Pressure Testing

[Hooper]

Hey folks, just curious how many people get their watches pressure tested yearly for water resistance ? I thought you should only get it done at time of service, however then I read here a few times to have it done yearly....REALLY ?

[Tools]

I think that if you have a diver or watch that you regularly take into the ocean or swimming pool... An annual pressure check is just good insurance...

If you infrequently encounter such use... then it is unlikely to suddenly "spring a leak" while your washing the car.... you can wait until it's scheduled service.........

[tgoose1]

If using a trusted local watchmaker to perform this task, it's a good idea to ask what is the maximum pressure they can test to. In many cases, 2-atm or 66ft is all their equipment is capeable of, and may be a false sense of security if the watch gets wet.

[kyle L]

Just curious, how long does it take to do this?

[chrislkb]

Originally Posted by kyle L

Just curious, how long does it take to do this?

Ard 30 secs Kyle. My watchmaker showed me when I sent my ORIS for overhaul due to moisture seeping in. Very interesting bell container and electronic measurement

[Rikki]

I use a Sigma dry tester for most applications it's good down to 350' deeper than most anyone is likely to go. I've been to 260' myself down in Bonnaire and even my Nikonos camera held up and took great available light pictures. Having it tested every year is ok but have the gaskets actually inspected would be better. Most of the leaking problems on modern Rolexs is the delrin nylon crystal gaskets they dry out and crack and you can't see it unless you take the crystal off and inspect. Rikki

[Balboa]

Are new watches pressure tested before they leave the factory or do they assume that they are good since all gaskets and seals are new?

Mark

[Rikki]

all tested Rik

[CaveDiver]

Hi Rik,
Over your years of testing Rolex with acrylic crystals, where did most of the failures occur? How often have you seen a watch pass at 100’ but fail at 300’
Thanks

[Rikki]

It's pretty rare because the first part of the test is a vacuum test which tends to pull things apart. If it passes that the pressure test which pushes all the parts together usually will go. I have put some together where a new part had a slight defect which would not water test when that happens I put it in the wet tester which will show me where the leak is. Over time crystal bezels stretch and won't put enough pressure on the crystal to seal it then it has to be replaced,and is a lot more common than you think. Unfortunately when vintage bezels go beyond tolerance and cannot be replaced epoxy is the only choice and if done correctly will be a good waterproof repair. Rikki

[Jackxv]

I allways check my watches in a regular base, my watchmaker (non AD) will test test for a few euro's. If they pass it's safe for my daily use.

If they don''t pass I go to the AD (with it's own RSC) and they will fix it within the hour.

Jack

[Hooper]

Good to know Thanx