I Treat Every Vintage Watch as Non Water Resistant

Jun 19, 2014,19:09 PM
 

Only my Datejust, which was overhauled with all new O-rings and seals, as well as a new crystal; was pressure tested. I feel confident wearing it in any situation but as for the other Vintage watches, O-rings and seals may be hard to come by when overhauling them. I've never pressure tested them and am careful washing my hands while wearing them.

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Question about vintage watches. Your help please!

 
 By: cholack : June 19th, 2014-16:37
For a long time, I stayed away from vintage pieces, but ultimately I have succumbed to their charm and am now ready to acquire my first piece. However, vintage watch maintenance has always been a barrier in my mind, and I have a very specific question abo...  

I Treat Every Vintage Watch as Non Water Resistant

 
 By: sidney004 : June 19th, 2014-19:09
Only my Datejust, which was overhauled with all new O-rings and seals, as well as a new crystal; was pressure tested. I feel confident wearing it in any situation but as for the other Vintage watches, O-rings and seals may be hard to come by when overhaul... 

It would depend on the particular watch

 
 By: Richard C : June 19th, 2014-19:27
but many vintage watches could still be made water resistant to original specs. Ive got a 1972 Tissot T12 chrono that passed the pressure text after servicing. I actualy went scuba diving (accidently) with a late 60s Seamaster with not ill effects whateve... 

Consider it as not water resistant, so avoid any contact with water.

 
 By: amanico : June 19th, 2014-20:48
Check that the case back is firmyl closed, replace the seals, and if you live in a hot and humid country, it will be ok. Best, Nicolas

Yes it is necessary. Not a collector but, here is my opinion....

 
 By: tick tock doctor : June 19th, 2014-21:41
Hello cholack, As a watchmaker I can tell you, the water resistance is so important. If a watch case leaks, corrosion/damage begins immediately. Oil and water do not go well together, so your service intervals will be much sooner, than if your case was se... 

You will have to make difficult decisions.

 
 By: mkvc : June 20th, 2014-15:10
A vintage watch that was water resistant and whose case has not been damaged or corroded can be made as water resistant as it was originally. However, you may have to replace some parts. The main issue is the crown, as crowns often have gaskets that are n... 

Prescient comment - that's precisely the position . . .

 
 By: Dr No : June 21st, 2014-21:06
. . . I found myself in recently. My watchmaker replaced the crown on my '56 Seamaster Calendar while servicing the movement . . . [original crown displayed] . . . but I asked him to replace it with the original crown for the sake of maintaining the highe...  

Just don't expect...

 
 By: KIH : June 22nd, 2014-00:11
.. vintage watches to be really water resistant even if it is so engraved on the back. And keep it or them in the humidity/ temperature controlled places.... That is the best you can do while you can enjoy the (almost) daily use.... Ken