Summer has now begun and with August just around the corner, many of us still in the city will leave for more or less distant seas in search of their own little corner of paradise.
Certain that a large number of you will not want to face these days of long and countless baths in the sea or in the pool without your timepiece firmly on the wrist, we decided to freshen up your ideas on what you can ask for your watch and what less before to be able to dive with your adventure companion.
The degrees of impermeability
Each watch, generally on the back and / or dial, shows the degree of impermeability or 'water resistance' (water resistant) expressed in meters, bars or 'feet'.
However, this indication is the result of one static test carried out in the laboratory, which does not correspond to the absolute depth. The indication '100M' (100 meters) is essentially equivalent to the maximum static pressure generated at those meters of depth, without considering other variables such as the movement of the wearer or the pressure exerted by currents of water.
This scheme developed by OMEGA it is very useful to better understand which activities to practice or not, depending on the degree of water resistance of your watch
Some precautions
- In case your watch is equipped with a screw-down chronograph crown or pushers, make sure they are well tightened before any contact of the case with water;
- Never pull the crown out underwater or when the watch is wet;
- Never press the chronograph pushers when the watch is wet or underwater.
Check the water resistance of your watch
The water resistance of each watch is guaranteed thanks to sophisticated solutions that differ according to the degree of depth for which it is designed.
Water resistance is guaranteed thanks to a gasket system that are constantly subjected to external stresses such as sudden changes in temperature, UV rays, chemicals, dust. Their resistance is not eternal and varies according to the use of the watch.
As a rule it is advisable to replace the gaskets every two years, through the maintenance service that all major watchmaking houses offer to their customers.
To remove any doubts, we advise you before departure check the water resistance of your timepiece by carrying out a water resistance test at an authorized Service Center (based on the brand of your watch). Many authorized dealers are in fact equipped with an internal watchmaking laboratory certified by the major manufacturers, and offer this service.
The test will last a few minutes, allowing you to face - or not - your days at sea in the company of your favorite watch. In this regard, always remember to rinse your watch with fresh water once out of the water, especially if it is salty. Happy holiday!
Holy words but, it is never possible that for a waterproof check or replacement when a customer has come to the retailer he has to bring his own watch and face a crazy expense, because the manufacturers do not supply any kind of spare parts to independent watchmakers like me.
Dear Mario,
as we are also part of the sector, we are obviously aware of the problematic situation involving independent technicians and multinational watchmaking companies.
We hope that the scenario can evolve by finding a meeting point between the parties, in the full interest of the seriousness that this sector deserves and, last but not least, for the customer / consumer.
Thanks and keep following us!
MB