Diving with a 1990's sub

[timekillz]

Hi folks, quick questions: I just purchased a Rolex submariner from 1994. It has never been serviced but runs perfectly. I am going on a trip to Puerto Rico next week and I want to bring my newly acquired diving watch along with me. I signed up for a diving class and was hoping to take the sub. I'm wondering if that's a smart idea. Obviously, if the watch was new I wouldn't think twice but considering its nearly 30 years old I need some outside opinion on this. Should I wear it while diving? Should I get it pressure tested first? How much would that cost?

Thanks guys!

[beshannon]

I would at least get a pressure test.

If it has never been serviced I would not chance it and I would get a full service before taking it near water but that is just me.

[Rsubnodate]

I would not take it diving unless you have it pressure tested or serviced.

[bigchungus]

Definitely get it tested first! Make sure it's waterproof. It should be a quick process to check.

[kieselguhr]

Get it pressure tested first.

I took my dads 40+ year old 1601 DJ diving down to 24- 30m regularly but ensured it was pressure tested annually. Your Submariner with the trip lock will do fine

[Timdogg6]

I smoked a 20 year old tag in a pool due to never servicing. A ring had given out and I didn't know. I would suspect the Rolex system would fair much better but I just don't see that it is worth the risk. Take it with you but leave it in the safe for the dive.

[bumbershoot]

Why bother... you don’t need to.

[TheWatchmen]

Pressure tests are $25, movement fix/replacement is gonna be a little more. Honestly though, diving with a Rolex seems a little silly since it’s 2020 not 1970.

[timekillz]

Thank you everyone, I will get it serviced and tested before taking it anywhere near water. I will leave the sub in the hotel while I go diving for now. All of your inputs are very much appreciated.

Cheers!!

[Handey0465]

Originally Posted by bumbershoot

Why bother... you don’t need to.

Pressure tests are $25, movement fix/replacement is gonna be a little more. Honestly though, diving with a Rolex seems a little silly since it’s 2020 not 1970.

bingo...you dont need it...leave it at home

[SearChart]

I wouldn't trust 25 year old gaskets...

[JohnGingerwood]

Originally Posted by TheWatchmen

Pressure tests are $25, movement fix/replacement is gonna be a little more. Honestly though, diving with a Rolex seems a little silly since it’s 2020 not 1970.

lol I agree. Do divers wear mechanical watches anymore?

[Buckaroo Banzai]

Originally Posted by timekillz

Thank you everyone, I will get it serviced and tested before taking it anywhere near water. I will leave the sub in the hotel SAFE while I go diving for now. All of your inputs are very much appreciated.

Cheers!!

Let's be careful out there. Enjoy your trip!

[timekillz]

Originally Posted by stevers63

Let's be careful out there. Enjoy your trip!

Thank you! I'll put it in the safe

[joli160]

Originally Posted by timekillz

Thank you everyone, I will get it serviced and tested before taking it anywhere near water. I will leave the sub in the hotel while I go diving for now. All of your inputs are very much appreciated.

Cheers!!

It's a lot safer on the wrist, even with old seals

[037]

Originally Posted by timekillz

I signed up for a diving class and was hoping to take the sub.

You can wear the Sub but they'll set you up with a dive computer. It's been quite some time since automatic watches were the primary. As mentioned, get your Sub pressure checked or you'll regret the damage, especially in saltwater.

Good luck and safe travels!

[kieselguhr]

Originally Posted by JohnGingerwood

lol I agree. Do divers wear mechanical watches anymore?

Wear them, yes. Depend on them, absolutely not. One of the dive masters I regularly go on dives with for refreshing keeps his timex on during dives.

It’s 2020. Dive algorithms are invaluable but archaic and inefficient.

Typically it’s 2 dive computers for recreational diving.

[Geckobros]

Ever since Rik with Time Care told me to never take any watch in to saltwater... I just don't do it.

[GONZO2LR]

Pressure tests are $25, movement fix/replacement is gonna be a little more. Honestly though, diving with a Rolex seems a little silly since it’s 2020 not 1970.

this made me laugh...the sub was made for the water...

[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by timekillz

Thank you everyone, I will get it serviced and tested before taking it anywhere near water. I will leave the sub in the hotel while I go diving for now. All of your inputs are very much appreciated.

Cheers!!

Not silly at all to want to dive with your Rolex, that's what it was made to do! I wear a computer on my right wrist and my Rolex on my left. Time my dive with my watch, all else with computer.

Pressure test it first....

Then go do what it was made to do, you'll start racking up some great memories for when you're not in the water!

[timekillz]

Originally Posted by Brian Page

Not silly at all to want to dive with your Rolex, that's what it was made to do! I wear a computer on my right wrist and my Rolex on my left. Time my dive with my watch, all else with computer.

Pressure test it first....

Then go do what it was made to do, you'll start racking up some great memories for when you're not in the water!

Thanks man much appreciated! It'll be my first dive but something about diving with a sub just seems iconic.

[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by timekillz

Thanks man much appreciated! It'll be my first dive but something about diving with a sub just seems iconic.

And it is! Get that thing checked out so it's ready to go!

[Simon_jrees]

I would have it serviced irrespective of whether or not you are going to swim with it, doubly so if you're going diving.

[abozz]

Don't!

Enviado desde mi SM-G975F mediante Tapatalk

[daveo5]

Pressured test prior to any exposure to water, even a drop. Seals will deteriorate over time. My watchmaker at Rolex boutique in Wynn’s, LV says pressure test.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[Justinmg]

So funny how many people have to have a SS Diver but would never dream of bringing it in saltwater haha what a joke! Rolex really is just jewelry and a status symbol for most. Get it pressure tested and bring it diving! Iv dove with my SD and my sub many times. Plus a reliable dive watch is just as important as a dive computer because it gives you a back up Incase your computer dies, iv had it happen to me and I used it to time my safety stop.

[wangyuetian]

Test the gear, then bring it with you to wherever it belongs to

[Meyrin]

At least have a Rolex AD (or watch maker of your choice) pressure-test it! Mine does it for free. And before going swimming make sure that the crown is properly screwed in. Don't worry about salt water, the Sub is built to take it, just rinse it in clear tap water afterwards! When you get back might be a good idea to have it serviced...cleaned and oiled, polishing is up to you (I wouldn't!). Have fun with it, it´s a superb watch!

[seasubmariner]

edit.

[seasubmariner]

Originally Posted by timekillz

Hi folks, quick questions: I just purchased a Rolex submariner from 1994. It has never been serviced but runs perfectly. I am going on a trip to Puerto Rico next week and I want to bring my newly acquired diving watch along with me. I signed up for a diving class and was hoping to take the sub. I'm wondering if that's a smart idea. Obviously, if the watch was new I wouldn't think twice but considering its nearly 30 years old I need some outside opinion on this. Should I wear it while diving? Should I get it pressure tested first? How much would that cost?

Thanks guys!

Airpressure test takes max 10 seconds. Some watchmakers could do it for free maybe.

Dont know how deep you will dive but safest airpressure test is 1 bar ! Not 10 or 20 bars or you will risk to get the crystal exploded which will also damage the hands and dial.

If your watch passes 1 bar pressure test does not mean that it will not pass higher pressure test. So do not take more risk.

There are 4 gaskets which are possible to change in only 2 minutes. ( 2 crown orings, the case back oring and the tube outside oring)

There are 2 more gaskets which are tricky to replace (glass gasket and the second tube gasket).

30 years is such a long time and some orings might have cracked already, so no one can give you a straight answer here and tell you whether it is safe to dive.

As the only task is gasket replacement, the watchmaker will not touch your movement.

If you watch works without any problem do not get it serviced fully.

Get the 6 orings replaced at a watchmaker whos specialised in Rolexes. It is not a long task you can ask to sit and watch him while he will be replacing your gaskets. Then have the (1 bar) air pressure test to be safe for the old crystal.

Better than doing just the pressure test on old gaskets.