The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I searched for a while and found a little information on condensation from weather changes is somewhat normal for the Navitimer range, my question is is this light condensation an issue as far as corrosion or rust, or will it affect the dial in any way.


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As long as there is a very easy explanation for it - going from a very hot and humid environment into an air conditioned space for example and it disappears wuickly then there is no issue, otherwise - it's an issue that needs attention immediately.

It's been cool out here around 50 so going from outside to indoors where it's 70. I did give it a little wash yesterday with very slow trickling water and soap, but it wouldn't have been a strong enough current to get into any seals.


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Any condensation in a watch is not a good thing..
A cheap watch I'd say no worries, but an expensive Navitimer.....I would not take any risks.

That wouldn't be sufficient.



Apparently it was - it needs service attention, not least because Navitimers don't have any seals around the friction fit bezel!

That's what I was afraid of.. I'll call Govberg's tomorrow and get the ball rolling on a service. The bezel feels a little looser to spin then the other World I had but I didn't really think much of it.


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For what it is worth, I've swam with my Navi before...had no choice cause I had it with me on vacation once and didnt want to leave it at the hotel or slip in my shoe or something at the pool. No problems though, and I did not have any condensation under the glass whatsoever. Maybe I just lucked out.

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18k Rolex Datejust / Breitling Crosswind Special / Patek SS Nautilus / Bvlgari Diagono Chrono / Bvlgari Scuba / Omega Speedmaster Professional / 60s Omega Constellation

Another thing was when I rinsed it off, the water was very cold and maybe the shock of the water was just enough to fog it up. It didn't last long and hasn't come back either. I'm still going to send it in before the warranty expires just to make sure.


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Don't expect the warranty to cover this. It's possible, but not likely.

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SHARKMAN

This is part of the reason that I personally would never try to loosen up a stiff bezel on a Navi. The friction fit nature of the bezel means that the more free moving it is, the worse it's water resistance is.

That said, I've personally never really understood the difficulty some owners have with the idea that Navi's aren't water-resistant. Note - This comment is not levelled at you Matt (or indeed anyone in this thread) as usually there is nothing wrong with a trickle of water for cleaning purposes provided you don't aim it at the crown/push-pieces, or the bezel/case join ; it's just a general statement I'm making here. I think of a Navi like a leather jacket - you wouldn't dunk a leather jacket in the sea and expect it to be OK, so it's the same with a Navi.

To be honest, any sort of analogy would do here really - like wearing just a t-shirt in the snow and wondering why it's not keeping you warm, or trying to use a cucumber to hammer a nail into a piece of wood - in all cases it's using something that's not designed for the task in hand.

Anyway Matt, I really hope you manage to sort this out, but as Sharkman said, Breitling would be unlikely to honour it as a warranty job..... but you can always ask.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

That's a rather important piece of information that was missing first time. If the condensation happened immediately afterwards then that may be enough of a temperature change, but I got the impression earlier that the condensation was a day later???

Also, if the water pressure was enough for that sudden a temperature change to occur then I would still be wanting to get it checked, and I wouldn't be waiting until just before the warranty expires (regardless of whether it is covered) - if there is water in the movement then it could be causing more corrosion every day that it is left.

Thanks guys for the help. It seems like one of those things that is better off just to send it in and then I won't have to worry about it. I know it's going to need a service sooner or later, even if I have to pay for the repair it won't be that big of a deal. This is definitely a lesson learned. No more water for Navitimers, no matter how weak the trickle.


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Good luck with the inspection and possible repair. What I do with Navis is simply remove the bracelet and give it a good wash. The case and crystal are handled nicely by a warm, damp microfiber cloth. As I've said many times, I keep one in the master bath and the every watch gets wiped down before putting it on in the morning. It is as much a part if my daily routine as shaving or brushing my teeth.


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SHARKMAN