Dr. Ito's thorough analysis of mechanical watches!! Vol.31 ~ Is it okay to wear a vintage watch during the rainy season?

Good evening everyone!

This column talks about mechanical watches from an engineer's point of view. This is the 31st installment.

"Is it okay to wear a vintage watch during the rainy season?"

I will talk about this topic.

The biggest enemy of mechanical watch movements is "humidity" or "water." It is something that must be avoided at all costs, as it can directly lead to malfunctions of the internal components.

Rolex "Oyster Case" models, which are originally highly waterproof, may have lost their high waterproof performance in the case of vintage models that are older than a certain age.

In this article, I would like to tell you about some points to keep in mind when using a vintage watch during the rainy season.

The risks of wearing a vintage watch in the rain

1. Possibility of deterioration of waterproof performance

Vintage watches were manufactured decades ago, so even if they originally had high water resistance, the gaskets are often deteriorating.

If the gasket is in this condition, it will have almost no waterproofing.

The image shows the inside of a watch that has been submerged in seawater, but there is also a risk of water getting into the watch when it is used on a rainy day, so please avoid using a vintage watch that has not been maintained for years on a rainy day.

Also, although the functionality can be restored by replacing the gasket, in the case of SS (stainless steel) models, the case material itself may corrode, and the waterproof performance may not be restored even if the gasket is replaced with a new one. In such a case, it is difficult to fully restore the waterproof performance unless the case is replaced.

② Humidity has a negative effect on the movement

If moisture gets in, the inside of the movement is more likely to rust and corrode. Older movements in particular contain more iron, which is prone to rust, than current models.

This can lead to fatal damage, such as a decrease in accuracy or stopping due to the effects of moisture.

3) Adverse effects on the dial

If a watch that is not waterproof is used on a rainy day, moisture may get inside the case and cause condensation, which may cause discoloration or stains on the original dial and hands, which are unique to vintage watches.

*The image shows the service number

This is something you want to avoid, as the value of a vintage watch depends heavily on the originality of its appearance.

Measures to take if you want to use it on a rainy day

① Waterproof inspection

If you really want to wear a vintage watch on a rainy day, we recommend replacing the gaskets and having a waterproofing test done at a specialist store. Of course, the safest option is to ask the manufacturer to perform maintenance, but please be aware that in that case, there is a possibility that exterior parts that will affect the rating will also be replaced.

②Replacement of the plastic windshield

Plastic crystals that have been used for many years can develop cracks on the edges (the border with the bezel) that are not visible from the surface. When this happens, the watch is virtually non-waterproof, so if you want to use your vintage watch on a rainy day, it is best to replace the crystal for peace of mind.

The plastic windshield can be replaced relatively cheaply, and even if it has been replaced, it does not significantly affect the evaluation of the individual piece. Therefore, rather than maintaining the original part, I think it is better to replace it with a new part that prioritizes functionality.

summary

What did you think?

Humid seasons such as the rainy season can be difficult for vintage watches, whose waterproof performance has decreased.

If you have an especially expensive vintage model, it is best not to use it on rainy days and store it carefully. However, if all consumable parts have been properly replaced and the waterproof performance has been maintained, there is no need to worry, so please use it with peace of mind!

We hope that this article has been useful to you and has piqued your interest in luxury watches! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us directly and we will answer them thoroughly. We look forward to your visit and inquiries.

Look forward to the next one! See you next time!