The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I picked up a new deployant clasp at my AD's. While talking to the sales woman I asked about the use of the srew down pushers of my Superocean Chrono II. First she told me that screwing them down would improve the water resistance of the watch. Now we know that this is not true and so I told her that their sole purpose is to prevent accidently pushing the pushers under water.
I wanted to know how it is to use the pushers when one get out of the water and the watch is still wet. She was not sure and went to ask a watchmaker who was working in the workshop behind the sales room. He confirmed that the screwing down of the pushers does not add to the water resistance. And he said it is no problem to use the pushers when getting out of the water.

What is your opinion or experience on this? Is it save to use the pushers on a wet Superocean?

I personally don't use the pushers on my Chronomat post-bathing it. Just for a piece of mind, I want to ensure it's completely dry before doing so. However, I'm interested to hear the experts chime in.

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Chronomat 01- Sierra Silver/Steel
Navitimer 01- Limited Edition #1337/2000

The problem with using the pushers underwater is that you are effectively creating a 'pump' that can force water into the watch because of the pressure from the water. Once you are out of the water then that pressure is non existent - you are just back to regular air pressure so no pressure gradient between the outsider and inside of the watch and no issue.

Roff are you saying you could use pushers on a wet but not in water mechanical chrono?

Yes. Just because it's wet doesn't mean that water is going to be forced in to the movement. In a practical sense I can't think of too many things that desperately need timing the second that you get out of the water, but as the watchmaker said, outside of the water there isn't an issue because you don't have a pressure gradient.

Roff, your answer is exactly that piece of information I missed - Thank you!