Mark in Paris
[Purist]
10488
It's summer time: think about a water-resistance check before going into the water :)
July 19, 2017: post bumped for this year as I imagine it is still useful 
Best, Mark
____________________
Many of us, at least from the northern hemisphere, will have the opportunity to play in the water soon
As a rough reminder:
- The 30/50m water-resistance aren't made for swimming but only for allowing wetting the watch.
- To swim (not to dive) you'll need your Patek Philippe to be around the 120m mark to do it safely.
- To dive, you'll usually need it to be at a higher level: above 200m or even 300m depending on the activity.
You'll find on the net other more "optimistic" charts allowing for instance to swim with a 50m WR: this is something Patek doesn't recommend for their watches.
In any case, if you have a doubt or plan to make scuba-diving, jet-skiing etc... give a call to an official AD or a Salon to be sure.
The depth is not the only element to take into account. Indeed the depth is only the pressure the water applies on an object. But a hospipe, massage shower or any thrown water at higher speed also have an impact even if you're not in the water. Again, question of pressure when the water "presses" on the seals.
Of course, if you have pushers (chronographs etc...), don't activate them under the water.
If you have a screwed crown, check it isn't unscrewed, it happens... (but don't overtight it either!).
Furthermore, it is normally not necessary if you follow scrupulously Patek's guidelines concerning Servicing periods but, a few years after the last seal replacement was made, it is good to make a quick check, just to be sure the seals are ok. Go to your AD if you can and have a waterproof check. It doesn't take long and it is a good precaution.
Cheers, Mark
PS: the figures I mentionned are more about Patek Philippe watches and may depend on the brand, so do not hesitate to check on your brand's website or call you own AD.
It's summer time: think about a water-resistance check before going into the water :)
July 19, 2017: post bumped for this year as I imagine it is still useful Best, Mark ____________________ Hi everyone, Many of us, at least from the northern hemisphere, will have the opportunity to play in the water soon As a rough reminder: - The 30/50m ...
And...
....be it chlorinated pool water or seawater do give your pride and joy a good Evian bath afterwards. Unless you want that "patina" look that is popular in some quarters!
So do I!
In the mean time, I know a 5711A/1 owner who swims with his watch on in the sea every year, since a very long time. So no problem with that. Cheers, Mark
It is officially 60m.
I don't swim with my watches, even when they have the requested water-resistance. The explanation of 60m compared to the others' 120m would perhaps be because, as the watch is thinner than other Nautilus equipped with "correctors", the room for the seal i...
No, I wouldn't personally
Nearly all Patek watches are 30m. Except: - Minute Repeaters - 0m - 5524G Pilot - 60m To swim you have the Nautilus and Aquanaut - 120m (except the 5712 - 60m) The only question is what about 60m? But as I said it seems from my AD that it is better not to...
Reminds me
Of a guy with a Breguet 5177 on a bracelet who showers, swims, etc. with his, 30m WR. Or the guy with a FPJ Octa Sport who swims with his. 30m WR, tested to 50m at FPJ. No water problems either way. None really expected, either. 50m or 60m is a lot deeper...
That's an interesting discussion indeed
As I'm not a watchmaker myself and that every watch is built differently, it is hard to be able to give an explicit list of the real resistance. However, nearly every brand (even the Breguet you mention) will advice not to swim with a 30/50m watch. In tha...
Thanks Mark! It's pouring in Hong Kong too!
Been regretting since I stepped off the plan on why I didn't bring my 5711 instead of the 5170!
lol, it should be ok even if it is much more reassuring to have the 5711 instead, I understand :)
Enjoy your great chrono Sanzaw! Cheers, Mark
Patek provides especially 2 lines for people who wishes to bring them in the water (120m)
The Nautilus 5711, 5276, 5980 and 5990 (except the 5712 which is set for 60m, no diving activities) and the Aquanaut line. Of course this is ok for a "gentle" diving or snorkling activities only. They are not Professional standard stuff. If you have a spe...
Diving is my passion.
I would never dive with a PP, whatever the rating. If you must wear a watch, get a cheap Citizen. Most don\'t wear a watch at all, since the advent of dive computers. There is another reason: some sea life will attack anything shiny/reflective (looks like...
Many thanks for the useful reminder Mark...
Moreover the discussion about the 5712 is very appropriate as I did not remember these important details... Because it has got a full service and just came back from the spa few weeks ago I shall bring it with me but shall definitely avoid swimming with i...
Indeed, I didn't mention the vintage pieces
Thank you for the precisions Mike. Best, Mark
Personnally Patek was always known as the ultimate dress watch maker rather than a diving watch maker
I wouldn't risk to take a Patek in the water but I would rather go with a Blancpain 50 fathoms or Sub or Seamaster 300 for serious swimming or diving. For me a dive watch must have a rotating bezel, so it is clear that for me Patek shouldn't be used in th...
So, do I
I talked a few times with people from Patek (salespersons and watchmakers) and they don't seem to have any problem with water as long as we respect the recommendations (type of activity and servicing). However, I personally wouldn't be comfortable either ...
lol, I know you have nice watches for water at least :)
Have a nice holiday CH. Best, Mark
splash
(pic is from 2 yrs ago, but it has been in a pool, sea or lake every year since 2013) ...
That's a good thing indeed to be able to enjoy our watches, even in the water
We all have our own ways to enjoy our watches and I know that swimming with them is something important for many I hope you can enjoy it again in the water when your issue is fixed. Best, Mark
It seems when it comes to Water Resistance the advertised depth is basically done in a hydrostatic chamber.
As you've stated, Mark, the "added pressure" on the watch can affect the WR. For instance, distance swimming produces a 'different or added' pressure against the watch with each arm stroke. If my watch is 100m or more, I have no problem taking it to water...
👍🏼 hear hear
(although some wives don't like that....which doesn't mean one shouldn't do it....😎)