Pressure Testing Watches For Water Resistance - Can you do it at home? Watch and Learn #48

It's easy to say a watch is water resistant to 50 meters. But how do you test it? Does a company throw it in the ocean and check it after a few minutes? Of course not! There's a few different methods that can be used to test water resistance. In today's video, I'll describe some of these methods to you.
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Thank you for watching.

[@HorologyinSanity]

Love learning from these. Thank you so much for doing this Watch and Learn series.

[@imranchowdhury4972]

Thanks Mark, very well explanation and everything is crystal clear. You are indeed a good teacher: making complicated things simple. Looking forward to see more watch and learn videos like this. Cheers man and keep healthy.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks so much!

[@TheTimLara]

Thanks Marc. Love the Watch and Learns! (Also, I appreciate that you're one of the few KZbinrs I follow who adjusts the audio to a level that's reasonable for listening on laptop speakers. It seems like many channels are using super sensitive headphones for editing or something, because I have to max out the volume to hear their videos. I thought I was going deaf, but I'm glad it's not me!)

[@islandwatch]

Thanks Tim!

[@pipermaru2011]

Thank you so much for the videos, I always enjoy them.

[@islandwatch]

That makes it worthwhile, thank you.

[@marcelocantu4186]

Great vid! Love how you can't contain your inner engineer. Well it's very satisfying to my inner nerd.

[@islandwatch]

You certainly get it!

[@triples4good]

Thanks Marc. I really look forward to these videos. It adds another dimension of enjoyment to this hobby and helps in understanding what's going on with things watches.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks Steve.

[@MTCKIE68]

Brother I want you to know that I've learned so much from You. Watches are really amazing tools !!!!

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@tunokies]

Great video Mark. I'm using a Calipso 11atm wet pressure tester. For untested parts that I haven't used before, I'll still test initially without the movement and I'm SO VERY glad that I do. Just recently I used an aftermarket crown that I hadn't tried before, for a handwinding SKX upgrade. I pressured up the Calipso with the watch in the air chamber, plunged the watch into water and gradually released the pressure. No bubbles and I thought all was going well. The pressure has been released from 11ATM to 3 or 4 ATM and then 'BANG'. Scared the crap out of me. The crystal blew out at force, taking the chapter ring and pushing the bezel insert out of the bezel bending it in the process. The water dissipated a lot of the energy and the crystal didn't shatter and the pressure chamber was still okay - thank goodness. For whatever reason - the crown was letting air in but not letting it back out and something had to give. Below is a video link to another fail pressure test I did - not as catastrophic as just mentioned and you can clearly see the stream of bubbles exiting the weak point. This is far more typical a fail than the first one I described. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXOXoJ9ue8iefcU I'm sure your video Mark, will be 10X more professional and informative than my amatuerish effort, so I'm looking forward to your next intallment. Cheers, Jason, and keep up the great content.

[@islandwatch]

Fascinating, thank you!

[@mikepersia5362]

Thanks!! Can't wait for the next watch and learn video!!

[@islandwatch]

Me too, haha!

[@stationplaza4631]

Well I'm really looking forward to the next one on this fascinating subject...Thanks very much Marc.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching.

[@sportster883able]

Fantastic video. This series is just the best. As an architect I love the insightful knowledgeable and informed delivery. Great

[@islandwatch]

Thank you!

[@dropg93]

That explains all the numbers I have got on my certificate after watch servicing. Air is much harder to seal then water. So if your sealing is air-tight it is most certainly water-tight. I used to work with vacuum systems and we used either helium or pure alcohol to find leaks in the system. If you put some alocol on the sealing that has a leak you can observe significant decrease of pressure in vacuum chamber. Liquid cannot pass through the tiniest holes where air can.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Marshal77]

Exactly my thoughts. Seal should be watertight if its airtight.

[@itsalgud1459]

Fascinating! Thanks, Marc.

[@kailen98]

Just purchased the super jubilee for the sxk007 from your store and it has been excellent!

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@amodiogiordano4516]

Another great video! You are the master of teaching. Thanks Marc!

[@islandwatch]

Thanks Amodio, missed my calling I guess.

[@cristiclaudiu]

Wow thank you for this! Best watch and learn for me so far!

[@islandwatch]

Wow, then you're gonna love the next one.

[@muchless]

Appreciate the engineering perspective on these topics.

[@thebeerdedone7568]

I only have 2 watches, but I'm gonna take the hobby to the next level. I'm gonna learn to properly DIY my watch care so that maintenance will be much cheaper as my collection grows.

[@ytsilva3777]

Thanks Mark. I learn a lot watching your videos.

[@islandwatch]

Glad to hear it!

[@dbonboard]

Always extremely educative. Thank you Mark

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!!!

[@cooper65]

Another great watch and learn! Thanks 👏

[@islandwatch]

Welcome!

[@justinstuart9109]

Marc, I have always wondered how manufacturers do water resistance testing. Thank you for doing this video! This was fascinating and might be my favorite of all your Watch and Learns (Seiko Spring Drive explanation video is a close second).

[@islandwatch]

I'm a fan of the spring drive one too :)

[@brynybach7741]

Yet another great video. Thank you very much.

[@islandwatch]

Thank you!

[@masonalexander7056]

Great explanation. Thanks.

[@islandwatch]

Welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@nikolayivanov7]

Great explanation!

[@DarkvirusXI]

Great vid Marc, very informative watch and learn.

[@islandwatch]

Thank you.

[@thebudkellyfiles]

Very clever and thanks!

[@islandwatch]

Thank you!

[@Broomfondle1]

Got you. Used to do a simular thing when pressure testing Ford engine and transmission parts. We used to use water, then we started using air. Very tiny bubbles we would send to impreg which sucked silicone through the pours to seal the leaking component.

[@islandwatch]

Cool, thank you.

[@chrisg-gg2iu]

Another great video. Very interesting and informative.

[@islandwatch]

Thank you.

[@inkitatus1]

Interesting stuff, thanks Mark.👍👍

[@islandwatch]

Welcome!

[@matthewreagan2384]

Marc, great video. With all the Seikos you sell you should ask Seiko to fly you to the factory so you can witness the qc testing as the owner representative. Maybe TGV could tag along. Just don't tell him you are go in to Malaysia and not Japan.

[@islandwatch]

LOL, thanks!

[@satoshinakamoto3890]

The quality control process is the same regardless of location (yes a grand seiko, credor etc is higher) but a skx007 qc wise is the same in Japan or Malaysia. People want to argue the point but let's say you have a Rolex or a Patek serviced in NY, LA or even Shanghai is it no longer a Swiss made / assembled watch?

[@peterbdavies]

Another great video!

[@islandwatch]

Much appreciated.

[@ziloom11]

Hi. Great piece! I was also looking for part 3, the actual testing, but couldn't find it. Can you help...?

[@phantomracer1050]

Very informative.

[@islandwatch]

Glad you found it useful.

[@lordkayx]

Every time I ask google a watch question it sends me to you, or your in the top 3 videos shown. Id use that a a measure of success.

[@lordkayx]

Do you have a message board with a FAQ on it? If so, address please, if no Why coms U no hav dat?

[@MLeung-vl7we]

Nice video. I would agree the last testing method is probably used during design and development. Maybe random testing on the finished product as quality control. Then the use dry-method for every watch before it ships out.

[@hernancoronel]

I would argue that they do test them fully loaded because if water gets in it is not instantly ruined, they can open it up, disassemble and clean it if needed. With a very low failure rate, and that would be expected from a Rolex or similar quality, then they could totally do it. Thanks for the video!

[@diegocanale1124]

Nice video! Just a question pops in mind: can watch crown use (I mean when actually needed for traveling to different timezone, date update every few months, dst...) weaken the seal overtime?

[@jaimeandrescatano]

Excellent video! I have heard several times in your videos about the corrosion due to sea water, have you ever seen real corroded watches because of sea water?

[@gkodea479]

Is there a normal standard for resistance testing? My watch was tested at 3 bars/atms even though it is rated 10 bars/atms. Is this considered a valid test?

[@TheWayofGrace89]

That beard trim job is so precise it might as well be labeled ‘Superlative’ .. and nice to see the Seagull ‘63

[@islandwatch]

LOL, thank you!

[@FatSamEIE]

Its got sharp lines, definitely not polished 😁

[@matthewsanders6499]

I just purchased a skx013 used for a good price, and while I know there's nothing that will guarantee water resistance from a used item, what can you recommend i do to at least offer the best water to resistance possible to a used piece?

[@josephercole143]

Hi, I live in Staten Island, Do you know of a watch repair store that I can bring my watch to. I just want to make it where tight again. I had a battery changed and now it just fogs up in the shower

[@davidhabjanic3032]

Dear Mark I have a question When water comes in in a mechanical watch then the watch must stop working or she keeps ticking?? My seconds indicator wonnt run 😪

[@AFCAWorldBodybuildingArchive]

Can we do the witness water test without the air? Fill the tank full of water, put an empty case in and the pressurise.

[@jlarsson1978]

If I've got a watch that has 5 ATM WR and it passes a 10 ATM dry test - would it be safe to go swimming with it?

[@gsbut]

So do most watchmakers & service centers that service divers watches only dry test? Would a manufacturer do the expensive blind wet test only at production or service also?

[@lobserve1]

The most amazing part of this video is how well you pronounce water for a long islander.

[@islandwatch]

LOL, I worked on that!

[@mhz9003]

Great Vid. I always wonder about pressure testing and why watch reviewers don't get watches pressure tested out of curiosity.

[@islandwatch]

Thank you for watching.

[@atbglenn]

Love your videos. BTW, I live near you. I'm walking distance from Walt Whitman Mall

[@Johnydanerous]

Glenn Martin that’s kinda creepy ...

[@islandwatch]

Represent Huntington!

[@atbglenn]

John, I'm not a creep. I'm not looking to hook up with Mark. I was just giving him a shout out from a fellow Long Islander.

[@davidherbst]

I’ve seen videos of Breitling and Omega testing watches, and in both I think they were assembled. If so, the discard pile might factor into those high prices.

[@islandwatch]

Right, I'm guessing now they test cases first, then assemble and re-test.

[@zinvas78]

About the 'blind' method, I think every new watch is disposable at the manufacturer's level and faulty pieces can just go for material 'recycling'. But testing watches for customers has to be a different story, they want the same piece back and not an identical one, so the manufacturer or service facility can't just replace parts as they please. They have to have testing methods that are both reliable and nondestructive.

[@islandwatch]

True, good point.

[@Johnydanerous]

Super intéressant !! Merci

[@islandwatch]

Gracias!

[@justinjohnson1766]

Can you do a video of waterproof pocket watches?

[@JohnDoe-dj3xh]

my guess is that the last method is used by manufacturers to bulk test their casings to make sure there isn't a flaw in the design or manufacturing process, and they then test the watches after the movements have been put in using a cheaper and less dangerous method. of course, I also don't anticipate that they test every watch either, but rather they test x number of watches from a particular batch and if they all pass, the whole batch is considered to have passed. that may not be the case when you're talking about a 20,000 dollar Rolex, but if you're talking about like a hundred dollar Seiko dive watch, I have serious doubts that they test every one. the 10 watches a year they have to replace because of a faulty gasket is significantly less cost to them than it would be to test every watch that rolls out of the factory. again, when the price for a single watch pays for a workers wages for half a year, maybe at that point it makes sense to test every one.

[@nevahenuf]

I wonder if they could insert a movement shaped absorbent litmus pad into the empty case for the blind test. Unless it was a serious leak it would arrest water movement and give an indication where the leak occurred.

[@islandwatch]

Sinn does a humidity capsule.

[@luigisavoia2363]

Maybe Rolex and other high end watch makers have such a small failure rate they don't care if they lose 1 watch out of every x amount of thousands of watches they produce. Kinda like crash testing a Ferrari. Ya hate to do it but it's the cost of doing business. I actually have some of the pressure testing equipment you mentioned in the video, in my lab here. Never thought to put one my watches in it. Probably never will. Too scared! Thanks for the great video. It's nice to leave KZbin with my mind working instead of numbed out from some of the sillier stuff.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching.

[@leewmlee]

Is there a chance for the crystal to pop out when the watch is under water and the pressure is released?

[@johannes_9078]

The crystal is quite firmly attached to the case, and would therefore have to be pushed at a substantial force to get it to pop out. While the pressure difference here does cause a force to push the crystal out, the force isn't big enough to cause the crystal to pop out. With a big enough pressure difference the crystal could be made to pop out. Not sure if i made any sense, im tired and english isnt my first language :)

[@leewmlee]

Johannes _ , yes u made perfect sense. thk u for your explanation.

[@johannes_9078]

@@leewmlee No problem man

[@nobodysreview6137]

I went swiming with my gold yachtmaster with an aftermarket diamond bezel. I tell people all the time, its18k 3ct diamond bezel and it passed the water test too.

[@user-bo5ff8sx5p]

Delusion In The Brain this comment didn’t even TRY to conceal your attempt to show off 😂

[@XstonedmonkeyzX]

😊

[@islandwatch]

:)

[@harryhirsch3637]

6:30 H2O-Mickey-Mouse-molecules? 😂

[@Bugster987]

Interesting. Always surprises me that the most popular method to check water resistance is to dunk the possibly compromised watch into water. You’d think someone would have devised a less risky way by now.

[@islandwatch]

LOL, yes, that's what got me thinking about the video.

[@AH-yg2dj]

How dare you to call a seiko disposable! You beast! (Joking)

[@lawrencelibby3607]

Seems like the empty case test it would be more like what a manufacturer would use when testing designs. Testing multiple identical cases give a statistical baseline. (Plus, it's something only a manufacturer could afford.)

[@robbiecox]

I have seen a video on youtube showing Seiko SKXs being tested in the factory and they were immersing FULL ASSEMBLED watches for the ISO test.

[@Zapnes]

robbiecox Do you remember the name of that video? I have been looking for something like that.

[@islandwatch]

Would love to see the video!

[@crobulari2328]

I do not pressure test watches for great depth for I consider the only WATERPROOF watches are the ones used by Scuba Divers etc. That does Not include your standard so called divers watches which I consider to be just water resistant for safety reasons. However I sometimes check a watch by an old method for water resistance up to about 2 metres depth. Check All seals and replace as required using a Fine touch of clear Syl grease. Assemble and then quickly immerse the watch in water at 50 to 60 deg C. Watch for bubbles from the internally expanded air and remove quickly if any are seen.!!. Remove and fix if there are any air leaks.

[@crobulari2328]

PS. Very good video.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching, and learning!

[@larvancioramos9748]

And all that ISO certifications!? We will find out in the field, as everything else. Oil engine, shoes, all should be using for testing, we havent enough time going around testing all.

[@islandwatch]

Very true!

[@donp2166]

Any thoughts about presenting an educational video on oil- filled watches? Ties right into this.

[@islandwatch]

That would be cool!

[@misternobody4644]

Hey he's right, water molecules do look like Mickey Mouse heads.

[@islandwatch]

I ain't lying!

[@inkedon3513]

Hey recently purchassed a breitling avenger seawolf 3000m/10000ft sent it to breitling for an authenticity and evaluation check they mentioned it failed? I asked what method they used and at which pressure it failed they seemed clueless lol instruments for professionals they say. Theyre slogan should be "breitling serviced by blowhards" not to mention they returned it scratched and with a case ding not previously there lol larger brands should be more accountable. Also receipt said movement dirty damage to crown and pushers. Which i find amazing because when i called in and said so the pushers have damage... how curious i wonder how a watch without pushers has damage to the pushers they said one moment placed me on hold and said our expert watch maker said he meant the helium escapement valve lol.

[@undamned]

I would be pretty disappointed. You sent it to them because you thought they were the best :(

[@Lawful_Rebel]

What's with the two watches? 🤔

[@islandwatch]

It's my thing.

[@Lawful_Rebel]

Long Island Watch Groovy 😎. Just curious.. I've seen a few KZbin watch channel guys doing it.. Just thought I'd ask.. I'll assume you don't go out like that.. Unless your planning a military invasion, that is and want to be punctual 😁 haha Great channel, I especially enjoy you're instructional videos.

[@joseph_b319]

Maybe the company is banking on that most people will not be exposing their watches to that much pressure. So I guess the few watches that fail at those pressures with the consumer that big of a cost issue with the company when it comes to service the pressure failed watch.

[@islandwatch]

I would doubt failed watches become sold.

[@joseph_b319]

Long Island Watch Right. I meant that after empty watches they were pressure tested then the movement put back in the watch. Because as you put it now the seal is broken again to install the movement. Great video look forward to more of the pressure series watch and learn. Ps do you have any plans on discussing G-Shock watches?

[@darrylforsyth2166]

Thanks another great video. It certainly sounds like at least for ISO6425 that every completed watch (presumably with the movement in) goes through the submersion test discribed. Seems pretty impressive for an economical high quality watch like a Helm. see helmwatches.com/iso-6425.html

[@islandwatch]

Thanks, but I still can't wrap my head around a company submerging something to destruction to validate WR.

[@mgtowlevel5293]

Warder 🐸

[@crobulari2328]

Last year I had quite an expensive older watch in for service from a friend. He had been abroad sunbathing on the beach with his girlfriend. The watch got hot in the sun and then they went in for a swim. The watch sucked water in through a flattened back seal. I did save the watch as he came home 2 days later. (PHEW).

[@islandwatch]

Yup, sounds possible.

[@satoshinakamoto3890]

Air molecules are smaller than water molecules. In the Navy the doors on a submarine are marked QAATD which means Quick Action Air Tight Door. Generally I would trust an air test but watches may perform differently in seawater and at different temperatures which cause the rubber, steel and glass to expand at different rates. Many manufacturers used a moisture indicator on the dial, this practice has fallen out of use presumably because manufacturing qc has improved and most dive watches are not used for their intended purpose.

[@misternobody4644]

I was considering getting a cheap water pressure tester, but it looks like Mark and his deep explanation has convinced me not too. I'll stick to lubricating my watches gaskets with silicone grease and only using watches with the DIVER'S X meters mark when I'm near the pool, the beach, go swimming, or when I get a cocktail drink thrown in my face just for saying hi.

[@islandwatch]

Yup, good idea!

[@greekall]

thanks a lot mark.just found a vid wich may interest a lot of seiko owners. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXPEXoGohJqrp68 and that one also kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppCnhqqhhbxgj5o. seiko is a decent company thats the reason i have seikos for all diving expeditions.i think since 1994.💪

[@islandwatch]

Thank you, nice videos!

[@lawrencelibby3607]

I probably don't need to tell you, but be careful working around pressures like that.

[@ivancapuz9471]

I think this test will ruin your watch if have a seal problem.

[@michaeleastham3868]

So can you waterproof at home? So sick of watching watch mod clips say "look it's cheap and easy" yet they don't bother to mention re-waterproofing the watch..

[@misternobody4644]

Water resistance is complex, I guess I'll just use a watch that says DIVER'S 200 meters when I go swimming, fishing, or to the beach just to be safe. I'll even lubricate the rubber gasket with silicone grease just to be extra safe.

[@islandwatch]

That's a great idea and you aren't alone.

[@sridharlakshman5836]

Time pass

[@madjack2535]

Watch the movie Bulworth for the truth

[@misternobody4644]

@vip gq The truth about water resistance? If it's not about water resistance, then nope, I pass.

[@alanvanderhaegen4936]

Careful how you show the number two using two fingers. In a lot of English speaking countries the way you show the number two would be interpreted as rather rude lol. Thanks for yet another great Watch and Learn

[@islandwatch]

Sorry! Thank you.

[@alanvanderhaegen4936]

The gesture refers to the battle of Agincourt when the British defeated the French with their longbows. When the French prisoners were paraded, the Brits showed them the two fingers they use to pull the bow string. Now it means ; "up yours !" Thought it funny that's all. Cheers.

[@javier0027]

I just came to see water tests no to hear this dude talking. Practice is always better than theory. Thanks though.