The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Some of you may remember my post a few weeks ago about taking my TOC for a swim.
It was a tongue-in-cheek post as I had nothing better to do whilst sitting on a beach and sipping a cold beer.
The closest my TOC goes to water ever is when washing hands and even than with great care.
This has proven to be a bad omen.
While wearing my TOC in the office yesterday, I have noticed a faint buildup of condensation on the inside of the crystal which nearly resulted in my secretary having to call for an ambulance.
Later in the evening back at home the faint mist was gone, same when I woke up this morning.
I put it on again this morning for observation and sure enough after two hours in the office the mist was back.
No doubt, somehow some small amounts of moisture got inside and while the watch is on my wrist it turns into vapor from body heat but condensates on the colder crystal due to the sub zero temperatures we have in our office. Don't ask me why but it is always like a freezer in our office.
The mist turns back to vapor when back home obviously due to more humane climatic conditions at home.

Anyway, it was a quick dash to Breitling Service Centre at lunchtime as I had to collect another watch from an overhaul anyway.
A quick pressure test at Breitling was passed with flying colors.
So, how did the moisture get in there?
I have no idea as I do take great care of my watches, I hardly ever use the Chrono function and if I did have an explanation I would definitely share it here as an learning experience.

If it is any consolation, Breitling have agreed to take the watch under warranty to dry and clean it and to make sure that it is all OK.
Not sure if that is a standard practice or just because I have four watches overhauled by them in the last few months.
If it is the later one, it was a nice gesture AND I got a lovely Breitling pen from them
So, the moral of this story - I don't know, other than never be too careful when it comes to water and watches or - get your watch wet, take it in for warranty service and see if you can get a nice pen

_________________
"It is just a matter of time!"

Wes, if the watch passed the pressure test, I do not think that water got inside the watch, especially not from washing your hands !
Knowing who had that watch before you, I do not think it ever was taken for a swim or dive.
Must be high humidity air inside the watch ?

Fred, not the Chronomat, the TOC which I bought new from an AD back in January
I also thought that it might be humidity in the air as it does get very humid in this part of the world during summer months.
Strange however that I have never seen this in the 15 years I have lived in this part of the world.
Anyway, I am happy to know that it is in the right hands right now as they are B01 certified here but I would love to know how this happened or what I did wrong.

_________________
"It is just a matter of time!"

Wes,a bit confused w/ yr recent purchases, thought you had got your TOC from Peter, sorry.
quite strange, really.

If it was simply humid air then I would expect to see the moisture on a sudden temperature change - going in to an air conditioned building for example, not something that occurred over a few hours. It is odd, but the good news is that it's being fixed.

Since the case passed the pressure test, we must conclude that the absolute humidity of the encased air will remain constant. Based on that, the dew point will solely be a function of temperature. When the case and dew point temperature is coincident, moisture will condense on the inside of the crystal. When the case temperature increases, the moisture will evaporate. Apparently the cased was sealed in high humidity conditions. That's a bit negligent. You would think that the Breiling shop would have humidity control.

_________________
1809 Cosmonaute
1903 Navi
Navi Olympus
Super Avenger

Here is a terrible picture attempt in low light conditions, nevertheless the mist can be clearly seen near the center of the crystal.
Is the case "no longer sealed" whenever the crown is pulled to adjust the time?

_________________
"It is just a matter of time!"

The case is still sealed when the crown is out, it just takes less pressure to breach the case. At least I think that's right.

_________________
SHARKMAN

Wes, relax. it remains sealed when crown is pulled (disclaimer: as long as you do not take it for a dive), this must have been the humidity of the enclosed (and well sealed) air inside the watch.

will be as good as new when u get it back, hope this time resealed in an humidity controlled environment.