The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I swim both in lakes and pools. I was wondering if chlorine would damage the watch or more likely its band? I am looking at buying a Super Ocean Abyss with the rubber watch band. I swim laps in a pool and started wondering if the chlorine would damage the band. I normally swim with cheap watches but if I buy the Super Ocean Abyss I would want to wear it while swimming laps in the pool. Any thoughts?

I've worn my Submariner in a spa with no ill affects, so I can't imagine it would be a problem for a SuperOcean. The chlorine did change the colour of my swim shorts though. Rubber is pretty inert, so it should be fine, but in any case you should think of straps of all varieties as consumable items that you will need to renew from time-to-time.

I would be more concerned about the gaskets than the strap. That said, same advice applies as for salt water swimming - rinse thoroughly afterwards and as with any watch used regularly in water get a pressure test performed between services.

Thanks for the feedback. I didn't want to spend the money only to find out that wearing it in a pool is a horrible thing to do. I've never had trouble with cheap watches in pools. I never swim in the ocean. I do spend a lot of time in the summer in lakes which I'm not worried about. I will have to remember the quick rinse with tap water though I think most of the damage done by chlorine will occur in the pool and it will be too late once you get out.

I've done a lot of dive training in pools and diving in the ocean. Chlorine as far as I understand, is more corrosive than salt water and watches / equipment need very thorough rinsing in fresh water. I tend to leave my watch in a cup under a running tap for about 30 mins and then leave it soaking in the water for a bit longer after that.

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Regards

Steve

Wow, I hope you live in a country where water is plentiful.

Chlorine is actually added to tap water to kill bacteria.

http://www.waterbenefitshealth.com/chlo ... water.html

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

The quantity of chlorine that is in drinking water compared to a public swimming pool is virtualy non existent and will not affect a watch.

Chlorine is detrimental to the gaskets and frequent exposure needs to be taken into account to ensure timely replacements.


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As a rule I try not to expose my Watch to any type of chemical, but I did take this shot of my Breitling whilst submerged in the hot tub the other day.

I think hot tubs run at a higher chlorine level than swimming pools and with the added temperature its probably not the best idea lol.

Saying that my tub runs on bromine and possibly just as corrosive to gaskets!


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Also, be careful in the hot tub. As the gaskets and metal in the watch expand and contract at different rates due to the heat. Leaving opportunities for unwanted things to invade the watch. Learned the hard way on that one!

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Agreed with roff. If chlorine comes in contact with rubber or plastic it becomes brittle over time. Best suggestion would be to rinse with tap water after exposure.

You might have had an issue but I highly doubt it was due to thermal expansion properties. Hot tubs run at 100-104F. That would mean everyone in the southern states of the US would have constant problems during summer months. Doesn't make sense.

Norfolk, England - it rains a lot

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Regards

Steve

"Keep in mind that a sudden transition from the 100 plus degrees of a hot tub to a 70 degree cold pool causes a contraction of the rubber seals in a watch which could allow water to leak in. Even a heavy duty dive watch is susceptible to this issue. As drastic changes in temperature happen over time repeatedly your watch could be exposed to moisture damage. " Taken from - crownandcaliber.com

Additionally, water also exerts a pressure in addition to a temperature. Both which can contribute to wear on a watch and its seals.


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