How much sport is too much?

[wikeman]

So far I didn't wear any watches worth mentioning, and I didn't give a thought about how to make them last. If they broke I just retired them.

Now that I bought a Seamaster, and service costs around $400 I'd rather stay away from chopping wood.

How much activity can a Seamaster take? Can I without problems do every kind of sport with it such as tennis and running, or should I rather get a dispensable watch for that?

[wikeman]

Well, I was looking for some personal experiences what not to do. Maybe not just sports.

[dieseldragon]

The watch is nie on indestructible, unless it gets hard impacts, such as dropping it on a hard surface from a height.

I wear my watches for everything, I would be pretty pi**ed off, if a professional diving watch was unable to cope with daily activity. Its like buying a Range Rover then not using off road in case it gets damaged.

The only thing you need to think about is cosmetic damage, such as small scratches, dents picked up in daily life, these can be removed at service any way. Either buy it as a dress watch and cherish it, or wear it and use it.

[stgo2019]

I don't see why you couldn't wear the Seamaster while doing whatever you want. I do. My daughter even dropped it 3 1/2 feet onto a tile floor. it dinged the crown pretty good but it still runs great. I'll get it fixed at the next service.

An automatic watch requires movement in order to run. So, you can leave it on a winder and keep it shiny or do physical activity (run, chop wood, swim) with it and it'll develop a little character. Your choice.

[Andad]

A watch is a precision instrument and most have excellent built in shock protection.
When out on site or on the factory floor I will slip mine in my pocket when common sense dictates that there could be an issue. I would rather protect a watch from damage than complain when it fails.
If a watch survives a fall from 3.5 feet on to a tile floor then luck was on your side on that day IMO.
I would not use that as a criteria for future outcomes.

As for sports - I don't think even Roger Federer wears his Rolex when he plays.

Just my 2c.

[dalip]

She does:



Or get one specially made for you

[wikeman]

Instead of a $400,000 like Nadal, I'd buy a Casio for $15.

[esm]

Originally Posted by wikeman

Instead of a $400,000 like Nadal, I'd buy a Casio for $15.

Great choice of a $15 Casio - so why was this thread even created in the first place?

Probably a good idea to spend abit more on a G Shock.....

[wikeman]

Originally Posted by esm

Great choice of a $15 Casio - so why was this thread even created in the first place?

Probably a good idea to spend abit more on a G Shock.....

I'd like to know if Henin's Rolex ever broke, can you interview her for Rolexforums? She should have enough time on her hands to do it.

[thebigcicero]

I had an interesting conversation with a guy at an Omega AD today. He says that, supposedly, one of the big plusses of the PO over other diving watches is that it is able to withstand greater force impulses. Let me explain:

The PO is water resistant to 600m. In comparison, the Rolex Submariner is water resistant down to 300m. However, we sometimes hear about Submariners leaking in swimming pools, etc. (It probably happens to Omegas too, but I don't know b/c I read the Omega forums less frequently.) Well, the dealer told me that the leaks occur because of the high impulse, not water depth pressure. This makes sense intuitively - the Submariner can withstand pressure at 300m of water, but under constant pressure, no sudden impulse. The sudden impulse of falling into a swimming pool, however, can cause it to leak, notwithstanding the 300m water resistance.

Now, supposedly the PO can withstand a higher impulse because it can also withstand a higher water pressure (due to its 600m resistance). I don't know if this is true or not.

But if it's true, then I would say that the PO can withstand the impulses of most anything else in ordinary life, like tennis, swimming, or whatever.

[dieseldragon]

Originally Posted by thebigcicero

I had an interesting conversation with a guy at an Omega AD today. He says that, supposedly, one of the big plusses of the PO over other diving watches is that it is able to withstand greater force impulses. Let me explain:

The PO is water resistant to 600m. In comparison, the Rolex Submariner is water resistant down to 300m. However, we sometimes hear about Submariners leaking in swimming pools, etc. (It probably happens to Omegas too, but I don't know b/c I read the Omega forums less frequently.) Well, the dealer told me that the leaks occur because of the high impulse, not water depth pressure. This makes sense intuitively - the Submariner can withstand pressure at 300m of water, but under constant pressure, no sudden impulse. The sudden impulse of falling into a swimming pool, however, can cause it to leak, notwithstanding the 300m water resistance.

Now, supposedly the PO can withstand a higher impulse because it can also withstand a higher water pressure (due to its 600m resistance). I don't know if this is true or not.

But if it's true, then I would say that the PO can withstand the impulses of most anything else in ordinary life, like tennis, swimming, or whatever.

That sounds like sales BS to me.

[xjeeunitx]

Originally Posted by dieseldragon

That sounds like sales BS to me.

X2! They're automatic watches... come on now!

[xjeeunitx]

To the OP,

Seamaster can take anything you can throw at it. It's built like a tank.

[colpol]

I wore a SMP for 10 years - every day as my one & only before it was semi retired in 2007

The watch was tough as nails. I've said this numerous times. My Rolex SD is my daily wearer now but £ for £ the SMP is a helluva watch for the money & probably better value than the SD.

[dieseldragon]

Originally Posted by colpol

I wore a SMP for 10 years - every day as my one & only before it was semi retired in 2007

The watch was tough as nails. I've said this numerous times. My Rolex SD is my daily wearer now but £ for £ the SMP is a helluva watch for the money & probably better value than the SD.

x 10000000000

[MikeyP]

From the Omega FAQ page:
Are OMEGA watches shock-resistant ?

Yes. OMEGA watches are shock-resistant to 5000 g

The site has a lot more interesting answers such as magnetic fields, etc.

http://www.omegawatches.com/customer-service/faq

[watchf]

I don't like to wear high profile metallic watches that weigh more than a rubber watch so that rules out ALL luxury watches. I feel uncomfortable with it when sweating in an activity and also risk causing injuries to others. I wear my rubber and plastic Casio for sports.

[dsio]

I'm guessing $400 for servicing is through Omega, the movements in Seamasters are ETA 2892 or ETA 7750 or variants, both of which most watchmakers will have worked on back when they were still wearing their training-loupe's. They're extremely hardy, parts are not rare or expensive, and I intend to wear mine until it has a problem, then get an independent to do the service, probably half that price and just as good.

Long as whoever I pay gives me a warranty on his work and keeps it nicely inside COSC specs I'll be happy. Until then I'll happily beat it senseless :)

[improviz]

Originally Posted by MikeyP

From the Omega FAQ page:
Are OMEGA watches shock-resistant ?

Yes. OMEGA watches are shock-resistant to 5000 g

The site has a lot more interesting answers such as magnetic fields, etc.

http://www.omegawatches.com/customer-service/faq

They then go on to state, under the following question:

Q: What should I do to ensure that my watch continues to provide excellent service for many years?

A: Magnetic fields: avoid placing your watch on speakers or refrigerators, since these have strong magnetic fields.

Bathing in the sea: always rinse your watch with warm water afterwards.

Shocks: whether thermal or other, avoid them.

Crown: screw it in carefully to ensure that no water enters the mechanism.

Cleaning: for metal bracelets and for all water-resistant cases use a toothbrush with soapy water and a soft cloth for drying.

Chemical products: avoid direct contact with solvents, detergents, perfumes, cosmetic products etc., since they may damage the bracelet, the case or the gaskets.

Temperatures: avoid extreme temperatures (above 60C, or 140F, below 0C, or 32F) or extreme temperature changes.

So, it would seem that in Omega's view, while the watch is designed to handle extreme shocks, it's probably best to avoid them if possible, insofar as the long-term reliability of the watch is concerned. Which makes sense: subjecting any mechanical system to shock will stress the system more, and would probably accelerate wear and tear.

Doesn't mean that you can't be active while wearing it, but if I were chopping wood or doing something similar that would subject the watch to repeated multi-g shocks, I'd probably just take it off for the peace of mind.

[rad87gn]

Originally Posted by thebigcicero

I had an interesting conversation with a guy at an Omega AD today. He says that, supposedly, one of the big plusses of the PO over other diving watches is that it is able to withstand greater force impulses. Let me explain:

The PO is water resistant to 600m. In comparison, the Rolex Submariner is water resistant down to 300m. However, we sometimes hear about Submariners leaking in swimming pools, etc. (It probably happens to Omegas too, but I don't know b/c I read the Omega forums less frequently.) Well, the dealer told me that the leaks occur because of the high impulse, not water depth pressure. This makes sense intuitively - the Submariner can withstand pressure at 300m of water, but under constant pressure, no sudden impulse. The sudden impulse of falling into a swimming pool, however, can cause it to leak, notwithstanding the 300m water resistance.

Now, supposedly the PO can withstand a higher impulse because it can also withstand a higher water pressure (due to its 600m resistance). I don't know if this is true or not.

But if it's true, then I would say that the PO can withstand the impulses of most anything else in ordinary life, like tennis, swimming, or whatever.

Yeah, this is marketing BS! Both the Sub and PO has more water resistance than any normal person will ever be exposed to. Any Rolex or Omega that leaked water either had a crown open or wasn't serviced in a reasonable amount of time. Have the water resistance checked once a year if exposed to water.

[TonyD]

Lets be reasonable I guess. Play golf or tennis? Sure go for it. Mow the lawn with it? Sure, no problem.

Now if I'm using a jackhammer or a chainsaw I generally won't wear a watch anyway is it gets uncomfortable. Not that I have ever used a jackhammer but the chainsaw, yes.

I think shock is one thing but these are also filled with tiny gears so I would avoid severe vibrations more than anything.

[dsio]

Originally Posted by TonyD

Lets be reasonable I guess. Play golf or tennis? Sure go for it. Mow the lawn with it? Sure, no problem.

Now if I'm using a jackhammer or a chainsaw I generally won't wear a watch anyway is it gets uncomfortable. Not that I have ever used a jackhammer but the chainsaw, yes.

I think shock is one thing but these are also filled with tiny gears so I would avoid severe vibrations more than anything.

Pro wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin wore an Omega Seamaster Chronograph (Titanium) in the ring for years. The only time it was ever damaged was when it was knocked off his wrist, and The Undertaker intentionally stomped on it (Undertaker thought the watch was a prop and that he was playing along).

The watch didn't break, the springbar did.

Story goes, after the Undertaker apologized profusely for damaging Steve's beloved Omega, the watch was back on his wrist as soon as a replacement springbar was installed.

I think as far as sports go that proves the level of abuse these things can take, and unlike all the other Omega sports spokesman, Steve Austin was never paid, he wears both this Seamaster and a Rolex Yacht-Master SS/Plat because he just genuinely loves watches.

[Justjosh]

The only time I have seriously "hurt" a watch was an accident sliding on ice that ended up with me grinding the steel of a Concord across the concrete. I have done everything from skiing to hunting to changing baby diapers. And my watches never have any problems day to day

[dieseldragon]

Originally Posted by TonyD

Lets be reasonable I guess. Play golf or tennis? Sure go for it. Mow the lawn with it? Sure, no problem.

Now if I'm using a jackhammer or a chainsaw I generally won't wear a watch anyway is it gets uncomfortable. Not that I have ever used a jackhammer but the chainsaw, yes.

I think shock is one thing but these are also filled with tiny gears so I would avoid severe vibrations more than anything.

I used to have a 16610 that I wore everyday for 14 years, I have to say it looked pretty tired (I work in structural swimming pool repair, so subjected to usual building site nastiness) I finally realised that I should give it a break after using a pica-pica on and off all day. The watch was still working but gained 10 mins, the following day it returned to normal time keeping. I took it to be serviced after this and have since sold it. I still wear my watches every day but remove them for very dirty jobs just for cosmetic reasons.

So I bought an old Seiko to use as a beater, but I even take that off now..

If you have a watch, wear it! They are pretty damned tough and can pretty much take whatever you can throw at them, then after you will have some interesting battle scars to talk about over a beer!

[Cato]

I've worn a Seamaster for 15 years and have taken it jogging and shooting with no ill effects. It's meant for SERIOUS diving so you can do any kind of physical activity without worry.

[rkm]

A while back my Seamaster Pro (2531) was penetrated by water during a diving event so I had to have it serviced. I also knocked the bezel off at the same time . Anyway, Nesbit's took care of the service and repair in less than two weeks. Recently, I wore a Casio G-Shock while doing a shallow drift-dive and found out to my surprise that it also was penetrated with water. For me it doesn't seem to matter as any watch can fail given the right circumstances. For me, I'll just keep wearing them all and have them repaired/serviced as needed.

[dysondiver]

i was told once that golf was about the hardest sport on a watch ,,, fast swing sudden stop, sounds believable ish. ive a twenty quid casio i wear if im doing something i know will be rough. most watches will stand up to knocks etc but why take the chance.
id guess in general the most dangerous place for a watch is the bathroom, heat , steam , water and usually a tile floor , mixed with wet and slippery soap.
makes rugby seem tame from a watches point of view.

[ManUtd]

I have taken my 10 year old SMP to almost any condition I can think of including dives at 100+ feet. It is really tough as nails.

[Dweller of the Sea]

As long as you don´t use the watch as a golf ball, I think it will pretty much take any activity.

Jackhammers are no-go for watches of almost any kind. The screws in the movement can come out, because of the violent trembling.

[Maxtor]

I laughed when I read this:

"Temperatures: avoid extreme temperatures (above 60C, or 140F, below 0C, or 32F) or extreme temperature changes."

I live in Toronto and that means I would have to put the SMP in a drawer for at least 3 months a year. Maybe that is a typo.