How to Handle a Water-Damaged Watch

Water damage is a common issue for many watch wearers. If your watch gets water inside it, it’s crucial to act quickly to prevent serious damage to the internal mechanism. This article from Thế Giới Đồng Hồ Đẹp will guide you through effective and timely solutions.

Quick Solutions for Water-Damaged Watches

Here are some temporary measures to take immediately when your watch gets water inside. However, we strongly recommend visiting a watch repair shop for a thorough inspection of the internal components.

1. Using Tissue Paper

If your watch lacks high water resistance and gets wet, the first step is to use tissue paper to dry the exterior. This is especially important for vintage watches that aren’t water-resistant. Tissue paper quickly absorbs water, helping to prevent it from seeping inside. Here’s how to do it properly:

1. Blot the Exterior with Tissue Paper: Immediately after discovering your watch is wet, use soft tissue paper to dry the entire exterior. Soft tissue will avoid scratching the watch surface.
2. Change Tissue Frequently: Use multiple pieces of tissue if necessary to ensure the watch is completely dry.

2. Using Rice

If you’re at home and have rice available, you can use it to absorb moisture from the watch. Rice is a natural desiccant and can help remove water from the watch. Follow these steps:

1. Prepare a Container of Rice: Get a container large enough to submerge the watch in rice.
2. Pull Out the Crown: Pull the crown out to its outermost position to allow air circulation and enhance the drying process.
3. Bury the Watch in Rice: Place the watch in the rice container, ensuring it is fully covered.
4. Leave Overnight: Leave the watch in the rice for at least 12 hours to allow the rice to absorb the moisture.
5. Check the Watch: After the waiting period, take out the watch and check for any remaining signs of water.

3. Using Silica Gel Packs

Silica gel packs, often found in new shoes or bags, can also be used to dry out a water-damaged watch. This method takes more time but is effective. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare an Airtight Container: Get an airtight container that can be sealed tightly.
2. Place the Watch and Silica Gel Packs in the Container: Put the watch in the container and arrange silica gel packs around it. The more silica gel packs, the better the absorption.
3. Seal the Container and Leave Overnight: Seal the container and leave it overnight or for at least 24 hours to ensure the silica gel has enough time to absorb the moisture.
4. Check the Watch: After the waiting period, remove the watch and check for any remaining water signs.

Methods to Avoid for Water-Damaged Watches

There are many online guides on how to handle water-damaged watches, but to avoid severe damage, you should steer clear of the following methods:

1. Using a Hairdryer

The heat from a hairdryer can evaporate the water, but excessive heat can damage other parts of the watch. When using a hairdryer, keep these points in mind:

• Avoid High Temperatures: High heat can damage sensitive components inside the watch.
• Don’t Blow Directly on the Watch Face: The strong air flow can push water deeper into the watch.

2. Wearing the Watch Upside Down

Some people believe wearing the watch upside down will help evaporate the water. In reality, this method only causes water to condense in other parts, leading to further damage.

• Water Condenses Elsewhere: While the watch face might appear dry, the water can condense in other parts, causing significant damage.

3. Placing the Watch Under a Lamp

The heat from a lamp can make the water evaporate, but it doesn’t guarantee that all moisture will escape. The high temperature from the lamp can also damage internal components. When using a lamp:

• Inconsistent Heat: The uneven heat can cause additional damage to other components.
• No Guarantee of Complete Evaporation: Residual moisture might remain inside and cause further issues.

Signs of a Water-Damaged Watch

Recognizing early signs of water damage can help you take timely action and prevent severe damage. Some common signs include:

• Condensation on the Watch Face: Small water droplets appear on the inside of the watch glass.
• Hearing Water Inside the Watch: When shaking the watch, you hear water sloshing inside.
• Water Seeping Out When Shaken: Water seeps out even though the watch appears dry on the outside.
• Slowing or Stopping: The watch starts running slow and might eventually stop.
• Rust and Discoloration: Water can cause rust and metal discoloration inside the watch.

Causes of Water Damage in Watches

Water damage can cause IC short circuits in quartz watches or oil drying and rust in mechanical watches. The main causes include:

• Improper Use Against Manufacturer’s Design: Wearing non-water-resistant watches while swimming, bathing, or during water exposure.
• Incorrect Time Adjustment or Underwater Adjustment: Adjusting the time while the watch is exposed to water can allow water to seep inside.
• Wearing Watches in Steam or Extreme Temperature: Steam and high temperatures can damage the watch’s seals.
• Poor Quality Battery or Glass Replacement: Replacing batteries or glass at low-quality service centers can compromise the watch’s water resistance.
• Manufacturing Assembly Errors: Some watches might have assembly flaws that reduce water resistance.
• Prolonged Use in Harsh Environments: Long-term use in high humidity or water-prone areas can degrade the watch’s seals.

Important Considerations for Home Repair of Water-Damaged Watches

Every watch has a different water resistance level. If your watch gets water inside, consider the following:

• Immediately Use Tissue to Absorb Exterior Water: Reduce water entry by quickly drying the exterior.
• Assess the Watch’s Condition: Check the watch thoroughly to understand the severity.
• Avoid Shaking the Watch: Shaking can cause water to spread further inside.
• Visit a Repair Shop: Bring your watch to a nearby repair shop for proper inspection and repair.
• Choose Watches with Adequate Water Resistance: When purchasing, prefer watches with a water resistance rating of 3ATM or higher.
• Limit Adjusting Control Knobs: Incorrect adjustment can make it easier for water to enter. If the glass is cracked or the back case is not sealed, get it replaced or checked immediately.
• Regular Maintenance Checks: Especially for high-end watches, regular maintenance and water resistance checks are essential to ensure optimal performance.

Conclusion

We hope the information shared above helps you effectively handle a water-damaged watch. However, we strongly advise you to take your watch to the nearest repair center for prompt and thorough service to minimize any potential damage. Ensuring your watch is always in the best condition will prolong its lifespan and maintain its performance for your daily needs.

Read more: Watch Blog at thegioidonghodep.com