waterproof case seals and DEET insect repellent

[Blown2CV]

can DEET ruin the waterproof seals on my watch? (Rolex Deepsea)

[Jimmy Recard]

As it's a very thin, floating film (I presume you're using an aerosol?) I don't think it will touch the seals.

It could discolour or pockmark a rubber strap though, for instance.

[Blown2CV]

it's a full metal case and bracelet, but i guess the thing to do is just avoid getting any near the watch... or maybe get a non-deet one for that wrist!

[Jimmy Recard]

Yes, I know what they are

I think it'll just settle on the steel rather than seeping to the seals. I think you'll be ok, but if you can use one without DEET for that wrist/hand it saves the worry!

[jshell]

Blown2CV said:

can DEET ruin the waterproof seals on my watch? (Rolex Deepsea)

Looks like it, being the seals are, I'm pretty sure, nitrile rubber: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF00197...

[Lorne]

Don't believe any insect repellent that say's it works without DEET in it as the only ones worth using are those with a high DEET content, and DEET is a very powerful solvent on anything with a hydrocarbon content - so seals, straps, rubber, nylon etc are all at risk.

I have noticed though that mosquito's can be put off if you chain smoke. Also drink copious amounts of Gin & Tonic, one of those tonics made with quinine in it :-)

Are you going somewhere nice?

[jshell]

Lorne said:

Don't believe any insect repellent that say's it works without DEET in it as the only ones worth using are those with a high DEET content, and DEET is a very powerful solvent on anything with a hydrocarbon content - so seals, straps, rubber, nylon etc are all at risk.

I have noticed though that mosquito's can be put off if you chain smoke. Also drink copious amounts of Gin & Tonic, one of those tonics made with quinine in it :-)

Are you going somewhere nice?

Mosi-guard works very well, I tested it for years in sub-Saharan Africa, and is DEET free. And none of the tonics have anything like a useful level of quinine any more. You'd have to drink gallons and gallons of it for it to kill the parasite.

[Blown2CV]

Jimmy Recard said:

Yes, I know what they are

I think it'll just settle on the steel rather than seeping to the seals. I think you'll be ok, but if you can use one without DEET for that wrist/hand it saves the worry!

i meant to say "it's on the original bracelet"

[Blown2CV]

Lorne said:

Don't believe any insect repellent that say's it works without DEET in it as the only ones worth using are those with a high DEET content, and DEET is a very powerful solvent on anything with a hydrocarbon content - so seals, straps, rubber, nylon etc are all at risk.

I have noticed though that mosquito's can be put off if you chain smoke. Also drink copious amounts of Gin & Tonic, one of those tonics made with quinine in it :-)

Are you going somewhere nice?

thailand over xmas and NY, and it does seem that risk of mozzies at that time of year in the areas we are heading to is low... however i tend to get munched. A lot of thais don't use deet because they'd be using it every day of their lives and the general feeling is that it's too toxic.

[Blown2CV]

jshell said:

Lorne said:

Don't believe any insect repellent that say's it works without DEET in it as the only ones worth using are those with a high DEET content, and DEET is a very powerful solvent on anything with a hydrocarbon content - so seals, straps, rubber, nylon etc are all at risk.

I have noticed though that mosquito's can be put off if you chain smoke. Also drink copious amounts of Gin & Tonic, one of those tonics made with quinine in it :-)

Are you going somewhere nice?

Mosi-guard works very well, I tested it for years in sub-Saharan Africa, and is DEET free. And none of the tonics have anything like a useful level of quinine any more. You'd have to drink gallons and gallons of it for it to kill the parasite.

that's interesting, i'll take a look at that - thanks!

[jshell]

Blown2CV said:

jshell said:

Lorne said:

Don't believe any insect repellent that say's it works without DEET in it as the only ones worth using are those with a high DEET content, and DEET is a very powerful solvent on anything with a hydrocarbon content - so seals, straps, rubber, nylon etc are all at risk.

I have noticed though that mosquito's can be put off if you chain smoke. Also drink copious amounts of Gin & Tonic, one of those tonics made with quinine in it :-)

Are you going somewhere nice?

Mosi-guard works very well, I tested it for years in sub-Saharan Africa, and is DEET free. And none of the tonics have anything like a useful level of quinine any more. You'd have to drink gallons and gallons of it for it to kill the parasite.

that's interesting, i'll take a look at that - thanks!

https://www.safariquip.co.uk/brands/mosi-guard/

[Blown2CV]

bought some, thanks! All good reviews on amazon.