Before You Head to the Sea: Check That Your Watch Is Still Water-Resistant

A single afternoon at the seaside, a dip in the pool, or a summer shower is enough to turn a luxury watch into a desperate case. When the water resistance is gone, saltwater shows no mercy: it enters, corrodes, and stops the movement. And what was a lifelong companion becomes an object to be repaired — or worse, written off.

Before you pack your suitcase and head off on holiday, stop for a moment. When was the last time you had your watch’s water resistance checked? If the answer is “I’m not sure” or “never,” this article is for you.

The problem: rust is born silently inside the case

In my workshop in Gallarate, every summer I see watches that have entered the water without the owner realising it. I am not talking about scuba diving: I mean a swim, a sudden downpour, a sea bathe with the wrist just below the surface. That is all it takes.

When the sealing gaskets age, they dry out and deform. They lose their elasticity and no longer adhere properly to the crown and pushers. Water finds its way in, enters the case, and begins its silent work. The first symptom is a mark on the dial, condensation under the crystal. The second, often, is the movement stopping. The third, when the client opens the watch, is what you see below.

That rust is the result of a seal that had stopped doing its job. No impact, no trauma: simply the wear of time on a rubber gasket that had lost its softness. A €50 water resistance test would have caught the problem before saltwater turned a healthy calibre into a block of oxide.

Why the water resistance test costs €50 and is worth every cent

Fifty euros. That is the cost of a restaurant dinner, a pair of good-quality socks, a book. And it is the price of the service that tells you, with certainty, whether your watch can face the summer or should stay at home drying out.

Consider the alternative. A movement rusted by saltwater requires a complete overhaul: total disassembly, replacement of oxidised components, lubrication, regulation. We are talking about figures starting at several hundred euros and potentially exceeding a thousand for a complicated calibre. Not to mention the collector value lost when an original dial is ruined by moisture.

The maths is simple: €50 of prevention against hundreds, sometimes thousands of euros of repair. And above all, against the risk of losing forever a watch that may have been in your family for generations.

What the water resistance test includes

The watch water resistance verification service I offer in my workshop is not a cursory check. It is a complete diagnosis, carried out with professional instruments, that gives you a clear picture of your watch’s sealing condition. Here is what it includes:

If the test reveals a problem, I explain exactly what is needed: a gasket replacement, a crystal to be restored, a worn crown. No hidden work, no surprise quotes. First the diagnosis, then the decision.

My method: diagnosis before the quote

For 41 years I have worked on luxury mechanical watches. My approach is always the same: first I understand, then I propose. I will never call you to say “you need a €600 service” without first explaining why, showing you what I found inside the case.

The water resistance test is precisely this: an act of diagnosis. It gives you objective information about the state of your watch, and leaves you free to decide. If the seal is good, you head off on holiday with peace of mind. If it is not, you know what you are risking and can choose whether to repair now or keep the watch out of the water this summer.

Book your test before you leave

The ideal time for a watch water resistance check is a few weeks before your holiday. That way, if work on the gaskets is needed, there is time to carry it out without rushing.

Booking is simple. You can message me directly on WhatsApp: Click here to open WhatsApp chat — send me a photo of the watch and tell me when it suits you to come by. Alternatively, use the contact form on the website and I will reply within the day.

The workshop is in Gallarate, in the province of Varese — easily reachable from Milan and Lake Maggiore. The water resistance test is carried out on the same day, by appointment. This service is part of our scheduled maintenance offering, which also includes complete service and repair. For more information, also read our guide on how often to service a Rolex.

Do not wait for the first mark on the dial

The most common mistake is thinking: “my watch is water-resistant to 100 metres, I do not need to check it.” The truth is that water resistance is not a permanent feature. It is a condition that deteriorates over time, with heat, sweat, and gasket wear. A watch that held 100 metres ten years ago today may not even withstand a shower.

That is why the water resistance test should be done at least once a year, or in any case before any prolonged exposure to water. It is minimal maintenance that protects a significant investment.

Before heading off on holiday, treat yourself to the peace of mind of knowing your watch is ready for summer. Fifty euros, half an hour in the workshop, and the certainty that when you return, you will find your watch exactly as you left it.

Book your water resistance test now: Write us on WhatsApp or use the contact form.