The Rolex Submariner is one of the most iconic dive watches ever created. Renowned for its robust construction, exceptional reliability, and impressive water resistance, it is built to withstand demanding environments.
However, even professional dive watches require regular maintenance. Over time, aging gaskets and worn seals can compromise water resistance, increasing the risk of moisture entering the case.
Below is a recent Rolex Submariner repair case involving water ingress and a complete movement overhaul.
Customer Complaint
The customer reported that the watch had been used frequently for swimming and had never undergone a complete service since purchase.
Several days after a beach vacation, the owner noticed:
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Condensation forming beneath the crystal
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Reduced timekeeping accuracy
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Shorter power reserve
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Difficulty winding the crown
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Occasional stopping during the night
Concerned about possible internal damage, the customer brought the watch in for a professional inspection.
Diagnostic Findings
After opening the case, the watchmakers discovered:
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Moisture had entered the movement
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Several steel components showed early signs of oxidation
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The lubricating oils had become contaminated
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The case gaskets had significantly deteriorated
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Water-resistance performance no longer met factory specifications
Fortunately, the movement had not suffered severe corrosion, allowing the watch to be fully restored through a complete overhaul.
Repair Process
Following customer approval, the service included:
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Complete movement disassembly
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Ultrasonic cleaning of all components
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Removal of oxidation from affected parts
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Replacement of all water-resistant gaskets
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Fresh lubrication with premium Swiss oils
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Precision timing adjustment
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Full water-resistance pressure testing
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Multi-day quality control and observation
Every stage was performed according to professional luxury watch servicing standards.
Results After Servicing
After the overhaul was completed:
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Timekeeping accuracy returned to normal
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The power reserve was fully restored
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Crown operation became smooth again
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Water-resistance tests were successfully passed
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No further condensation appeared beneath the crystal
The watch was returned to the customer in excellent operating condition.
How to Prevent Water Damage
Even highly water-resistant watches require routine maintenance.
Owners are advised to:
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Check water resistance regularly
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Replace aging gaskets during scheduled services
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Ensure the crown is fully screwed down before water exposure
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Avoid hot showers, saunas, and sudden temperature changes
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Schedule a complete service every 3–5 years
Preventive maintenance is often far less expensive than repairing severe water damage.
Professional Watch Service
Professional watch servicing requires specialized equipment, technical expertise, and years of experience. Every luxury mechanical watch deserves careful inspection and precision maintenance by qualified watchmakers.
Professional Watch Service Centre
Specializing in luxury watch repair and maintenance with over 20 years of professional experience.
⭐ Over 20 years of watchmaking expertise
⭐ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
⭐ Efficient turnaround time
⭐ Personalized maintenance recommendations
Contact Us:
https://ptwatchservice.com/pages/contact
Images are sourced from publicly available resources and official brand websites. All rights belong to their respective owners.
