Watch Emergency! . Total Damage
Hey folks, it’s Thomas here repairing another rusted watch, I have seen so many of watches with water damage that I have to write about the dangers of neglecting the change of gaskets (rubber, o-rings) inside your watch. Being deep in the watch repair game, there’s something I’ve seen time and time again, and I think it’s high time we talked about it – the often-overlooked watch gaskets. You know, those tiny rubber O-rings inside your watch? They might not be the most glamorous part of your timepiece, but boy, do they pack a punch when it comes to keeping your watch ticking and safe from water damage.
Why the fuss about these tiny Gaskets?
🚨 Quick Tip: Got your watch wet? 🌊⌚ Time’s ticking! With saltwater, you’ve only 2-3 days before rusting starts; freshwater gives you up to 5 days. Act fast to save your timepiece!
#RolexRustAlert
#WatchProtection
Well, here’s the deal. Over a few years, these little guys dry out. And when they do, their seal isn’t worth a dime. That spells trouble, especially if you’re thinking your watch is still water-resistant. And just so we’re clear, it’s not just about one little O-ring. Your watch has a bunch of these:
Between the back of the case and the main case: This keeps the inside of your watch safe from all the muck outside.
Between the glass crystal and the case: This is what keeps the dial of your watch from getting fogged up or wet.
Around the crown and the tube it fits into: Ever adjusted the time on your watch? This gasket keeps that part water-tight.
Inside the pushers on chronograph watches: If you’ve got one of these fancy watches with extra buttons, there are gaskets in there too.
Unsecured screw-down crown? Seal’s inactive, allowing water inside via the crown tube. Always ensure it’s tightened.
Don’t press pushbuttons while diving; it can let water into the watch. We’ve seen such damage firsthand.
Some Hard Truths
Now, take a closer look at this picture. This Rolex once upon a time pristine, shiny, the king of watches. But then, that same Rolex after it’s had a nasty dip in saltwater. It’s not a pretty sight. The inside gets messed up, and that damage doesn’t come cheap as you can see in this picture.
Another case in point, an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. An absolute beaut of a watch. But when its gaskets give way? It’s like watching a classic car rust away. Trust me, seeing such a gem get wrecked by something as simple as old gaskets is a real heartbreaker.
Let’s Sort This Out
I’m not trying to scare anyone here. I just want to give you the heads up, especially if you’re as passionate about watches as I am. If your watch has been ticking away for over 5 years without a gasket check, it’s high time you did something about it.
Give me a shout, drop by the shop, or just get your watch checked out somewhere you trust. It’s a small price to pay to keep your prized possession in tip-top shape.
Remember, it’s not just about telling the time; it’s about the stories, the milestones, and the memories. Look after your watch, and it’ll keep ticking through all of them. Cheers!
I Need Help with my Flooded Watch
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