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lepilo · 24 January 2010, 02:59 AM

Everyone of you probably had to explain this to non watch aficionado at some point in time. No - you cannot snorkle in your AP or Patek that says 30 or 50 meters. What about Rolex? Nobody is planning to go 4000ft, and I am not talking about Seadweller. What about GMT 1675? Can you really go down 50 meters, swim or snorkle? Or for that matter could you really take old Subs with ratings of 100meters to 100 meters? Or is it the same deal as with modern watches? Just wondering.

Thanks, Adi.

JJ Irani · 24 January 2010, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lepilo

Everyone of you probably had to explain this to non watch aficionado at some point in time. No - you cannot snorkle in your AP or Patek that says 30 or 50 meters. What about Rolex? Nobody is planning to go 4000ft, and I am not talking about Seadweller. What about GMT 1675? Can you really go down 50 meters, swim or snorkle? Or for that matter could you really take old Subs with ratings of 100meters to 100 meters? Or is it the same deal as with modern watches? Just wondering.

Thanks, Adi.

Hi and welcome to TRF, Adi.

All Rolex watches can safely be taken down to their rated depth and 25% more as they have actually been tested to 125% of the stipulated rating.

However, with the older models, it's best you first have them checked out by a good watchmaker for a pressure test and the condition of the seals before venturing out into the deep.

JJ

lepilo · 24 January 2010, 03:32 PM

Why do other brands rate their watches 30 and 50 meters, when you can barely wash your hands in them or splash in the pool at best. Any history there?

BTW, my new favorite

sakuraba · 24 January 2010, 04:32 PM

Nice snowflake!

Don't know about other watches, but Rolexes are overengineered. They should easily achieve their stated goal (ie water resistance, anti magnetivity).

If you do a search on these forums, there is a French member that routinely dives with a Rolex. One was a Daytona.

ParisDakarBmw · 24 January 2010, 05:04 PM

I like the red date in the feature window. These age good too. The patina on the Tudor subs are interesting. Completely different from a full Rollie.

bb3188 · 24 January 2010, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Hi and welcome to TRF, Adi.

All Rolex watches can safely be taken down to their rated depth and 25% more as they have actually been tested to 125% of the stipulated rating.

However, with the older models, it's best you first have them checked out by a good watchmaker for a pressure test and the condition of the seals before venturing out into the deep.

JJ

Is there any chance of damage to vintage watches during pressure test?

adam78 · 24 January 2010, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bearbrass3188

Is there any chance of damage to vintage watches during pressure test?

I don't think so. They don't actually immerse them in water.

CaveDiver · 25 January 2010, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adam78

I don't think so. They don't actually immerse them in water.

There is a wet test they use if there is a leek. However water does not go into the watch if it leaks.

Tools · 25 January 2010, 01:57 PM

During the wet test, the watch is put in a chamber above the water...the chamber is then pressurized... If there are any leaks in the case, it will fill with the pressurized air...

Then, as the pressure is slowly relieved, the watch is submerged... If it had a leak, then the excess air inside would show as bubbles as it escaped from the watch at the point where the seals failed.....

Unless the watch is kept in there past the equalization pressure, the air will come out and no water will go in..........

Earl Camembert · 25 January 2010, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lepilo

Why do other brands rate their watches 30 and 50 meters, when you can barely wash your hands in them or splash in the pool at best. Any history there?

The depth rating on a watch is with new seals and the watch is not moving. In the real world one moves wile swimming this puts pressure on the watch; diving into water puts even more pressure on the watch.

bb3188 · 25 January 2010, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

During the wet test, the watch is put in a chamber above the water...the chamber is then pressurized... If there are any leaks in the case, it will fill with the pressurized air...

Then, as the pressure is slowly relieved, the watch is submerged... If it had a leak, then the excess air inside would show as bubbles as it escaped from the watch at the point where the seals failed.....

Unless the watch is kept in there past the equalization pressure, the air will come out and no water will go in..........

Thanks Tools for that info!

Might get my vintage watches tested to be sure !!

Safetrends · 25 January 2010, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bearbrass3188

Thanks Tools for that info!

Might get my vintage watches tested to be sure !!

I had the seals replace with my 1601 this month and it is good for another 4 to 5 years, it is good insurance to have the watch sealed and tested than to have the movement get damaged.

pz93c · 25 January 2010, 05:20 PM

Had the seals changed on my last service, too.

1603 is good to go.

acce1999 · 27 January 2010, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Earl Camembert

The depth rating on a watch is with new seals and the watch is not moving. In the real world one moves wile swimming this puts pressure on the watch; diving into water puts even more pressure on the watch.

The added pressure from movement in water is something like the equivalent of 1 to 1.5 meters, no more.

Earl Camembert · 27 January 2010, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acce1999

The added pressure from movement in water is something like the equivalent of 1 to 1.5 meters, no more.

OK what is the additional pressure of a dive from 15 feet? Lets get silly; a diver at the maximum depth of his watch rating is attacked by a shark. What additional pressure would he exert on his watch as he swam for his life?

Don't laugh it would make a great Rolxex add. John Cameron Swayze did that often; it took a licking and kept on licking.

Andad · 27 January 2010, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Earl Camembert

OK what is the additional pressure of a dive from 15 feet? Lets get silly; a diver at the maximum depth of his watch rating is attacked by a shark. What additional pressure would he exert on his watch as he swam for his life?

Don't laugh it would make a great Rolxex add. John Cameron Swayze did that often; it took a licking and kept on licking.

what is the additional pressure of a dive from 15 feet

Insignificant.

What additional pressure would he exert on his watch as he swam for his life?

Less than insignificant.

TheDude · 27 January 2010, 06:37 PM

FWIW, Bob Ridley informed me that accepted best-practice for any plexi-crystal is to have it replaced at each service.

If the OP plans to seriously use a vintage, it might be best to set aside your original crystal (if you even have it), and put a new replacement to achieve maximum integrity for the timepiece.

Nicko · 27 January 2010, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lepilo

Why do other brands rate their watches 30 and 50 meters, when you can barely wash your hands in them or splash in the pool at best. Any history there?

BTW, my new favorite

Love the Snowflake

It will be my next purchase (if the current on I bought ever shows up)

maverick · 28 January 2010, 03:53 AM

Rolex is the only company that states it's watches are "waterproof" AFAIK. Most say "water resistent' or some vague water rating.

Is there a special reason you want to use a vintage watch for diving or whatever water activity you are planning?

I would not truth a superdome but a top hat style would probably be OK if tested and looped closely for cracks.

The old acrylic superdomes are starting to fatique to the point I would not get mine too wet. JMHO

=) maverick

Earl Camembert · 3 February 2010, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maverick

Rolex is the only company that states it's watches are "waterproof" AFAIK. Most say "water resistent' or some vague water rating.

You are correct. I wonder if the FTC knows this as they prohibit the term "waterproof".

Quote:

39 One comment, however, asked the Commission
to establish a test and definition for ‘‘waterproof’’
watches. Bell (7) p.1. The Watch Guides admonish
against the use of the term ‘‘waterproof,’’ and the
Commission solicited comment on whether that
admonition was justified. The comments generally
supported the admonition against the use of the
term. JCWA (1) p.6; EU (2) p.2 (‘‘The use of the
terms . . . ‘‘waterproof’’ must be prohibited
because they can disclose [sic] the consumer on the
right performance of the watch’’); USWC (3) p.2 (the
word ‘‘proof’’ is too strong a term); Swiss (5) p.24
(‘‘The word ‘‘proof’’ connotes a measure of absolute
protection that unfortunately does not exist with
respect to watches, especially over prolonged
periods of time’’);

http://www.ftc.gov/os/1999/06/64fr30898.pdf

Earl Camembert · 3 February 2010, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by directioneng

what is the additional pressure of a dive from 15 feet

Insignificant.

You obviously have never hit water from even 5 feet.

Even the resistance of air is not "insignificant" and we can not swim in air.

Andad · 3 February 2010, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Earl Camembert

You obviously have never hit water from even 5 feet.

Even the resistance of air is not "insignificant" and we can not swim in air.

I have dived from 10 metres so often I can't count.

I survived so did my watch so the 'extra pressure' couldn't be that much.

I will be in Melbourne next week and will be catching up with Steve.

If he has a local pool I will dive off the 10 metre platform as many time as you want with my Rolex strapped on.

IMO you are way off with your calculations.

Earl Camembert · 3 February 2010, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by directioneng

I have dived from 10 metres so often I can't count - still can.

The meter on the side of my house that measures how much electricity I use is only four feet off the ground so that is not very high.

Andad · 3 February 2010, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Earl Camembert

The meter on the side of my house that measures how much electricity I use is only four feet off the ground so that is not very high.

Oh, sorry, it's the spelling.

lepilo · 4 February 2010, 01:18 AM

Yet again I've learned tons of info. I am not planning to dive in the vintage watches(I mean in the water). But having 2 little boys, I am constantly in and out of the pool or on some sort of water slide. Good to know that with regular service, I do not have to worry which Rolex I am wearing.

Earl Camembert · 5 February 2010, 12:51 PM

Check out this post; it answers the question.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showpost....6&postcount=20

Bellazeng · 5 February 2010, 06:27 PM

Can any one who can tell me what is the difference between waterproof" and water resistent' ? I am very puzzled about that..thanks in advance.. I will like to pick up a Rolex Submariner for my bfhttp://www.pop-watches.com/product/R...ch/1739/1.aspx

Earl Camembert · 6 February 2010, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bellazeng

Can any one who can tell me what is the difference between waterproof" and water resistent' ?

Look at the post just above yours.

maverick · 6 February 2010, 11:40 AM

Guaranteed WATERPROOF. =) maverick

oakalley · 6 February 2010, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bellazeng

Can any one who can tell me what is the difference between waterproof" and water resistent' ? I am very puzzled about that..thanks in advance.. I will like to pick up a Rolex Submariner for my bfhttp://www.pop-watches.com/product/R...ch/1739/1.aspx

You are asking about waterproof vs water resistant and you link is to a Fake watch website?

24 January 2010, 02:59 AM	#1
lepilo "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: nj Posts: 38	Water resistance Everyone of you probably had to explain this to non watch aficionado at some point in time. No - you cannot snorkle in your AP or Patek that says 30 or 50 meters. What about Rolex? Nobody is planning to go 4000ft, and I am not talking about Seadweller. What about GMT 1675? Can you really go down 50 meters, swim or snorkle? Or for that matter could you really take old Subs with ratings of 100meters to 100 meters? Or is it the same deal as with modern watches? Just wondering. Thanks, Adi.

25 January 2010, 01:57 PM	#9
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,037	During the wet test, the watch is put in a chamber above the water...the chamber is then pressurized... If there are any leaks in the case, it will fill with the pressurized air... Then, as the pressure is slowly relieved, the watch is submerged... If it had a leak, then the excess air inside would show as bubbles as it escaped from the watch at the point where the seals failed..... Unless the watch is kept in there past the equalization pressure, the air will come out and no water will go in.......... __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

4 February 2010, 01:18 AM	#25
lepilo "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: nj Posts: 38	Thanks for comments Yet again I've learned tons of info. I am not planning to dive in the vintage watches(I mean in the water). But having 2 little boys, I am constantly in and out of the pool or on some sort of water slide. Good to know that with regular service, I do not have to worry which Rolex I am wearing.

24 January 2010, 04:32 PM	#4
sakuraba "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Jib Location: SJ, California Watch: sun dial Posts: 8,189	Nice snowflake! Don't know about other watches, but Rolexes are overengineered. They should easily achieve their stated goal (ie water resistance, anti magnetivity). If you do a search on these forums, there is a French member that routinely dives with a Rolex. One was a Daytona.

24 January 2010, 05:04 PM	#5
ParisDakarBmw Banned Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Paul Location: New Haven, CT Watch: 116610 Sub-C Posts: 6,552	I like the red date in the feature window. These age good too. The patina on the Tudor subs are interesting. Completely different from a full Rollie.

25 January 2010, 05:20 PM	#13
pz93c "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Brian Location: Republic of Texas Posts: 2,776	Had the seals changed on my last service, too. 1603 is good to go.

27 January 2010, 06:37 PM	#17
TheDude "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: DC Area, USA Watch: IIc,1680 Red,16660 Posts: 4,482	FWIW, Bob Ridley informed me that accepted best-practice for any plexi-crystal is to have it replaced at each service. If the OP plans to seriously use a vintage, it might be best to set aside your original crystal (if you even have it), and put a new replacement to achieve maximum integrity for the timepiece.

28 January 2010, 03:53 AM	#19
maverick Banned Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: maverick Location: Prescott Watch: Rolex Posts: 1,180	Rolex is the only company that states it's watches are "waterproof" AFAIK. Most say "water resistent' or some vague water rating. Is there a special reason you want to use a vintage watch for diving or whatever water activity you are planning? I would not truth a superdome but a top hat style would probably be OK if tested and looped closely for cracks. The old acrylic superdomes are starting to fatique to the point I would not get mine too wet. JMHO =) maverick

5 February 2010, 12:51 PM	#26
Earl Camembert Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,858	Check out this post; it answers the question. http://www.rolexforums.com/showpost....6&postcount=20

5 February 2010, 06:27 PM	#27
Bellazeng "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: USA Posts: 2	Can any one who can tell me what is the difference between waterproof" and water resistent' ? I am very puzzled about that..thanks in advance.. I will like to pick up a Rolex Submariner for my bfhttp://www.pop-watches.com/product/R...ch/1739/1.aspx

6 February 2010, 11:40 AM	#29
maverick Banned Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: maverick Location: Prescott Watch: Rolex Posts: 1,180	Guaranteed WATERPROOF. =) maverick

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