[mcubed]

Originally Posted by Tools

Pitting or corrosion of the mating surfaces is a pretty well known phenomenon..

It is more prevalent in watches that have not been cleaned or serviced. It takes quite a long time for this to occur and wearing it to the gym or other physical activities is not the culprit by itself, but rather allowing the accumulation of salts and oils to stay there and turn to acids.

It does not get trapped between the case-back and the gasket necessarily, but builds up against the gasket seal, then erodes around it, and eventually underneath the gasket, then finally burrowing itself to the other side. The mating surfaces can be cleaned up at service.. they can also be built up and repaired, but Rolex does not do this, you need a specialist.

Again, if you routinely have the watch cleaned and serviced, this is likely to never be an issue..

Here is an extreme case of "etching" and a quality repair of the surfaces by Mr. Bob Ridley, a Rolex restoration professional..

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=39986

So I am guessing that running the watch under some tap water after a workout is not such a bad idea......