Never opened caseback for several decades, while avoiding water. Still risk of humidity intrusion?

reverbtime · Sun. 7:03am

Saw on another forum, a member showed his Seiko 6309 Turtle from 1979. He said it's never been serviced, and the caseback has never been opened (he intends to keep it that way for his kids). I kind of want to never open my SKX007 for a few decades, or wait until something breaks (parts are plentiful, so no worry there).

I understand gaskets are probably dry/brittle for a 46-year old watch. And, it would be crazy to go swimming with a watch that old. But, what about just keeping it on a nightstand? Or, wearing it here and there at home or for errands; avoiding pools, avoiding doing dishes, etc.

Let's say it's one lives in a humid state, like Texas or Florida. Is there still a risk of humidity intrusion if nothing is done to a watch with decades-old gaskets and a never-opened caseback, while avoiding water activities?

Canuck · Sun. 7:13am

Every water resistant watch that had at one time been verified to be water resistant, will be water resistant until it leaks. Save your nickel, take your chances. But a watch that is 45 years old, needs service. Like it or not.

reverbtime · Sun. 7:18am

Canuck
Every water resistant watch that had at one time been verified to be water resistant, will be water resistant until it leaks. Save your nickel, take your chances. But a watch that is 45 years old, needs service. Like it or not.

Yes, I know that there is almost a 100% chance a 45-year old watch will get water inside by swimming with it, for example. But, I wonder if humidity will get into the dial without ever taking it near water?

Canuck · Sun. 7:23am

In order that a watch be water resistant, it must be hermetically sealed. Water resistant watches have been known to take on moisture, having not been worn in water. Scenario: on a hot day, you’re wearing the watch, and perspiring. Enter an air conditioned space. The watch suddenly chills! Moisture is sucked into the case as the watch chills. Replies to your question will likely be opinions only. Not answers!

hen · Sun. 8:14am

reverbtime
Saw on another forum, a member showed his Seiko 6309 Turtle from 1979. He said it's never been serviced, and the caseback has never been opened (he intends to keep it that way for his kids). I kind of want to never open my SKX007 for a few decades, or wait until something breaks (parts are plentiful, so no worry there).

I understand gaskets are probably dry/brittle for a 46-year old watch. And, it would be crazy to go swimming with a watch that old. But, what about just keeping it on a nightstand? Or, wearing it here and there at home or for errands; avoiding pools, avoiding doing dishes, etc.

Let's say it's one lives in a humid state, like Texas or Florida. Is there still a risk of humidity intrusion if nothing is done to a watch with decades-old gaskets and a never-opened caseback, while avoiding water activities?

I get the notion of giving something completly original to the kids, but wouldn`t it be better to give them a serviced watch, not one thats full of stale lubricants and disintergrated gaskest? And then have them pay for the service.

reverbtime · Sun. 8:26am

hen
I get the notion of giving something completly original to the kids, but wouldn`t it be better to give them a serviced watch, not one thats full of stale lubricants and disintergrated gaskest? And then have them pay for the service.

True. But what if the watch is running decently well?

Depends on the watch, I guess. If it ain't broke, don't fix it is my approach to Seiko and modern Omega. However, for vintage pieces or with very expensive/hard to find parts, a "preventive" service every 3-5 years makes sense.

Dan S · Sun. 8:42am

If you don't care about preserving the watch, then leaving it closed and unserviced for decades is a good approach. And I can understand doing that with a watch that is basically disposable. It's sad but true that some watches just aren't worth the expense to service.

hen · Sun. 8:43am

reverbtime
True. But what if the watch is running decently well?

Depends on the watch, I guess. If it ain't broke, don't fix it is my approach to Seiko and modern Omega. However, for vintage pieces or with very expensive/hard to find parts, a "preventive" service every 3-5 years makes sense.

My car is running well, but I still change the oil.

reverbtime · Sun. 8:47am

hen
My car is running well, but I still change the oil.

Yep, makes sense there. Changing the engine is expensive.

Porteroso · Sun. 10:48am

reverbtime
Yep, makes sense there. Changing the engine is expensive.

I think it would be hard for anyone to definitively give an answer. When the gasket has deteriorated, moisture can enter the watch. And nobody knows how long the gaskets last. I'd hope for 8 years, but could be 20, 30. After 40, any rubber gasket will have dried up considerably. I would think it would allow moisture through. But for all I know, it's somehow perfect still. Point is, a watchmaker could probably open, inspect, change the gasket for $30. You'll not know until you do that.