Mark in Paris offers crucial advice on water resistance for luxury watches, particularly Patek Philippe, emphasizing the importance of understanding ratings before engaging in water activities. His timely reminder, bumped for summer, serves as a vital guide for collectors to protect their valuable timepieces from water damage.
July 19, 2017: post bumped for this year as I imagine it is still useful
Best, Mark
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Hi everyone,
Many of us, at least from the northern hemisphere, will have the opportunity to play in the water soon
As a rough reminder:
- The
30/50m water-resistance aren't made for swimming but only for allowing wetting the watch.
- To swim (not to dive) you'll need your Patek Philippe to be around the
120m mark to do it safely.
- To dive, you'll usually need it to be at a higher level: above
200m or even 300m depending on the activity.
You'll find on the net other more "optimistic" charts allowing for instance to swim with a 50m WR: this is something Patek doesn't recommend for their watches.
In any case, if you have a doubt or plan to make scuba-diving, jet-skiing etc... give a call to an official AD or a Salon to be sure.
The depth is not the only element to take into account. Indeed the depth is only the pressure the water applies on an object. But a hospipe, massage shower or any thrown water at higher speed also have an impact even if you're not in the water. Again, question of pressure when the water "presses" on the seals.
Of course, if you have pushers (chronographs etc...), don't activate them under the water.
If you have a screwed crown, check it isn't unscrewed, it happens... (but don't overtight it either!).
Furthermore, it is normally not necessary if you follow scrupulously Patek's guidelines concerning Servicing periods but, a few years after the last seal replacement was made, it is good to make a quick check, just to be sure the seals are ok. Go to your AD if you can and have a waterproof check. It doesn't take long and it is a good precaution.
Cheers, Mark
PS: the figures I mentionned are more about Patek Philippe watches and may depend on the brand, so do not hesitate to check on your brand's website or call you own AD.
