Seamaster 166.010 - water resistance

Ingmar · Jul 31, 2021

Hi. I’m sorry if this is listed somewhere. I couldn’t find it.

What was the original water resistance on these? 30m, 60m? I understand it was meant to be head to head with the Datejust but that one is 100 and I don’t think these were.

Thanks!

JwRosenthal · Jul 31, 2021

Original specs don’t matter at this point. Even if the seals are fresh, if there is any corrosion around the back seal, it will compromise water resistance. Without a pressure test to confirm, it’s always advisable to just avoid getting them wet

Ingmar · Jul 31, 2021

JwRosenthal
Original specs don’t matter at this point.

Yes. But I’d like to know if it’s even worth looking at. At 60, I’m a yes since these movements are plentiful and seals easily procured. But 30 is no go.

Personally I find people are overly cautious. I regularly swim with a vintage Speedmaster or Santos or whatever. And have never had an issue if seals were new and it’d been tested in last couple years.

SkunkPrince · Jul 31, 2021

The crown and crown tube and also the crystal matter when it comes to water resistance.

mrbreen · Jul 31, 2021

SkunkPrince
The crown and crown tube and also the crystal matter when it comes to water resistance.

This. I had a vintage SM take on water in a downpour. The gasket had recently been replaced. But hey, your watch, your call 😀

JwRosenthal · Jul 31, 2021

Ingmar
Yes. But I’d like to know if it’s even worth looking at. At 60, I’m a yes since these movements are plentiful and seals easily procured. But 30 is no go.

Personally I find people are overly cautious. I regularly swim with a vintage Speedmaster or Santos or whatever. And have never had an issue if seals were new and it’d been tested in last couple years.

I hear you, and am not prissy when it comes to my watches either (except my early snap back watches- no moisture!!), but if a Seamaster is rated for 30 meters, and it passes a pressure test for 30 meters, are you actually going to go deeper than 30 meters wearing a 60 year old watch designed for the country club?

Ingmar · Jul 31, 2021

SkunkPrince
The crown and crown tube and also the crystal matter when it comes to water resistance.

I’ve only had two watches become water damaged. A Rolex 5513 and a Tudor Sub. It’s def about proper service and parts.

Revo · Aug 3, 2021

Ingmar
I’ve only had two watches become water damaged. A Rolex 5513 and a Tudor Sub. It’s def about proper service and parts.

“Only” those two?! Yikes.

Seamaster 166.010 - water resistance

Ingmar

JwRosenthal

Ingmar

SkunkPrince

mrbreen

JwRosenthal

Ingmar

Revo

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Advice on Seamaster 166.010