Several years ago, I encountered a particularly vexing issue with my Omega Seamaster Diver 300M while on a diving expedition. After nearly a decade of regular use, I noticed condensation forming behind the sapphire crystal shortly after completing a dive. Given the watch’s renowned water resistance, this was both unexpected and alarming.

Initially, I suspected a malfunction in the crown assembly or an aging gasket. Drawing from common advice within the community, I attempted some standard troubleshooting measures. I delicately removed the screw-down crown using specialized watch tools, and inspected the visible gaskets for signs of wear or misalignment. Online tutorials provided step-by-step instructions on reseating the crown and cleaning the gaskets, but despite careful reinstallation, the condensation issue persisted.

At that point, I reached out directly to Omega’s customer service for further insight. They confirmed that while the crown assembly can be user-adjusted to a degree, the persistent moisture was indeed indicative of gasket degradation. It was a clear case where routine DIY fixes were insufficient for a component that had simply outlived its serviceable life.

Following their advice, I took the watch to an authorized service center where a comprehensive pressure test was performed. Their detailed diagnostic revealed that not only had the primary case gasket deteriorated, but a secondary seal had also begun to fail – a result of prolonged exposure to saltwater and repeated thermal cycles. The final solution involved a complete gasket replacement and recalibration of the sealing mechanism to restore the original water resistance rating.

The practical takeaway from this experience is twofold. First, even top-tier timepieces like the Seamaster require periodic professional maintenance, especially when used in harsh environments. Second, while community-sourced DIY fixes can address minor issues, certain complications—particularly those affecting the watch’s integrity against water ingress—are best handled by authorized professionals using calibrated equipment.

For fellow collectors encountering similar symptoms, I recommend closely monitoring any signs of condensation or moisture intrusion and not hesitating to invest in a full service if minor reseating measures prove ineffective. Regular professional evaluations not only preserve the functionality of the watch but also protect its long-term value.