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  1. stiofan WUS topic importer May 3, 2016

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  2. abrod520 May 3, 2016

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    For the most part, keeping it under the sleeve of a raincoat will probably help, but you'll also want to consider the humidity in the air - that can be a real problem with vintage watches. If I know it's going to be a particularly humid and / or rainy day, I'll stick to modern just to be safe.
     
  3. stiofan WUS topic importer May 3, 2016

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  4. ahsposo Most fun screen name at ΩF May 3, 2016

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    I live on the seacoast in SE US and it is quite humid in the air and on hotter days downright wet at skin level.

    I was wearing what I thought was a fairly water-proofed watch last Sunday and after a couple hours outside I found the crystal fogged with water vapor. I put the watch in a plastic bag with desiccant bags to dry it out. The intrusion may be at the crowns (an alarm watch)...

    Decided I'm going to sell that one at some point as I like to wear my watches and that one is obviously not suitable for my climate.

    EDIT: The other issue can be taking a watch that is cooled from air conditioning outside on a warm, humid day. Any residual moisture in the piece is going to condense. I've learned to store anything moisture sensitive in containers with desiccant.
     
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  5. mokofoko One sad panda May 3, 2016

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    Raincoat suggestion is a good idea. Have you done pressure tests on those watches, checked the seals? Unless they pass a test, I'd have to assume that living in humid conditions will have the potential for longterm problems.

    I lived in florida (very humid) and used to have a lot of DSLR equipment. A couple of my lenses developed a fungus issue and I had to trash them--it would pit the elements. Once the spores get in there, even the camera and other lenses can be compromised. I eventually started using a humidity-controlled drybox for my equipment. Had no problems since--just kept them stored when not in use. If your watches can't pass a pressure test, I'd recommend storing in a drybox when you're not using the watches--prolong the life of your watches. If you want to go extremely low-tech, get some large Tupperware, pour some rice in, and you'll be good to go. I recall seeing a thread here where people were showing their watch storage, and I saw quite a few examples that were humidity-controlled.

    Here's an example:
    [​IMG]
    Mine was a bit larger. I think I paid around $130. I've seen cheaper (ie smaller) variants sell for under $100.
     
    Edited May 3, 2016
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  6. stiofan WUS topic importer May 3, 2016

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  7. STANDY schizophrenic pizza orderer and watch collector May 3, 2016

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  8. mokofoko One sad panda May 3, 2016

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    Uh, if I my understanding is correct, AC units do pull humidity out, but nowhere near as efficient as a dedicated dehumidifier.
     
  9. stiofan WUS topic importer May 3, 2016

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  10. stiofan WUS topic importer May 3, 2016

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  11. littlesheep81 May 3, 2016

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    ;) Thanks @stiofan , you asked the very question on my mind this evening as I was exiting the MTR in CWB...!
     
  12. stiofan WUS topic importer May 3, 2016

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  13. abrod520 May 3, 2016

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    Short trips outside in a humid environment probably won't hurt much, but yes - do make sure your vintage watches are up-to-date on servicing with all seals properly replaced / maintained.

    What I'll also do sometimes is keep my vintage watch in my bag while commuting, and wear a modern diver - then switch it off at the office.
     
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  14. ulackfocus May 3, 2016

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    If it's raining, I wrap my vintage watch in cellophane and then stuff it inside a plastic bag. Of course, I poke a hole at either end to put the strap through, then seal it tight with tape.
     
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  15. ahsposo Most fun screen name at ΩF May 3, 2016

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    ^^^@ulackfocus in the rain:

    [​IMG]
     
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  16. mokofoko One sad panda May 3, 2016

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    LOL, don't forget to poke some airholes!!
     
  17. mokofoko One sad panda May 3, 2016

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    Tape can come undone. Wouldn't you get a better seal by coating it with superglue?
     
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  18. shaun hk Fairy nuffer May 3, 2016

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    I don't worry about humidity too much, and the only time I have ever seen fogging on the crystal I had a watchmaker open it up and found the caseback gasket was badly deteriorated. A service and new gasket and not had any issue since.
    On days when we get "Asian rain" I wear a modern watch as I spend a fair amount of time outside. Though I thought what we had today was more of a shower than a real tropical rainstorm.
     
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  19. ulackfocus May 3, 2016

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    Actually, most times I don't even need the tape if I cut the holes the right size. It's raining today so let me take you through the steps.....

    First, you want to pull a strip of Saran wrap off that's wide enough to cover the watch, this being a 1966 pink Gold Eterna caliber 1466U.

    IMG_7274.jpg


    Next, carefully roll the watch in the cellophane so it's covered evenly.

    IMG_7275.jpg


    Then comes the plastic bag, preferably a snack size since sandwich or quart are too large.

    IMG_7276.jpg


    After patiently cutting the hole for each end of the strap, insert the watch into the bag. Be warned that the keepers and buckle can be a hassle - just take your time.

    IMG_7277.jpg


    Voila!

    IMG_7280.jpg


    You can use your iPhone to tell you the time, although you can make out that it's 9:42 in the above picture. It all depends on how neatly you wrap the watch in cellophane and stuff the watch in the plastic bag. Less wrinkles = more legibility. :thumbsup:
     
  20. mokofoko One sad panda May 3, 2016

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    Holy smokes you were serious!
     
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