What should I do if my mechanical watch accidentally gets soaked in water?

If you own a mechanical watch, you know just how delicate and precise these timepieces can be. Many watch enthusiasts enjoy the craftsmanship and intricate workings of a mechanical watch, but they also know that these watches require special care and maintenance. One of the greatest fears for any mechanical watch owner is the accidental exposure to water. Whether you've been caught in the rain, dropped your watch in a sink, or even forgotten to take it off before a swim, water damage can be a serious threat to the functionality and longevity of your timepiece.

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having your mechanical watch accidentally soaked in water, it's important to act quickly and carefully to minimize potential damage. In this article, we will discuss the steps you should take if your mechanical watch gets wet, as well as some tips for preventing water damage in the future.

Assess the Situation

Upon discovering that your mechanical watch has come into contact with water, the first step is to assess the extent of the exposure. If the watch was only briefly exposed to a small amount of water, such as a few raindrops or a splash from the sink, the risk of significant damage is relatively low. However, if the watch has been fully submerged in water or exposed to a large amount of moisture for an extended period of time, the risk of water damage is much higher.

It's important to note that water resistance ratings can vary widely among mechanical watches. Some watches are only designed to withstand minimal exposure to water, while others are specifically engineered for use in underwater environments. Before taking any further action, it's a good idea to refer to your watch's water resistance rating to gain a better understanding of the potential risks and necessary precautions.

Once you have a better understanding of the situation, you can begin to take the appropriate steps to address the water exposure and prevent further damage to your mechanical watch.

Remove the Watch from Water

If your mechanical watch is still submerged in water, the first priority is to remove it from the water as quickly as possible. The longer the watch remains in a wet environment, the greater the risk of water seeping into the delicate inner workings and causing damage. Carefully remove the watch from the water and use a soft, dry cloth to gently pat the exterior of the watch, being careful not to press too hard or create additional moisture from the cloth itself.

Once the watch has been removed from the water and dried as much as possible, it's important to avoid the temptation to shake the watch or use a hairdryer or other heat source to speed up the drying process. These actions can cause additional damage to the watch's delicate components and should be avoided at all costs.

Open the Case Back

In order to properly assess the extent of the water exposure and begin the drying process, it may be necessary to open the case back of the watch. If you are not comfortable or familiar with this process, it's best to seek the assistance of a professional watchmaker or jeweler who can safely open the watch and assess the damage. However, if you feel confident in your ability to carefully open the case back without causing further damage, you can proceed with caution.

Using a case back opener tool or a soft cloth to provide grip, carefully unscrew or remove the case back of the watch to expose the inner workings. Take care to avoid getting any additional moisture or debris inside the watch during this process, and be mindful of any small screws or parts that may come loose once the case back is removed.

Once the case back is open, you can begin to assess the extent of the water exposure and take steps to dry the internal components of the watch. It's important to proceed with caution and avoid touching any of the delicate inner workings with your fingers, as this can introduce oils and debris that may further damage the watch.

Allow the Watch to Dry

After the case back has been opened and the extent of the water exposure has been assessed, the next step is to allow the watch to dry thoroughly. This process can take some time, and it's important to be patient and not rush the drying process in an attempt to quickly restore the functionality of the watch.

One of the most effective methods for drying a wet mechanical watch is to place it in a sealed container with a desiccant, such as silica gel packets. These packets are designed to absorb moisture and can help to expedite the drying process without introducing additional moisture or heat to the watch. Simply place the watch and a few desiccant packets in a sealed container and allow them to sit undisturbed for at least 24 hours. Check the watch periodically to monitor the progress of the drying process and replace the desiccant packets as needed.

Alternatively, you can also place the watch in a well-ventilated area with low humidity and allow it to air dry naturally. Avoid placing the watch in direct sunlight or using a hairdryer or other heat source, as these can cause additional damage to the delicate components of the watch.

It's important to note that the drying process may need to be repeated multiple times, especially if the watch was fully submerged or exposed to a significant amount of water. Be patient and vigilant in monitoring the progress of the drying process, and avoid the temptation to attempt to operate the watch until you are confident that it has been thoroughly dried.

Seek Professional Assistance

If you have followed the steps outlined above and are still experiencing issues with your mechanical watch, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance from a qualified watchmaker or jeweler. Water damage can be highly detrimental to the inner workings of a mechanical watch, and attempting to address the damage without the proper expertise and tools can cause further harm to the timepiece.

A professional watchmaker will have the necessary knowledge and experience to assess the extent of the water damage and take the appropriate steps to restore the functionality of the watch. This may involve disassembling the watch, cleaning and lubricating the internal components, and replacing any damaged parts that may be beyond repair. While professional watch servicing can be costly, it is often the best course of action for a water-damaged mechanical watch and can help to prevent long-term damage and maintain the value of the timepiece.

In the future, consider taking preventative measures to protect your mechanical watch from water exposure, such as having the watch professionally tested for water resistance and avoiding activities or environments that may put the watch at risk of exposure to moisture. With the proper care and maintenance, you can help to ensure that your mechanical watch remains a reliable and beautiful timepiece for years to come.