Wearing a watch is one of those things that feels good. It is a symbol of class, wealth and power and it stands to reason that a watch lasts.
However, no matter how careful you are with your watch, it is likely to rust, get dirty and smell bad over time. And if you're unlucky, you'll notice moisture inside your watch. If you've had this problem before, you're not alone, and you probably don't want to be alone either.
All of our watches are subject to some degree of moisture damage, especially when we spend a lot of time in cold environments. Over time, this can lead to time-consuming, frustrating, and expensive repairs.
Here are 5 ways to remove condensation from your dial without visiting your jeweler.
What waterproof means for your watch
Water resistance is one of the most important specifications that watch owners look for these days. And it can be a deciding factor when choosing a waterproof watch. Water resistance refers to a watch's ability to function underwater.
Water resistance values are engraved on the back of our watches. However,diving watchesor mechanical watches engraved with a 100 meter rating doesn't always mean you can dive 100 meters with them.
Haynothing like a 100 percent waterproof watch. Over time, waterproof watches lose their durability. Most waterproof watches rely on the O-ring around the crown to keep moisture out.
This O-ring is a gasket that acts as a seal around the crown of the watch.
Because the O-ring seal is often made of silicone or rubber, it wears out over time, reducing the durability of the watch. This wear and tear can take months or years, but it does happen.
How to detect condensation on a waterproof watch
Before I get into how to remove moisture from your watch, it's a good idea to show you what condensation looks like inside a watch.
Condensation on a waterproof watch looks like small drops of water appearing on the inside of your watch. If you have a cloudy dial, it's probably due to condensation.
What causes moisture in a watch?
Condensation on a watch occurs for various reasons. Understanding these reasons can help prevent future occurrences.
1) Strong temperature change
Particles in the air from cold or winter weather can get into a watch and as soon as it reaches a warm area, these particles liquefy and form droplets inside.
2) A damaged seal
If the waterproof seal on some watches is compromised, condensation may occasionally appear.
The spaces around the crown can also be a source of moisture damage you experience. Consider visiting a reputable watchmaker to repair the damaged seal.
3) Prolonged immersion in water
If you submerge your waterproof watch under water for a long time, condensation may form. This is because, over time, the pressure of the water can cause some water to leak through the watertight seal.
4) A crack in the dial
If the watch crystal has a slight crack, particles suspended in the air due to cold weather can easily enter the watch. Once this happens, condensation easily occurs as these air particles liquefy.
5) Watch quality
Poorly made watches with very weak waterproof seals are prone to water damage. If the quality of the watch does not meet your expectations, it is a good idea to return it. Most problems fall into this category.
6) Lack of waterproof property
Some watches are not waterproof at all, which means that condensation can easily form. Once some non-waterproof watches are accidentally dropped into the water and not handled quickly enough, the chances of condensation forming are high.
How does a watch defog?
So how can you prevent your watch from tarnishing? There are some DIY (do it yourself) methods to remove condensation from your watch without damaging it. Try these simple methods and your watch will be back to looking like new in no time.
1) A bed of rice.
Instant rice, or uncooked rice, is reportedly more effective at absorbing water droplets. Historically, professionals have used rice to protect photographic equipment from a humid environment.
Remove the crown from your watch and immerse it in a small bowl of rice. You can also use a bowl of uncooked rice in this case. Leave it for a night or two before checking the dial to see if it has absorbed any moisture.
2) silica gel bag or arena for cats
Silica gel packets are perfect for removing condensation from a watch. Remove the crown from the watch and immerse it in a container filled with silica gel packets. Leave it there for a day or two.
If you can get your hands on a few pieces of kitty litter, do the same to demist your watch.
3) How to remove condensation from the watch in direct sunlight
On sunny days, you can use direct sunlight to evaporate condensation and defog your watch.
Remove the back of thewatch (if it is easy to remove) and insert the dial and glassdown in a position where sunlight can warm them.
Leave the watch in the sunlight for some time and check it regularly to avoid overheating.
4) Alternative heat source
If possible, remove the back of your watch and the battery. Use a hair dryer on low heat to dry the inside of the watch. Using an alternative heat source is very intuitive.
Place the hair dryer a few inches away to reduce the heat generated by the watch.
If possible, use the blow dryer outdoors so you end up with the lowest dew point inside your watch.
Let the watch cool down for a few hours before putting it back together.
5) Visit a trusted watchmaker for repair.
Damaging the watch will require a trip to a reputable watchmaker (not a jeweler).
Regardless of the extent of the water damage to the watch, we strongly recommend taking the watch to a watchmaker for repair as soon as possible.
How to avoid condensation on your watches.
You can avoid condensation problems later by taking preventative measures. Here we list a few:
1.) Pay attention to the water resistance that a manufacturer recommends for a particular watch.
Always make sure to use theBe careful below specified resistance levelsby the manufacturer to compensate for wear on the waterproof seal.
Different ways of expressing water resistance include BAR, ATM, and meter. But what do they mean?
- Water resistance of 3 ATM/BAR or 30 meters: this watch is rain and splash proof.
- 5 ATM/BAR or 50 meter water resistance: You can wear this water resistant watch while swimming. They are not suitable for snorkeling or diving.
- 10 ATM/BAR or 100-meter water resistance: This water-resistant watch is suitable for most water sports, including swimming, sailing, and snorkeling. However, they are not suitable for deep diving.
- Water resistance to 20 ATM/BAR or 200 meters You can wear this water-resistant watch for many water sports, including deep diving. They can withstand high water pressure.
2.) If you notice a crack on the screen, be sure to replace it, as that is already a risk.
3.) Do not immerse the watch in water for a long time unless necessary.
frequent questions
How do you know if a watch has water damage?
You may already know that water damage is the number one reason watches break. This applies to all watch brands, high end and low end.
No matter how carefully you treat your watch, there is still a chance that water may damage it. There are a few places you can check a watch for water damage.
the clock face: The easiest way to tell if your watch is water damaged is if it has condensation. If you notice moisture on the dial, it is probably due to condensation. You can follow the simple methods above to resolve this issue.
clock performance: Moisture can often damage the internal workings of the watch. If the hands on your watch stutter or stop working, it's probably because moisture has damaged the moving parts inside. Be sure to always check the battery (power source) before finishing.
Luminous hands and markers: If you have a luminous watch, it's also a good idea to check the luminous hands and markers, especially if the watch is new. Check if these parts are still glowing. If not, it is likely due to water damage.Most Luminous watches use luminous colorssuch as Luminova and SuperLuminova and are easily attacked by moisture.
Can water damage a Rolex?
Although Rolex excels when it comes to watchmaking, their watches are not free from water ingress.
As already mentioned, no watch is waterproof forever. However, occasional maintenance of your watch should prevent condensation or water-related problems on your watch.
How do I prevent my watch from fogging up?
For many watch owners, the concept of condensation inside a watch is nothing new. It is a fact that everyone who owns a watch gets frustrated at least once.
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce these cases. One of those ways is to consider your watch's "water resistance" rating and stay within those limits when you wear it.
To involve
and acheap leisure watchor a luxury watch, a tarnished watch is not a pretty sight. You need to remove condensation on a watch before it damages the watch face.
You may have another method to remove moisture from your watch. However, we have only given a handful of the most popular ones.