A watch is a delicate personal thing that requires proper care and maintenance to function correctly. One of the most common problems is water damage. Water can enter a watch in several positions, such as through the crown, case back, or glasses, causing damage to the delicate internal components.
Water damage can lead to a range of issues, including rust, corrosion, and damage to the inside movement. The good news is that there are several tips that watch owners can use to deal with a watch that has water in it.
In this article, we’ll cover some of the most effective ways to deal with a water-damaged watch.
What to do if water gets in my watch?/How do I get the moisture out of my watch?
- Take the watch off the water immediately
If you notice that your watch has water, the first thing you should do is take it off immediately. Leaving the watch on increases the risk of corrosion inside parts.
- Remove the battery
If your watch is battery-powered, the next step is to remove the battery ASAP.
Leaving the battery in the watch can cause it to short-circuit, which can cause further damage to the internal components.
To remove the battery, you’ll need to open the back of the watch. If you don’t want to repair by yourself, it’s best to take the watch to a local repair store for assistance.
If you want to know how to remove the battery, You can read this post:
Step 1: Dry the watch
Once you’ve taken the watch off and removed the battery, the next step is to dry the watch as quickly as possible. Use a soft, absorbent cloth to gently pat the watch dry, being careful not to scratch the crystal or other delicate parts.
Do not use the hairdryer or other heat source to dry the watch, leave it for naturallly dry, as this can cause the internal components to expand and contract, leading to further damage.
Step 2: Use a desiccant
A desiccant is a substance that absorbs moisture from the air. Placing a desiccant packet in a sealed container with the watch can help to remove any remaining moisture and prevent further damage.
You can purchase desiccant packets online or at your local hardware store. Silica gel packets are a common type of desiccant used for this purpose.
Step 3: Leave the watch to dry
After drying the watch and using a desiccant, it’s important to leave the watch to dry completely before attempting to use it again. This can take several hours or even days, depending on the level of water damage.
Avoid trying to use the watch before it’s completely dry. It will damage the watch.
Step 4: Take the watch to a professional store
If you still find the watch is not working or with moisture, it’s best to take the watch to a watch repair store. A watch repair specialist can assess the damage and recommend the best course of action.
Step 5: Replace damaged parts
If the water damage has caused significant damage to the internal components, it may be necessary to replace some parts. This is typically only necessary in severe cases of water damage, but it’s important to address any issues before they cause further damage to the watch.
Replacing damaged parts can be expensive, so it’s best to get an estimate from a watch repair specialist before proceeding.
Step 6: Waterproof the watch
Once the watch has been repaired, it’s important to take steps to prevent future water damage. One of the most effective ways to do this is to waterproof the watch.
Waterproofing involves replacing any damaged or worn seals, ensuring that the crown is tight and secure, and applying a waterproof coating to the crystal. A watch repair specialist can perform this service for you.
Step 7: Avoid exposing the watch to water
If you don’t wear your watches long time, Pls keep them stored in the watch box or dry area.
Step 8: Keep your watch into dray place or watch box
Finally, it’s important to take steps to avoid exposing the watch to water in the future. This means taking the watch
Generally speaking, the watch can be repaired after you have performed the above steps by yourself unless you have left it in the water for a long time
Also, I’ve collected some questions from website, which was asked by people a lot.
Why is the inside of my watch foggy?
The inside of a watch can become foggy or cloudy due to water vapor that has entered the watch. This can happen when the watch is exposed to moisture, such as when it’s submerged in water, exposed to high humidity, or when the seals on the watch are damaged or worn.
When water vapor enters the watch, it can condense on the cooler surfaces inside the watch, such as the crystal or metal components. This can cause the inside of the watch to become foggy or cloudy.
In addition to causing fogging, water inside a watch can also cause other damage, such as rust or corrosion to the internal components. Therefore, it’s important to address any moisture-related issues with a watch as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
How can you tell if a watch is a water damaged?
Water damage can affect the performance and appearance of a watch in several ways. Here are some signs that a watch may be water damaged:
- Condensation: If you notice fog or condensation inside the watch face or crystal, it could be a sign that water has entered the watch and caused damage.
- Discoloration: If the watch dial or hands have turned a different color or appear to be rusty, it could be a sign of water damage.
- Smell: A musty or mildew smell coming from the watch could indicate that water has entered and caused damage.
- Stopped working: If the watch has stopped working, it could be a sign that water has damaged the internal components.
- Corrosion: If there is visible corrosion on the case, crown, or other metal parts of the watch, it could be a sign that water has caused damage.
- Loose crown or pushers: If the watch’s crown or pushers feel loose or wobbly, it could be a sign that water has entered the watch and caused damage to the gaskets or seals.
If you suspect that your watch has been water damaged, it’s best to have it inspected and serviced by a professional watchmaker. They can help determine the extent of the damage and what repairs may be needed to restore the watch’s functionality and appearance.
Is it OK to shower with a watch?
It is generally not recommended to shower with a watch, especially if the watch is not specifically designed to be water-resistant.
I have said on before posts ” Never wear a watch on ANY STEAM environment(especially hot steam), even though your watch is waterproof.“
You can check the waterproof things from this post:
Exposure to water and steam can cause damage to the watch’s internal components, including the movement, dial, and crystal. Even watches that are labeled as water-resistant may not be suitable for showering, as the high temperatures and pressure of the water can exceed the watch’s rated resistance.
In addition, soaps, shampoos, and other personal care products can also be harmful to the watch’s materials, such as leather straps or metal finishes.
If you need to wear a watch during your shower, it’s best to choose one that is specifically designed to be water-resistant and has a high enough rating for your intended use. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and care to ensure that your watch remains in good condition.
Can water-damaged watches be fixed?
Yes, water-damaged watches can often be repaired by a professional watchmaker, depending on the extent of the damage.
The first step is usually to open the watch case and carefully inspect the internal components for signs of water damage. The watchmaker may need to clean and dry the parts, replace any damaged components, and lubricate the movement to ensure proper function. They may also need to replace any damaged gaskets or seals to ensure that the watch is water-resistant again.
The cost of repairing a water-damaged watch can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the type of watch. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace the watch rather than repair it.
It’s important to note that even if a watch has been repaired after water damage, it may still be more vulnerable to future damage and may require more frequent servicing to maintain its water-resistance. It’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and care of your watch and avoid exposing it to water whenever possible to prevent further damage.
Is it good to wear the watch while sleeping?
It’s generally not necessary or recommended to wear a watch while sleeping, especially if the watch is heavy, bulky, or has a metal band that can cause discomfort or skin irritation. However, some people may prefer to wear a watch while sleeping to track their sleep patterns or to use the watch’s alarm function as a wake-up call.
If you choose to wear a watch while sleeping, it’s important to make sure it’s comfortable and doesn’t interfere with your sleep. It’s also a good idea to choose a watch that has sleep tracking features that can help you monitor the quality of your sleep, including how long you sleep and how restful your sleep is.
Overall, whether or not to wear a watch while sleeping is a personal choice, but it’s important to prioritize your comfort and sleep quality.
The watch got wet and stopped working
If your watch has gotten wet and has stopped working, it’s important to take action quickly to prevent further damage. Here are some steps you can take:
- Remove the watch from water: If the watch is still wet, remove it from the water source immediately.
- Do not turn on the watch: Avoid pressing any buttons or turning on the watch if it has been wet, as this can cause further damage to the internal components.
- Dry the watch: Use a soft cloth to gently dry the watch as much as possible. Avoid using heat sources such as hair dryers or ovens, as this can cause further damage.
- Take the watch to a professional: It’s best to take the watch to a professional watchmaker as soon as possible for assessment and repair. They will be able to open the watch case and inspect the internal components for damage.
Depending on the extent of the damage, the watchmaker may need to clean and dry the parts, replace any damaged components, and lubricate the movement to ensure proper function. They may also need to replace any damaged gaskets or seals to ensure that the watch is water-resistant again.
It’s important to note that even if the watch has been repaired after water damage, it may still be more vulnerable to future damage and may require more frequent servicing to maintain its water-resistance. It’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and care of your watch and avoid exposing it to water whenever possible to prevent further damage.
Final Takeaway:
The watch belongs to the luxury category, if you take good care of the watches and prevent water, broken, it is still a personal item that can accompany you for a long time. Not all watches are waterproof. When you buy a watch, remember to ask the salesman about the waterproof things. Of course, The unit price also related to the waterproof, Be sure you know about it before starting a watches business.
