Letson
6
Advice for removing moisture
My wife and I were just caught in an unexpected rainstorm while walking home from dinner, and my watch’s crystal (vintage 2573, 10-200 movement) is fogged with moisture. It’s still running normally as far as I can tell. I have placed it in a container of dry rice, but I’m wondering whether there are any better tips out there and to what extent damage from water exposure becomes irreparable. Any thoughts are appreciated.
Best,
RL
Advice for removing moisture
My wife and I were just caught in an unexpected rainstorm while walking home from dinner, and my watch’s crystal (vintage 2573, 10-200 movement) is fogged with moisture. It’s still running normally as far as I can tell. I have placed it in a container of ...
Usually this indicates that the watch isn't watertight, I have similar issues with some of my vintages, the best you can do is exactly as you've done, dry rice and an airtight container. If
you have a reputable watchmaker in your city that you've used before you could ask him to check the movement after some time. I wouldn't wear the watch for a bit (I usually wait 1-4 months), rust can usually pop up around the week to 2 month mark dependin...
Thank you, Rogi.
This is what I was looking for. I had already scheduled a visit to an AD and was considering a service by Patek as a baseline for my ownership (I’ve owned the watch for around 9 months). This probably bumps that date forward a little. Your comment about t...
Similar Experience
I was wearing a Patek 1526 during the Fall and Winter while working in New York City. That particular watch had been built in 1949. I noticed the crystal fogging up when I would walk off the cold street into the place where I was working (which was warm)....
That’s an amazing story
Would of been freaking out on that model!!! I am surprised hswa said was normal!!
Sad seeing this, but here are some things to consider
There is some confusion even amongst watchmakers about how to treat moisture inside timepieces. Some are willing to dry out movements and just call it good, others would say it needs to have a complete service (service the movement, new dial, new hands, e...
100% share yr opinion ,rice is a great
sidedish but not much help in watchmaking. These oldies are even not airtight so a good hairdier helps too.
Given the amount of moisture you have I would have the watch looked at and serviced if required by a good local independent watchmaker. Time is of the essence if you want to
prevent permanent corrosion and they can continue to carry on running for a while before becoming progressively worse. Acting quickly will prevent any high cost later.
I suggest you bring it to a good watch technician or the Patek service center.
My guess is its gaskets need to be replaced so thats why moisture set in the dial. Good luck! Geross
Maybe it needs. Best to bring it Patek service center.
They will know what is best. My humble opinion and recommendation.
Update
Many thanks for the replies. I put the watch in dry rice in a sealed ziploc bag overnight (~8 hrs). Caseback on, crown in closed. This morning, as you can see in the attached pictures, the moisture under the crystal appears to have abated, and the watch s...
Silica
Rice does the job, but silica gel even better - those little bags of “rocks” you find in electronics packaging. You can get some on the internet, or any photographic shop. But that is “first aid” - strongly suggest a proper service. Most likely only a wor...
Put the crown in winding position. That way the moisture can get out.
Then take it to Patek service.
Update: After about 53 weeks...
Patek Philippe Geneva completed service on my watch, and sent it back to me. It was worth the wait. ...
Yes!
Absolutely worth the wait. Thanks for your kind words, and to all who offered advice!
