Simple Guide to Sealing a Watch Against Water in Ten Straightforward Steps
How to Waterproof Your Watch: A Step-by-Step Guide
Waterproofing your watch can help ensure it stays safe from moisture and keeps ticking even in wet conditions. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you with the process.
Firstly, you'll need a few tools and materials. A Bergeon waterproof tester, silicone oil, Q-tips, ultravium light (optional), tweezers (optional), and a watch gasket are essential. The Bergeon waterproof tester can be purchased from Amazon.
Before you begin, it's important to note that watches are designed to be water resistant, not waterproof. The water resistance of a watch can vary, ranging from withstanding water pouring out of a shower head to deep diving in the ocean. To determine the water resistance of your watch, check the dial or back of the watch for a figure in bars, meters, or feet.
Step 1: Remove the watch back of your timepiece using a watch key or a small flathead screwdriver.
Step 2: Replace the gasket if it's damaged or worn out. The gasket protects the watch from dirt and moisture. It's recommended to replace it after a few years as it becomes less effective.
Step 3: Silicone oil is essential in the waterproofing process as it helps keep moisture out. Apply a thin layer of silicone oil to the watch back and case using a Q-tip.
Step 4: Clean the crystal with a Q-tip covered in silicone oil and inspect for cracks or damages.
Step 5: If your crown or stem is damaged, replace it before proceeding with the waterproofing process.
Step 6: Swipe silicone onto the crown and the stem and fit them back into place.
Step 7: Use ultravium light to seal tiny imperfections in the crystal gasket. Let it dry at room temperature.
Step 8: Replace the watch back and ensure all parts fit together, removing any excess epoxy.
Step 9: Use ultraviolet epoxy to seal any remaining tiny imperfections in the crystal gasket and let it dry at room temperature.
Step 10 (optional): Test the watch's water resistance using a Bergeon Waterproof Tester.
Remember, only test the watch after important parts like the movement and the crystal have been removed, and the watch is sealed as if it were being regularly worn, but without the hardware inside.
By following these steps, you can help ensure your watch remains water resistant and continues to serve you well in various weather conditions. Happy waterproofing!
