Rolexes are more than just beautiful watches—they’re also incredibly durable. This includes impressive water-proofing on most models, which allows the owner to wear their Rolex just about anywhere. However, all models have a stipulation that states “waterproof up to X meters.” The reason for that has to do with pressure; if water pressure exceeds those limits, your Rolex might not be quite so waterproof anymore. That’s why it’s so important to perform a pressure test every time a Rolex is serviced or repaired. Here’s how we do it.
About Rolex Water Resistance
Rolex has always pushed the bounds of water resistance in luxury watches, finding ways to blend both luxury and durability. In fact, it was the water resistance of the Rolex brand that first put it on the map in the 1920s. In 1926, swimmer Mercedes Gleitz wore a Rolex Oyster around her neck while swimming the English Channel. Then, in 1960, Rolex again demonstrated their watches’ water resistance capabilities by attaching a Rolex DeepSea to a submersible for its historical first-time plunge to the bottom of the Marianas Trench—nearly 11,000 meters deep.
In addition their penchant for publicity stunts to demonstrate their watches’ immunity to water pressure, Rolex has also demonstrated a commitment to provide this resistance across its full lineup of luxury watches. It’s not only the Rolex dive watches that can withstand significant water pressure, but many others, like the Oyster Perpetual line. Suffice it to say that, if your Rolex promises that it’s “waterproof up to X meters,” you can take it at its word.
Of course, many Rolex wearers become concerned after a Rolex is service or repaired. How can you ensure a good, waterproof seal after opening up the casing for cleaning and maintenance? That’s where the pressure test comes in.
Changing the Gaskets
If we’re performing significant repairs on a Rolex, changing the gasket is usually a key part of that process, as this contributes to your Rolex’s ability to keep water out of the delicate interior compartment. We want to ensure that the gasket is in excellent condition to help provide your case with a good seal. We’ll also likely use a special sealant on all of the gaskets, as well as a small amount on the case back’s threads to create a water-resistant seal.
About the Pressure Chamber
We use a state-of-the-art pressure chamber to pressure test Rolex watches. This consists of a small chamber with a dome on top and a digital readout screen on the front for determining pressure levels and providing results. We can then increase the pressure in the chamber to simulate different water depths and determine if the Rolex’s case is, in fact, water proof. Though this type of pressure tester is relatively simple in its design, it provides the results we need to make sure your Rolex can provide the level of water resistance promised.
How We Perform the Pressure Test
When performing a pressure test, we position the watch on a horizontal carrier with a small probe resting on the crystal. We seal the dome shut, and increase the air pressure inside of the pressure chamber to the desired level. Typically, we want to test a Rolex up to about 100 meters of water pressure.
As air pressure rises, if there are any leaks in the Rolex’s case, air will be forced in through these tiny openings, and the crystal will be slightly deflected upwards. The probe resting on the crystal will detect this movement and provide a readout on the front of the machine, telling us whether or not the Rolex passed or failed the pressure test.
Obviously, if a Rolex is sealed enough to keep air out, then it will be watertight as well, which is why this simple test is so effective at ensuring any Rolex we service remains waterproof.
What’s Considered a Pass?
A Rolex is generally considered to “pass” the pressure test if the crystal does not move—meaning that no air was able to enter the case. However, the specific “pass” requirements can vary, and we’ll input the necessary criteria into the pressure chamber based on your Rolex’s crystal type to provide an accurate pass-fail readout. Typically, we’ll pressure test a Rolex up to 10 bars, or about 100 meters of water pressure. This is usually sufficient pressure for any watch wearer, even if you wear it while scuba diving.
We’re committed to maintaining the integrity and water resistance of every Rolex we service. If you have a Rolex that you need cleaned, maintained, or repaired, contact Wrist Watch Fix today. We’ll provide the services you need, and perform a thorough pressure test to ensure the Rolex remains watertight when we return it to you.
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