How best to handle water ingress in a watch?

　　When water accidentally gets inside a watch, if there is only slight condensation on the crystal, it can be dried using warm air. But what should we do if the situation is more serious? Below, I will explain the methods for treating a water-damaged watch.

　　Method one: Warm baking with an incandescent light bulb

　　If the water ingress is not severe and there is only a layer of mist inside the watch glass, you can wrap the watch tightly in several layers of toilet paper or moisture-absorbing flannel, and bake it at a distance of 15 centimetres from a 40 watt light bulb for about 30 minutes to eliminate the moisture. Avoid placing the watch glass directly near a fire for heating to prevent the crystal from becoming deformed by heat.

　　Method two: Take it to a watch workshop for cleaning and oiling

　　If the 3 methods introduced above fail to remove the moisture, the watch should be taken to a workshop immediately for cleaning and oiling to remove moisture from the movement and prevent the components from rusting.

　　Repair method for watches with water ingress: The only effective approach when water enters a watch is to open the case back, service the movement inside, and then lubricate each movement component. Water ingress causes moisture to reach the movement parts, creating the risk of component corrosion and rust. Therefore, repairing a water-damaged watch involves not only clearing out the internal vapour, but also servicing the movement to prevent the hazard of rusting components.

　　Method three: Using silica gel drying pellets

　　If water accidentally enters the case, you can place a granular substance called silica gel together with the water-logged watch inside a sealed container. After several hours, take the watch out, and all the moisture will have disappeared. This method is simple and economical, and causes no damage to the accuracy and lifespan of the timepiece. Silica gel that has absorbed moisture multiple times can be dried at 120 degrees Celsius for several hours to regenerate its moisture-absorbing capacity for repeated use.

　　Method four: Wearing the watch face down

　　You can wrap a small piece of calcium chloride (Figure 1) securely in gauze; then remove the watch case back, and seal the gauze-wrapped calcium chloride and the electronic watch together inside a plastic bag or box. After waiting half a day, you can take the watch out and see that the condensation inside the electronic watch has vanished. If the water ingress is more severe, it can be left for a whole day.

　　How to maintain a waterproof watch?

　　1. In terms of water resistance, watches are categorised as diving watches, water-resistant watches, or non-water-resistant watches. Please confirm your watch's water resistance capabilities before purchasing and wearing it.

　　2. A watch's water resistance relies on rubber gaskets located at the crystal, case back, and crown to achieve the relevant standards. They are usually rated by levels such as 30m, 50m, 100m, 200m, and 300m, which correspond to the pressure at those depths.

　　3. If the case back indicates 30 metres (i.e. 3 atmospheres) of water resistance, its protection is strictly limited to unpressurised splashes or light rain. A 50-metre water-resistant watch is suitable for swimming and general household chores. Professional water-resistant watches rated at 100 metres or above can be used for underwater work such as swimming and diving. However, before swimming or engaging in underwater work like diving, please have its water resistance level tested at an authorised service centre. The crown must remain in its normal position, and screw-down crowns must be tightened securely. If there is moisture or dirt on the crown, wipe it clean before pulling it out to operate, preventing water and dust ingress. Never adjust the watch underwater, and dry off any moisture immediately.

　　4. Please avoid high water pressure directly hitting the watch, such as from car wash water jets, high-pressure tap water, or shower heads. Do not operate the crown or push-pieces while moisture is present on the watch.

　　5. No water-resistant watch should be worn in contact with hot water or steam. Watch water resistance mainly relies on several small rubber gaskets. After use, these rubber gaskets age; once they lose elasticity and gaps form, water and air may enter. Therefore, the sealing rubber gaskets must be replaced regularly to ensure water resistance. Consequently, the waterproof gaskets and crown (containing an internal waterproof gasket) should be replaced periodically depending on usage.

　　6. Even a water-resistant watch cannot completely prevent the ingress of gases (such as water vapour) or dust. Water-resistant watches are not vapour-proof, because water vapour molecules are very small and easily penetrate the case. Leaving water or water vapour inside the watch for a long time will cause internal mechanical damage. Therefore, in the event of water or vapour ingress, it should be sent immediately to an authorised service point or regular watch service centre for maintenance and care.