Pro for some time, and I find it GREAT everyday watch, suitable for all conditions, except the extreme ones!

[SLRdude]

Originally Posted by jwalther

I'm pretty sure NASA was not concerned with WR in space

They were concerned enough to where they tested for it.
Perhaps water was not an issue, but pressure is.

[jwalther]

Originally Posted by SLRdude

They were concerned enough to where they tested for it.
Perhaps water was not an issue, but pressure is.

The original NASA tests included one subjecting the watches to high humidity, but not WR.

I'm going to step way beyond the scope of my expertise here . . .but WR measures the ability of a watch to resist external pressure. The opposite quality is desireable in the vacuum of space. Higher pressure exists inside the watch, and must be released else the watch "explode" when exposed to a vacuum. A tightly buttoned up diver's watch with a high WR is not what you want on a space walk. . .

I hope there is someone reading this thread who can explain this better than I can!

[Denver Dick]

My Speedmaster Date is rated 100M so no worries here, mate. Most I do is wash it under running water in the sink. Once and great while I might go in a pool. I leave the ocean to sharks, whales, dolphins and those darn stinging jellyfishes.