Failing to Pressure Test One of the most common mistakes that non-certified watchmakers do when they replace the battery is that they fail to ensure that the case is sealed properly afterward... and thus the watch is no longer Water Resistant! This has lead to some nightmare scenarios, where many owners of fine watches have their timepieces receive heavy water damage from situations that they were previously ok in.
This nightmare scenario is very avoidable, and for every battery replacement, when a Certified Watchmaker performs a Water Pressurization Test. This is why our facilities have top of the line equipment, and why the Pressurization Test comes Standard with every Battery Replacement performed by the watchmakers at excelwatchrepair.com.
A pressure test should be completed whilst replacing the battery on all water resistant and waterproof watches that will ensure that no water or moisture can enter the watch at a certain depth when submerged in water. The pressure test helps to determine whether or not the watch is water resistant up to 100 meters. If required the watch seals and gaskets will need to be replaced to pass the pressure test to maintain water resistance to protect your watch from water, dust, moisture and dirt. We conduct pressure test's and seal replacements on all watch models and brands. Pressure testing is an additional cost and service provided when a battery is replaced.
What is Water Resistance? Every watch is different and each individual watch brand and for each watch model determines how resistant a particular watch will be to water pressure. You should always check the water resistance measure of a watch before swimming or using it in water. A watch marked with 50 meters on the case back does not mean it can be used diving to a depth of 50 meters or swimming in water. The rating refers to the static pressure the watch can handle when it is moved under water when swimming. Most water resistant watches are not designed for long durations of use in water.
Is my watch Water Resistant to Swim with? For swimming and diving with a watch, we recommend purchasing a watch of at least 20 ATM, 200m which will be indicated on the watch casing or dial. This means that the watch is rated for use underwater with additional durability in additional to water resistance, these watches generally have screw down crowns. Wearing a watch with a lower ATM whilst swimming, may damage to the watch and movement.
Wearing my watch in water? When using the watch in and around water, do not pull out the crown to change the time. Ensure that the watch has a screw down crown which is screwed in as well as the pushers. Do not operate the chronograph function whilst the watch is submerged in water. Certain chemicals in swimming pools and sea water can damage the watch seals as well as perfumes, aerosol sprays and other cosmetics and can dry and crack the seals. Watches should be tested for water resistance every time the battery is replaced and gaskets and seals can be replaced as necessary to maintain water resistance.
Using Your Watch in Water
The ATM of your watch will allow you to determine how and where you can use your watch. The ATM is usually engraved on the case-back of every watch. If you're having trouble finding it you may need to visit the watch manufacturer's website or contact them directly. You can use the chart below to guide you on using your watch in water. For example, if your watch has an ATM of 5, you can safely use it when you're washing hands and if it's raining outside, but you should not take it swimming or diving.
Water Resistance Chart
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