Watches produced before 1970 often experienced issues when exposed to water. However, with advancements in watchmaking, this problem has significantly improved. Nowadays, most watches offer high water resistance, especially those designed for swimming and diving, with water resistance ratings from 30 bar/300m/1000 feet and above. To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your watch, it is essential to have annual water resistance checks and regular maintenance.
Methods to Remove Water from a Waterlogged Watch
When a watch gets waterlogged, the internal components can become damaged, leading to malfunctions. Here are some effective methods to remove water from a lightly waterlogged watch. For heavily waterlogged watches, it’s necessary to open the case and re-lubricate all components to prevent damage.
1. Water Removal with Tissue Paper
- Dry the watch with tissue paper or a soft cloth, avoiding scratching the dial.
- Use a small screwdriver to carefully open the case back, avoiding contact with the gears or other components.
- Place the watch face down on a layer of soft cloth or tissue paper to prevent scratching the crystal. Allow the watch to dry naturally for 24 hours.
Note: If you lack experience in opening watch cases, it is best not to attempt this as you may damage the case back, making the watch more prone to water ingress.
See more: 99+ highest quality Replica Rolex watch on the market
2. Drying with Heat from a Light Bulb
- Wrap the watch in several layers of tissue paper or a dry cloth with high absorbency.
- Place the watch under a 40W desk lamp (an incandescent bulb is best) at a distance of 5-10 cm.
- Turn on the lamp for about half an hour to evaporate the moisture inside the watch, which will be absorbed by the tissue paper or cloth.
3. Wearing the Watch Upside Down
- Wear the watch upside down, with the dial facing inward and the case back facing outward on your wrist.
- After about 2 hours, the moisture will evaporate.
See more: 99+ highest quality Replica Richard Mille watch on the market
4. Using Desiccant Powder
- Place the watch in a small plastic container and cover the bottom with desiccant powder.
- Put the watch on top and then cover it with another layer of desiccant powder. Seal the container tightly.
- Leave the watch in the container for about 24 hours to absorb all the moisture inside. Desiccant packs can be easily purchased at chemical supply stores.
Important Considerations
- If the above methods do not fully remove the moisture, take the watch to an authorized service center or dealer for professional handling. Prolonged moisture exposure can damage the watch movement.
- Do not use fire, direct sunlight, or a hairdryer to dry the watch, as high temperatures can damage internal components.
- Do not attempt to open the watch case back without specialized tools and professional skills to avoid damaging the watch.
See more: 99+ highest quality Replica Audemars Piguet watch on the market
Regular maintenance and annual water resistance checks will help keep your watch in excellent condition. If your watch becomes waterlogged, address the issue promptly to avoid severe damage.
