What Should I Do If My Vintage Watch Gets Wet?

It is one of those moments that makes any vintage watch owner wince - you catch sight of condensation under the crystal, or realise you forgot to take your watch off before washing your hands or getting caught in the rain. Because vintage watches and water do not mix, it is worth knowing exactly what to do. Acting quickly and sensibly can make all the difference. Here is what to do if your vintage watch gets wet.

First - Why This Matters

It is worth understanding why a wet vintage watch is a genuine concern. Unlike a modern watch, a vintage timepiece should never be assumed to be water-resistant, however robust it may once have been, because its seals will have perished with age, as we explain in our guide to whether vintage watches are waterproof.

This means moisture can find its way inside the case far more easily than you might expect - and once inside, water is one of the most damaging things of all for a vintage movement. It can cause rust and corrosion to the delicate steel parts of the movement, which, if left, can lead to serious and costly damage. So a wet vintage watch is worth taking seriously and acting on promptly.

Act Quickly - Get It Dry

If your vintage watch gets wet, the first and most important thing is to act quickly to get it dry. The longer moisture stays in contact with the watch, and especially inside it, the greater the risk of harm.

Gently dry the outside of the watch straightaway with a soft, absorbent cloth, removing all surface moisture from the case, crystal, and caseback. If the watch is on a leather strap, dry that too, and let it dry naturally afterwards, as we discuss in our guide to what to do if a leather strap gets wet. Make sure the crown is fully pushed in - and, if it is a screw-down crown, screwed fully home - to give the watch the best possible seal while you deal with it, as we explain in our guide to the screw-down crown.

The Warning Sign - Condensation Under the Crystal

The clearest sign that moisture has got inside your watch is condensation, misting, or droplets under the crystal. This is a genuine warning sign, and it means water has penetrated the case and reached the inside - which is exactly where you do not want it.

If you see condensation under the crystal, it is important to act, as this moisture is in direct proximity to the movement and dial. A little misting that clears quickly may be minor, but any significant or persistent condensation means moisture is inside the watch and needs to be dealt with properly, as we come to below.

When to See a Watchmaker

Here is the key point. If water has got inside your vintage watch - if you see persistent condensation under the crystal, or you know the watch was soaked or submerged - the safest course is to have it seen by a watchmaker promptly, as we discuss in our guide to finding a good watchmaker.

A watchmaker can open the watch, dry it out properly, and check the movement for any moisture or the beginnings of rust, drying and treating it before any real harm is done. Catching it early, before rust takes hold, can be the difference between a simple dry-out and a costly repair. This is genuinely worth doing - the cost of a check is small compared with the damage that trapped moisture can cause to a vintage movement over time. Do not be tempted to leave a watch with moisture inside in the hope it will simply clear on its own.

What Not to Do

A few things are worth avoiding. Do not use direct heat - a radiator, hairdryer, or oven - to try to dry out a wet watch, as excessive heat can damage the movement, the dial, and other components. Do not keep wearing a watch with obvious moisture inside, as this prolongs the risk. And do not attempt to open the caseback yourself unless you are trained to do so, as the movement is delicate and easily damaged - this is a job for a professional.

The Best Approach - Prevention

Of course, the best approach of all is to keep a vintage watch away from water in the first place. Take it off before washing your hands, showering, swimming, or any activity involving water, and keep it away from steam and humidity, as we explain in our guide to caring for a vintage watch. A vintage watch treated with this simple care should never get the chance to suffer water damage at all.

A Final Thought

So, what should you do if your vintage watch gets wet? Act quickly - dry the outside thoroughly, watch for condensation under the crystal, and if any moisture has got inside, have the watch seen by a watchmaker promptly before rust can take hold. Avoid direct heat and resist the urge to open it yourself. Most importantly, remember that prevention is far better than cure - keeping a vintage watch away from water in the first place is the surest way to protect the treasured movement within.

At AR Collectables, every vintage timepiece in our collection is handpicked, cleaned, and tested. If you have any questions about caring for your watch, or are looking to buy a vintage watch to treasure, just drop me a message - we would love to help. 🤝

Check out our full vintage watch collection here!