Increasing water resistance of case

[spazthecat]

Hi,

I have as generic submariner style (solid screw on back and screw down crown) case I purchased from eBay (seller rouhelena) that currently is rated at 5atm. I've been thinking that I'd like to increase that to the point that it would be safe to swim with it. I realize I probably won't get it to the point of being able to dive with it, but swimming it just fine.

So, I've been looking over the case and it seems two simple things I can do are:

1. Replace the case back gasket with a higher quality gasket that fits better.
2. Seal the crystal with a bead of GS Hypo cement

That leaves the crown. I'm not sure what I can with it. The crown does have a gasket but I think the bigger question is the crown tube.

Any suggestions or anything else I should consider?

Thanks,
Andy

[mars-red]

It should take about 132 feet of water above you before 5 atmospheres is achieved - you really need more than that for just swimming??

[lysanderxiii]

First you need to establish what the real pressure integrity is, it may be quite different from the advertised level....

Pop it in a tester and run it up 'til it fails, or you're happy, whichever occurs first.

[spazthecat]

First you need to establish what the real pressure integrity is, it may be quite different from the advertised level....

Pop it in a tester and run it up 'til it fails, or you're happy, whichever occurs first.

Yeah, ideally I'd do that. But, I don't own that type of equipment and I'm having trouble finding a local watch maker to do it. The non-independent stores I've visited either won't touch it because they service brands they carry or they want a ridiculous amount of money for a pressur test.

Thanks,

Andy

[spazthecat]

It should take about 132 feet of water above you before 5 atmospheres is achieved - you really need more than that for just swimming??

I believe that 10 atm (100 meters) is generally considered the safest for swimming only and not scuba. I believe the reason being is that the pressure rating is done under conditions such that the watch is not in motion through the water. As soon as you start moving it through the water you can dramatically increase the pressure. So, a watch in 5 feet of water if moved rapidly and forcefully through the water could possibly have more than the amount of pressure experienced at 5 atm.

--Andy

[mars-red]

I believe that 10 atm (100 meters) is generally considered the safest for swimming only and not scuba. I believe the reason being is that the pressure rating is done under conditions such that the watch is not in motion through the water. As soon as you start moving it through the water you can dramatically increase the pressure. So, a watch in 5 feet of water if moved rapidly and forcefully through the water could possibly have more than the amount of pressure experienced at 5 atm.

--Andy

Ah, excellent point - thanks for bringing that to light!

[lysanderxiii]

I believe that 10 atm (100 meters) is generally considered the safest for swimming only and not scuba. I believe the reason being is that the pressure rating is done under conditions such that the watch is not in motion through the water. As soon as you start moving it through the water you can dramatically increase the pressure. So, a watch in 5 feet of water if moved rapidly and forcefully through the water could possibly have more than the amount of pressure experienced at 5 atm.

--Andy

Ah, excellent point - thanks for bringing that to light!

Ahhh, the old water in motion argument....

That has been disproven so many time on WUS alone, but people keep referring to it.

Sigh, Myth Busting.... again

Now, if you can't test the water resistance, how are you going to tell if you improved it?

[spazthecat]

Ahhh, the old water in motion argument....

That has been disproven so many time on WUS alone, but people keep referring to it.

Sigh, Myth Busting.... again

Now, if you can't test the water resistance, how are you going to tell if you improved it?

Crud. Sorry. I haven't seen this discussed before. Thanks for the link to the other thread. Conceptually it makes sense but when you do the math....

I do plan on testing, I'm in the process of finding someone local that can do it.

--Andy