The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello all,

I have a Galactic 41 w/Diver Pro 3 band..

I was walking around today in the light constant rain for a few hours without an umbrella, short sleeved, watch exposed and also while I later washed my hands quite a lot of water got on the watch (messed up faucet). This is when I noticed that the crown was unscrewed in the winding position! I'm a little panicked about it. Do you think this could have been dangerous or does the watch still offer some sort of (lesser degree) water resistance with crown unscrewed?

Check for condensation under the crystal and dial. Tell tale sign of water intrusion. I think you will be fine and let it be a learning lesson to keep that crown screwed in when not in use.


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I think the DIY test is to warm the watch a bit (do NOT put in a toaster oven or microwave), then a drop of water on the outside of the crystal. If there's moisture inside the watch, the inside of the crystal should show a bit of fog.

Hopefully the experts will be along but I had a similar panic with my Omega Seamaster (rinsed it under running water, then saw crown open, AAAAAAAAAAGH) - which has the same depth rating of 300m. At the time I hit the internet to learn that there is a gasket inside the crown stem area which provides protection against that sort of splashing - ie when the crown is open it's not as it it's like an open porthole, it's just that the gaskets aren't screwed tight against each other. So in short I think that it is the case that as you say the watch does "offer some sort of (lesser degree) water resistance with crown unscrewed".

So far so good, no condensation. Although I didn't do the "warm watch" test yet.

I emailed Breitling the question during my panic. They advised I send it to them immediately for an assessment. I just hope now they didn't place a note on my file over such a question for warranty refusal in the future.

Correct. Even if it passes I would store the watch in rice or with some silica gel for a couple of days to draw out any moisture that is in there. Any sign of condensation and it needs to get service attention immediately - the longer you wait, the worse it will be.

How do you warm the watch?

Put it somewhere close to a hair dryer (not directly on it), on a towel on top of a radiator, etc. You just need a way to make the watch warmer than the surrounding environment (and the air inside the watch) without resorting to extreme measures.

You must send The watch to Breitling now. The corrosion is started..

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Only if there is water in it.

After doing some reading around, it seems that the crown when unscrewed but not pulled out to adjust time will have some water resistance to it. I emailed Breitling and they "kind of" confirmed this but said to bring it in anyway as they cannot guarantee it as it depends on the condition of the seals. The watch was just purchased and brought in from Swizterland when Purchased so more than likely the seals are fine. I put a blow dryer on it (from far away) to slightly heat up the watch and I don't see any condensation. Water was not forcefully directly on it or was the watch submerged so I think I can probably rest easier now. I may still drop by to check it out as Breitling head office in Toronto isn't too far from me. I believe though it'll be fine.

Thanks to to all for all the guidance and info.

That's just pure bad ass!


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