How to waterproof a watch?

The principles of waterproofing

Have you found the watch of your dreams with a sumptuous style that perfectly suits your tastes? There's no doubt about it, this is the perfect watch to enhance your outfit and accompany you on your daily adventures. But one day, disaster strikes: the watch stops working. Was it caught in a downpour? Did you forget to take it off before diving into the pool? Or has it simply deteriorated over time, accumulating dust? All these situations have one thing in common: the watch is not water-resistant.

Fortunately, all high-quality and luxury watches are highly water-resistant, enabling them to withstand the vagaries of everyday life and retain their beautiful shine for many years. You can even find watches designed specifically for diving, allowing you to swim in the water without fear of damaging them.

As you can see, water resistance is an essential criterion for preserving a watch over the long term. It prevents water, dust, and moisture from entering the watch face, which could damage the internal components. If you're wondering how to make a watch water-resistant, one of the most important factors is choosing high-quality materials. 

It starts with highly resistant rubber or silicone gaskets that act as a protective barrier.

The importance of a watch's water resistance

Do you want to keep your watch for as long as possible? Then you probably already take care not to scratch it, avoid shocks, and maintain it properly so that it remains in perfect condition. But we don't always think about protecting the internal workings of the watch. And that is partly the role of a watch's water resistance!

Water or moisture that seeps into the dial can cause serious damage to a mechanical or electric watch. If water enters the case, it can corrode metal and electrical parts and even create condensation, rendering the watch unusable. The worst part is that this can happen suddenly without you even realizing it!

Water is the enemy of watches, but we can forget that a watch's water resistance also serves to protect it from dust. Fine dust can be formidable and gradually infiltrate the internal mechanisms of the watch, causing damage. Good water resistance will therefore also prevent dust from getting in.

With a high-quality watch that is fully waterproof, you will also feel much more relaxed when using it on a daily basis. The purpose of a watch is to be worn in everyday life. It won't be pleasant for you if you have to take it off every time you wash the dishes or if you worry about the condition of your watch because you walked in the rain. A water-resistant watch eliminates all these worries, so you can rely on it with confidence whatever your daily activities!

Summary table of watch water resistance

Did you know that there are different levels of watch water resistance? Do you just need a “classic” watch, or a sports watch to accompany you in your water sports? The more water-resistant the watch, the better it will be protected from water, dust, and humidity. But perhaps you don't need the most water-resistant watches on the market, which are designed for professional divers? So how do you choose the right watch and water resistance? Follow our guide!

Different water resistance tests

Before learning how to waterproof a watch, you need to check whether the watch is waterproof or not. There are several water resistance tests you can perform to do this. The first test is quick and can be done at home. To do this, you will need a cloth and an ice cube. Place the ice cube on the watch for at least one minute. Remove the ice cube and quickly wipe your watch. Then check to see if condensation has formed under the dial. If so, the water resistance of your watch needs to be checked. Be careful not to leave the ice cube on for too long and do not repeat this experiment regularly. If your watch has a water resistance problem, this test could damage it if not carried out correctly.

The best way to find out if a watch is water-resistant without taking any risks is to have it tested by a professional. Using a device designed to test water resistance, the watch is placed in an airtight chamber. By removing the air, the professional will observe whether the watch expands or changes shape. If this happens, the watch does indeed have a water resistance issue.

How can you make your watch water-resistant?

The best way to make a watch water-resistant is to start with the seals. These seals create a barrier against all external elements. Choose high-quality, durable seals. Then place them in sensitive areas: on the crown, the case back, the crystal, and the push buttons. Remember to replace these seals as soon as they wear out. It is also recommended to opt for a screw-down case, which will compress the seal more, rather than a snap-on case back. Here's a little tip: you can use a seal lubricant to reinforce the water resistance of a watch. And for total water resistance, choose a strap material that can withstand water, such as rubber, silicone, or stainless steel. If you don't have the right tools, it is strongly recommended that you call in a professional to take care of the maintenance of your watch. They will also know exactly how to waterproof a watch without taking any risks.