What to do if water gets into a Panerai watch?

　　When water gets inside a Panerai watch, many people do not know how to handle it. Below, I will share some methods that I hope will be useful to you.

　　Methods for dealing with water ingress in a Panerai watch

　　1. If the Panerai watch is soaked in water, you can wrap it tightly with several layers of tissue paper or moisture-absorbent flannel, place it near a 40W electric light bulb at a distance of about 15 cm, and bake it for about 30 minutes so that the water vapour inside evaporates. Avoid placing the watch glass directly near a fire for baking, to prevent the glass from deforming due to heat.

　　2. Wear the watch backwards on your wrist with the crystal facing inward and the case back facing outward; the water vapour will disappear after two hours. If water ingress is severe, send it to a watch shop immediately for servicing and to remove moisture from the movement, preventing components from rusting.

　　3. Place granular silica gel together with the water-logged watch inside a sealed container. After a few hours, take the watch out, and all the accumulated water will have disappeared. This method is simple and economical, and causes no damage to the accuracy or lifespan of the watch. Silica gel that has absorbed water multiple times can be dried at 120°C for several hours to regenerate its moisture-absorbing capacity, allowing it to be reused repeatedly.

　　How to maintain a water-resistant Panerai 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.