The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Here's one for you............

What effect (if any) does the temperature of water have on a Breitling's waterproofiveness (I don't think that's an actual word, before you start....)?

The only reason I am asking is that I was in a pool the other day, then jumped into the spa, which was considerably hotter and wondered if this would cause the watch any damage.

Hot water and steam will damage the gaskets over some period.

bnewbie is right, over time the gaskets will lose their function if you put you watch in a lot of hot water or steam. But, for a single trip to the spa you're all right.

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Collection: http://s540.photobucket.com/albums/gg32 ... mview=grid

I'd be more concerned with the chemicals. The chlorine isn't good for gaskets etc, plus it eats away at straps etc. When teaching scuba I never use my good gear in the pool, when I'm done I rinse it all for a long time to get the crap off.

The book says and I quote: "Breitling watches are designed to run normally and uneventfully within a 0* to 50*C (32* to 122*F) temperature range."

It also says: ah crap, I'll just post pictures...

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Brilliant response!!!!

I should have gone straight to the manual myself, but alas, It was just too easy to put up a post (& let's be honest, I'm not that smart)!!!!

Thanks again.

Dan

Still, I'm happy with my answer. As long as you rinse it after the pool (and you will most likely take a shower after the pool, right?) you're fine. I doubt that your spa is warmer than 50 centigrades?

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Collection: http://s540.photobucket.com/albums/gg32 ... mview=grid

Yes, that is what I gather as well. I doubt I would have a problem with being say thrown in my pool in the middle of the night (which can happen fairly often around here). That said I don't keep it on and go in on purpose. To each his own.

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Temperature alone isn't a danger for your Breitling. It's mainly the FAST CHANGES of temperature (and mainly from hot to cold) that lead to dangerous air and moisture exchange between case inside and outside.

Example: If you take your watch into the sauna (I would never do this) and afterwards jump in an icy waterpool, THAT would mean significant stress to the gaskets (because air and moisture tend to enter the case).

Or, another example: If you take your watch to a several-weeks-trophy into the moist jungle, it would survive the trip, of course. But since gaskets are made of rubber (or similar stuff), the air (including moisture) will always - to a certain degree and over several weeks - pass the gaskets. If you then take the plane to the Arctic right after the jungle trophy and expose your watch to cold air, the air in your watch might condensate (waterdrops under the crystal).

But, contemporary watches are - compared to vintage models - very, very watertight and you don't have to worry too much.

V.