Seamaster 0. Steam room 1

[PT1984]

The wife has just text. Her quartz lady Seamaster has steamed up after going in a steam room. Coincidentally or not, it has its battery changed last month. Reputable independent and pressure tested. The crown was tight.

What are the next steps we should take? Crown screwed out and in a bowl of rice?

[AmosMoses]

Eeesh! If you’re able to I’d remove the case back and leave the watch in a tub of rice. You might be ok, either way I’d be having a word with whoever replaced the battery.

[gregs656]

I'd be going back to who ever did the battery change, assuming they are reputable and not a timpsons or something?

[Fallingup]

Good luck to you but personally I wouldn't dream of wearing a watch in a steam room. Taking the back off and puting it in a sealed container with some rice will help to remove condensation. Trouble with doing this is that it will then be very difficult to prove that it wasn't water tight before hand. The crown seal may also be worn. It should really be going for a service. Then of course it's your wifes word against theirs that the crown was screwed down. Hopefully the person or company you dealt with is reputable and make amends.

[PT1984]

It’s going back today. It was definitely pressure tested. But the crown was definitely screwed in tight. I did it myself after changing the date at the beginning of the month. She also struggled opening it. So that may be interesting.

Let’s see. it’s insured for accidental damage, not sure what exactly that covers.

[blingybongy]

PT1984 said:

It’s going back today. It was definitely pressure tested. But the crown was definitely screwed in tight. I did it myself after changing the date at the beginning of the month. She also struggled opening it. So that may be interesting.

Let’s see. it’s insured for accidental damage, not sure what exactly that covers.

I put a watch through the washing machine, insurance paid out no bother.

[PT1984]

It’s only a quartz. I’d imagine it’s a £15 swatch movement inside.

[Uncle John]

Nothing to do with the battery change IMO. Watches aren’t designed for steam rooms, everything expands & water gets in. Same when people wear watches in hot tubs.

[hilly10]

Uncle John said:

Nothing to do with the battery change IMO. Watches aren’t designed for steam rooms, everything expands & water gets in. Same when people wear watches in hot tubs.

Wear my Sub Mariner PO and Apple Watch most mornings for the last five years in the Steam Room Hot Tub and swimming pool never had a problem

[Evolved]

Uncle John said:

Nothing to do with the battery change IMO. Watches aren’t designed for steam rooms, everything expands & water gets in. Same when people wear watches in hot tubs.

I’d be surprised if a steam room generated enough heat for a metal bezel to expand. If things are that hot, skin would be peeling off first, surely.

[Fat hippo]

I used to wear my kermit in steam rooms. Never had a problem

[gregs656]

Uncle John said:

Nothing to do with the battery change IMO. Watches aren’t designed for steam rooms, everything expands & water gets in. Same when people wear watches in hot tubs.

Steam rooms aren’t that warm. Much cooler than a sauna. When my gym was open I’d routinely wear mine in both and never thought twice about it.

[Hugo Stiglitz]

I wouldn't dare take any watch into a sauna