Waterproofness 80s and 90s GMT

[Angler99]

I have a Datejust that I just love and wear daily, but I'm wanting a sports watch I can travel with and thinking of getting an 80s or 90s GMT, as I'm a bit of a sucker for the vintage look (not sure if 90s count as vintage or not). The GMT seems to be the right fit for me in terms of look and size, but how waterproof will an older watch be if serviced periodically? I'm not diving with it, but thinking of the occasional swim or snorkel and I also fish a lot so the watch would be submerged a foot or so often. Sorry if this has been covered before.

[Dan S]

Some vintage watches (even from the 70s or 60s) can be made to pass a pressure test, but it's unlikely that someone selling you a watch will guarantee it. You would probably have to buy the watch, have it serviced, and hope that with the new seals it will pass a pressure test.

[zapokee]

Just get it pressure-tested regularly and it will be fine for swimming and snorkeling.

[springer]

There are no issues with a 1990s or even 1980s GMT being water tight - unless of course there are issues with the crystal, case back or crown seals. Any of these seal issues can also occur with the newer, modern Rolex GMTs too.

My best advice would be to have the watch pressure tested after your purchase - it is worth the minimal expense.

[Tom1675]

Get one with tritium lume plots and you'll get some patina for the vintage feel you're looking for.

As for what's considered vintage, well that's another question altogether! You can start here-
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=658661

[Gepetto]

@Dan_S is correct. With regular service and changing seals, crystal and so forth, even very old watches can pass pressure testing. Remember that those older watches usually are 50m water resistant, with newer ones being 100m (and 200m for Submariners). I regularly wear a 5513 that I just serviced and it passed an 80m pressure test (more than enough for a few minutes of swimming), and I suspect would have passed 100m or more had I not been too lazy to pump the tester up to greater pressure.

The issue - at least for me - is in the event of some sort of accident, would I want to risk a vintage watch of considerable value (and no warranty) by taking it swimming when I could take something newer (and cheaper) to accomplish what I need.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Gepetto

The issue - at least for me - is in the event of some sort of accident, would I want to risk a vintage watch of considerable value (and no warranty) by taking it swimming when I could take something newer (and cheaper) to accomplish what I need.

Fair point. It will probably be OK if you have it pressure tested, but why risk it when you can wear a Casio (or a Sub C if you can't bear anything less) in the pool?

[BigBlue1]

I haven’t submerged my watch yet and am very afraid to do so. Good luck in whatever you purchase and please do show photos.

[Tools]

An 80's or 90's GMT should be capable of being as waterproof as it was when new, as long as the seals and sealing surfaces are sound.

It's steel and rubber, it doesn't turn into toast and jelly.

[77T]

The whole question of a vintage watch being water resistant is based on what you start with. In other words are the bones free of rot to begin with.

Corrosion on the midcase surfaces (both topside and underside, in the tube or the caseback is unacceptable. So don’t buy without a perfect starting point. Even small sections of corroded surface can cause problems for the gaskets and o-rings to remain seated/sealed over time.

This means paying a price - often the bargain vintage model (with a low initial price) comes along with a big bill in the caboose later on.


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[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Fair point. It will probably be OK if you have it pressure tested, but why risk it when you can wear a Casio (or a Sub C if you can't bear anything less) in the pool?

Same here - you might get it pressured tested and it comes back okay on that day, but who really knows thereafter? Why take the risk when there is not really a need?

[sishac]

For swimming and water sports I picked up an Omega Bond SMP....I love the blue wavy dial and wear it on a nato strap for safety. To me it is a modern classic. Of course, I get it pressure tested every year as well!! Insure, pressure-test and enjoy!!!!


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[Richard Carver]

Lol

[Angler99]

Thanks for all the replies. It's been very helpful.

[Jackie Daytona]

I wear my 1983 GMT master on the pool pretty regularly. It has been serviced regularly though and any gaskets or seals with issues replaced when found problematic. It’s never been an issue.

[timnik]

I have a 69 GMT Master and a Explorer II 42mm from 2015.

I don't put them near water. I even take them off to do the washing up.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

Lol

My AD told me I'll be able to play golf and swim wearing my Submariner.

That's great. I couldn't play golf or swim before I got it.

#oldjoke

[nolaclarky]

I wear a '71 1675 GMT 24/7 - gym, pool, shower, ocean, wherever. I had it serviced and pressure tested following purchase so I knew for sure. The servicer (a well known name here) said there is zero difference between the 1675 and 16750 that would make the 16750 100m rated vs. 50m rating for the 1675...just marketing hype.

[Filipão]

Provided it's been properly serviced, ANY old Oyster will be good to do just about anything you like.

[donq]

I wear my 1675 swimming in the pool and shower, even in the sea.

If it passes the pressure test it’s fine.

[iliketime]

I have purchased an 80s datejust which didnt pass. Rolliworks made sure it would with laser welding. rest assured, they can be fixed.

[Tools]

Older watches can corrode where the case-back o-ring seals, allowing water to enter past that seal.

This can be welded in and re-surfaced to be as good as new.

corosion1.jpg

[VintageVagabound]

Yes, older watches can pass pressure tests and you should be able to swim in them. However if something goes wrong (crown pulled out, seal fails, etc) and water gets into the watch your original tritium lume matte dial could be toast. A $15,000 watch can become a $8,000 watch in seconds. Personally I'd rather wear a modern watch that doesn't cause heartburn in the pool and even if something goes wrong the dial/parts replacement and repair won't damage the value of the modern watch.

[Angler99]

Can any AD do a pressure test? I live a couple hours away from the big city, but do have an AD in town. Can they do the pressure test in house, or do they have to send it away? How much does a pressure test generally cost?

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by VintageVagabound

Yes, older watches can pass pressure tests and you should be able to swim in them. However if something goes wrong (crown pulled out, seal fails, etc) and water gets into the watch your original tritium lume matte dial could be toast. A $15,000 watch can become a $8,000 watch in seconds. Personally I'd rather wear a modern watch that doesn't cause heartburn in the pool and even if something goes wrong the dial/parts replacement and repair won't damage the value of the modern watch.

Sound advice!