Automatic Watches
Understanding Pressure Testing: Keeping Your Watch Water-Resistant
By Argos Watches
With all this tech, checking your watch's water resistance is key. Why? Because the rubber seals, called gaskets, that keep water out wear down over time. You don't want to go to the beach with your dive watch, only to find out the hard way that a gasket has failed. That's why many watch lovers own a water tester. You want to be very sure your watch is safe before that pool party.
Types of Water Resistance Tests
There are two main types of tests: dry tests and wet tests.
Dry Test: This test uses a vacuum chamber. It measures how much the watch crystal bends when air is pulled out of the chamber. If the crystal warps too much, it suggests a leak.
A vacuum tester uses a probe under a gauge to measure crystal bending under vacuum.
Wet Test: This test involves water. First, you put the watch in a chamber and pump air into it. Then, you lower the watch into water. Slowly, you release the air from the chamber. If there's a leak, air that got into the watch will escape as bubbles in the water.
After a wet test, you can do a condensation test. Heat the watch, then put a cold drop of water or ice on the crystal. If any water got inside during the wet test, you'll see fog on the underside of the crystal.
Watch Leak Detection
Each test has its place. A dry test is safer because it doesn't use water. But it can't measure the exact pressure the watch can handle. It mainly shows if there's any leak. So, it's best for a quick check for leaks. A wet test, on the other hand, can test specific pressure levels. But there's a risk of water getting in if the test is done wrong.
For personal use, a wet tester is often recommended. Industrial testers for 1000 meters cost a lot. But a 60-meter (6 ATM) wet tester is quite affordable for home use. With a wet tester, you can choose the exact pressure you want to test your watch to.
For personal use, a wet tester is often recommended. Industrial testers for 1000 meters cost a lot. But a 60-meter (6 ATM) wet tester is quite affordable for home use. With a wet tester, you can choose the exact pressure you want to test your watch to.
How a Pressure Tester Works
A pressure tester works on a simple idea: air moves from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas. When the test chamber is pressurized, if your watch case has a leak, air will get into the watch. Then, when the air is released from the chamber, that extra air will escape from the watch. You will see it as bubbles in the water. This design has a big plus: because extra air comes out of the watch, water will not go into the watch. This is true if you do the test right. If you see bubbles, quickly take the watch out of the water.
How to Use a Pressure Tester for Water Resistance
This guide applies to testers like the Bergeon 5555/98 water pressure tester. Here are a few things to know before you start:
- Pressure Gauge: The gauge on the tester shows the pressure. (Quick conversion: 1 kg/sq cm is about 0.98 bar. 1 MPa equals 10 bar.)
- Your Watch's Water Resistance (WR) Rating: This tells you the pressure level to aim for. The conversion is easy: 1 ATM (atmosphere) = 10 meters = 1 bar.
- Use Distilled Water: Always use distilled water. This stops mineral deposits from building up inside the tester and on your watch.
- Crown Position: Make sure your watch crown is pushed all the way in. If it's a screw-down crown, make sure it's screwed in tightly.
Step-by-Step Testing:
Step 1: Fill the Tester. Fill the tester with distilled water up to the red line.
Step 2: Hang the Watch. Hang your watch on the hook under the lid. You can use a spring bar between the lugs for this. If you don't have a fitting spring bar, loop a rubber band around the case to make a secure hanging loop.
Step 3: Close the Lid. Pull the plunger to the top. This keeps the watch above the water. Put on the lid and tighten it well.
Step 4: Pressurize. Pump the handle to put air pressure into the chamber. Reach your target pressure level. Let it sit for about one minute. If there's any leak in the watch, air will enter the case during this time.
Step 5: Preliminary Test (Safety Check). Keep the watch above the water. Slowly let the air out of the chamber until the pressure is back to zero. This step is important. It prevents the crystal from popping out if there's a big leak when the chamber depressurizes.
Step 6: The Actual Test. Pump the pressure back up to your target level. Wait one minute again. Now, slowly lower the watch into the water. Then, slowly release all the air from the chamber. Watch the watch very closely. Look for any steady stream of bubbles coming out. If you see a stream of bubbles, it means there's a leak at that spot. You should pull the watch out of the water right away to stop more water from getting in. (Just one or two small bubbles are fine; that's usually just air trapped in small gaps of the case).
Step 6: The Actual Test. Pump the pressure back up to your target level. Wait one minute again. Now, slowly lower the watch into the water. Then, slowly release all the air from the chamber. Watch the watch very closely. Look for any steady stream of bubbles coming out. If you see a stream of bubbles, it means there's a leak at that spot. You should pull the watch out of the water right away to stop more water from getting in. (Just one or two small bubbles are fine; that's usually just air trapped in small gaps of the case).
Step 7: Final Visual Check. Take the watch out of the water. Dry it completely. Then, check carefully for any signs of water or water vapor (fog) inside the case.
Test Results & What They Mean
If your watch goes through this whole process without showing any leaks, it passes the water resistance test! However, it's good to know what your watch's WR rating truly means. (Spoiler: "100M" doesn't mean you can dive 100 meters with it!). Check our guide on the real meaning of water resistance ratings. This will help you use your watch correctly and avoid damaging it.
On the other hand, if your watch fails the test, the place where the bubbles come out shows you where the leak is. You should not let the watch touch any water. Take it to a professional watchmaker quickly for repair. Luckily, most leaks are easy to fix, often just needing a new gasket. Watchmakers will gladly fix it and then re-test it to make sure it's water-resistant again.
On the other hand, if your watch fails the test, the place where the bubbles come out shows you where the leak is. You should not let the watch touch any water. Take it to a professional watchmaker quickly for repair. Luckily, most leaks are easy to fix, often just needing a new gasket. Watchmakers will gladly fix it and then re-test it to make sure it's water-resistant again.
Built for Life's Adventures: Water Resistance and Robust Design
Your watch should be as ready for adventure as you are. Like the legendary Olympus Tough cameras that are known for their exceptional waterproof durability, the Argos Olympus Arctic Blue Silver is engineered for resilience. With 5ATM (50m) water resistance, it confidently handles splashes and handwashing, blending elegant style with everyday peace of mind. Its 40mm 316L stainless steel case ensures both refined aesthetics and enduring strength.
Embrace robust elegance with the Olympus at Argos Watches.
