Hello all, My one pet peeve about my 2007 SeMP is the He "valve" (aka, "direct pathway to the watch internals"). While I would simply prefer it not there, my other option is to ensure that crown isn't open when it's not supposed to be. So, what are folks' ideas on keeping that silly valve closed? I'm honestly considering clear epoxy around the circumference of the crown; with proper application it should not be noticeable. But is there a less drastic option perhaps? -Ben
Why are you worried? Is your valve spontaneously unscrewing? Even if so, does not the valve prevent water ingress? If the design of your watch is like current watches, the valve is only one way out.
To be honest, I thought the "valve" was simply a hole into the innards. If that's not the case, I'm quite relieved!
Though obvious, I just have to mention the crown, on the other hand, does need to stay screwed down. Water will go into the case if not secured as there is no valve on it.
Whoa... how long has it been open?!? The factory helium could have escaped, and that drastically impairs timekeeping. I’d take to an AD stat and get a helium refill. They are so nice when you ask for it...happens all the time apparently.
"Simply a hole to the innards". Love it. Sort of like your a-hole - water and gas tight when closed, but look out when it's open!
The He valve is too allow highly pressurized helium from helium/oxygen breathing gas mixtures to escape once a saturation diver returns to the surface after days in a underwater habitat. The helium molecules are smaller than nitrogen or oxygen molecules so after long exposure to high pressure breathing mixtures helium seeps through seals and builds up to a high pressure inside the watch. When the watch is returned to sea level the high pressure inside must be bled off through the valve or the crystal would be blown out by the pressure differences. Only saturation divers who carry the watch back inside a habitat need worry about this. PS Seems like such a valve would be useful on a watch worn in the vaccum of space. Even the 3-5 PSI of a space capsule might blow out the crystal of a watch when taken on an EVA. Not normally of course or it would have happened many times in the past but under circumstances where heat from direct sunlight softened a crystal or expanded the bezel, or extreme cold caused the crystal to contract. A flaw in a crystal might also cause it to shatter.
This is false. There is a seal in the crown that rides on the outside diameter of the case tube, and that seal stays in contact with the case tube at all times - when the crown is screwed down, when it's unscrewed, and even when it's pulled out to the setting positions. If that seal is in good condition, there is never an open "hole" into the watch...
The seal than contacts the tube is unlikely to be as resistant as the screwed down crown. I expect it allows the remaining 50 meter resistance Foo2rama mentioned when opened. A lot of watches have no special crown to improve water resistance yet are rated at 50 meters. Generally that allows little protection other than occasional submersion for a few seconds. Most such are considered merely splash resistant. PS Does anyone know of any watches that have nitrogen gas sealed within to prevent condensation, corrosion or degradation of lubricants. It's a common practice for quality telescopic sights. It might prevent deterioration of the dial if nothing else. A UV resistant crystal might also forestall sun bleaching of the dial finish.
I know you like to contradict me, but I didn't say that it would be just as resistant as it would be with the crown screwed down. All I said was that there is no open hole into the case that the other poster indicated there was by saying that without screwing the crown down, water will enter...
I did not contradict you. I did not contradict you on the recent thread when discussing the use of the terms Watch Head or Watch Face. Loosen your hatband and let your brain get more oxygen.
Yes Sinn do it fairly regularly I believe. By the way picking holes in Archer’s posts usually leads to egg on your face.