I am trying to stay outdoors as much as possible this summer. The sunshine, even when the temps are high, makes me feel safe and well. Naturally, when it’s hot, we all want to be in and around the water. Lake sports, swimming pools and water hosing the dogs are the best part of summer. So make sure you’re wearing the right kind of watch around the water.
Understanding the features of your timepiece and how it can perform is the key to taking proper care. Only watches with an oversize screw down crown with gaskets are considered waterproof. This is kind of technical, but think of a watch and where water could enter: around the winding crown, the case back or the crystal.
Manufacturing a watch that takes extra care around these three areas keeps the moisture out. Using higher quality parts, screw down case backs and crowns, plus gaskets in all three areas, allows the wearer to not worry about the presence of water. These kinds of sport watches are fine for the lake, pool and shower.
A dress style watch with a regular crown can be called water resistant, and they are, as long as the watch is in perfect condition and the gaskets are new and providing a solid seal. After light wear and tear, a crown can be slightly askew, a crystal can have a tiny chip, and all the gaskets will deteriorate until one day the watch takes in water. These styles of watches are fine for everyday wear as long as hand washing is the only water sport!
We always suggest removing fine timepieces before swimming. Pool chemicals and salt water can damage metals. And watching a timepiece sink into the lake, never to be found again, is devastating. Take care around the water and have fun this summer!
