I’ve been collecting watches for only about a year, so I’m still learning the ropes—and boy, did I learn one of the hard lessons early on. I had just added my first pre-owned dive watch to my collection—a stunning piece I bought from what I thought was a reputable dealer. A couple of months in, after taking it for a swim, I started noticing a faint condensation under the crystal. At first, I figured it was just humidity build-up, but it quickly became evident that something was off.
I tried a few basic fixes based on online advice: I reset the movement, thoroughly wiped the exterior, and even looked up some DIY tutorials on checking water resistance at home. Nothing seemed to help, and the condensation persisted, which was super frustrating given that water resistance is a major selling point of a dive watch.
After a while of googling and chatting with fellow beginners on various forums, I decided it was time to involve the experts. I reached out to the manufacturer’s service center, and they eventually agreed to take a look—even though I was outside of warranty. It turned out that the issue wasn’t with the crystal itself but with a faulty seal around the crown, likely compromised during its previous servicing. They resealed the crown mechanism thoroughly and made sure everything was fitted properly. Once that was done, I actually got a water resistance test, and it passed with flying colors.
The whole experience taught me a few practical lessons:
• Always double-check service history and documentation when buying a pre-owned piece—especially if water resistance is a crucial feature for you.
• If something seems off, like condensation or unexpected movement behavior, don’t try to patch it up with temporary fixes; get professional advice sooner rather than later.
• Lastly, trust the community’s advice—forums and online groups were a huge help in pointing me in the right direction.
I wish someone had told me to be extra vigilant about seals and water resistance checks right after purchase. It certainly saved me from further hassle down the road, and I hope sharing this helps someone avoid a similar headache.