Watch Water Resistance Following Battery Change?

[Noah930]

I have a couple watches that need new batteries. They're quartz TAG-Heuers. They're supposedly good for 200m water resistance. If I have the dealer send it back to the "factory" for the battery change plus the appropriate pressure testing/sealing, they're supposed to be good for that 200m rating. It also costs some $50 and 2 weeks for a battery change. But if I just take it to a local jeweler and have them change the battery, it's a few minutes and a few bucks. But obviously no 200m water resistance assurance.

We don't need 200m water resistance. But for just swimming in a pool or at the beach, can the mall jeweler battery change be trusted? I don't want to wind up with a foggy watch.

[Embraer]

I just changed the battery on my Tag about 2 weeks ago. I made sure the seal looked good. When you take the back off, and put it back on, you'll see how tight that thing is. I spent $9 for the tool, and did it myself. I've had the watch for 11 years, and it was the first time I had to change the battery.

Oh yeah, and btw....there is no fogging or anything on my watch. The case seals REALLY well.

[1990C4S]

I never send mine back, I just go to the local jeweler, and I've never had a water issue.

[RPKESQ]

Keep in mind all watch seals require a silicon grease for lubrication while the watch back is seated. This grease is not required for sealing only lubrication, but without it most seals will not seat correctly and therefore will not seal out water properly.

[Targa Me]

I've had my Tag for 15 years and have gone through a number of batteries; all replaced by myself and have never had an issue with water.
On a funny note: At one point my watch stopped working, regardless of battery; so I sent it to an authorized Tag dealer who rebuilt it; their comment: "Watch stopped due to over use." LOL I thought that was funny. It's a watch, I wear it!