Watch stem - how tight for waterproof-ness?

[jyl]

How tightly should you screw the screw-down stem on a waterproof watch? This is an old Seiko diver, used for just pool swimming. If 10 is as hard as you can tighten it with just your fingers, and 1 is stopping once the slightest resistance is felt, what number should I be aiming for? Why?

[masraum]

Once it's snug is what I figure. You don't want it coming unscrewed as it rubs against stuff, but at the same time, you don't want to really crank down on it and strip the threads. I figure that would put it at about 5 on your scale.

[Tishabet]

Agreed, I would shoot for 5-7 or so. Also keep in mind that some watches have a gasket here, which can be replaced periodically.

[dienstuhr]

50-55 ft-lbs?

j/k... I screw down the crowns of my divers until resistance is felt. No need to reef them down and risk damage to the threads. Same when winding hand-winders... wind till resistance is felt, then stop.

What Seiko diver do you have? I have an SKX007 and a modded 009... is it time for a watch thread??

Cheers

d.

[Chocaholic]

Traded in my SS/18k GMT on a new SS Daytona yesterday! Yes, time for a watch thread. The GMT was beautiful but a bit too flashy for daily use. Going to have to get used to no-date, but will be on my wrist much more.

And I'd say no more than 4 on your scale for normal use. May just want to ensure it's snug before jumping in the pool.

[Danny_Ocean]

Speaking of old Seiko Divers, if anyone has one of these laying around in their sock drawer, I'll give you a few $ for it:

[Danny_Ocean]

Or a Heuer Professional:

[Danny_Ocean]

And I kick myself in the arse every time I think about having sold this diver for $1800 about 10 yrs. ago :

[jyl]

It is a 6309 7290 on a Bond strap. Relumed at IWW. Wifey has a SKX007 orange face. I'd love a tuna can diver, but my wrists may be too small to pull it off.

[Rick Lee]

IIRC, my Sinn and Breitling manuals caution strongly against overtightening the crown. I think they say just make it snug and that's it.

[dienstuhr]

@Danny

I have the Tag Heuer version of that diver... the "Spirotechnique" branded one. In great shape except that the crown threads got stripped by a PO... been looking for the parts but no luck yet.

[Oracle]

A bit more than snug, you really don't want any moisture in there. Some watches have triple gasket (Rolex) while others have just 2, I'm pretty sure Seiko are 2 but to be fair a Seiko Diver watch is far more credible than a Rolex so they're know their stuff..

If your diver is the one with push buttons and is old then I would leave the watch in the drawer.. unless you have pressure tested it you'll never know...

[jyl]

Thanks. Pic of said diver, 5 min ago. Has always been entanche, as they say.

[Oracle]

I had the same 7S26, classiest jap Diver IMO!

[dienstuhr]

Originally Posted by Oracle

to be fair a Seiko Diver watch is far more credible than a Rolex so they're know their stuff.

Oooo-kayyyyy...

I'm not a diver, but I like dive watches and know a little about 'em. I have a '95 Rolex 14060 (no-date Sub) and a couple of Seikos (SKX007 and 009 modded with plongeur hands) and I will grant you that the Seikos are quite robust in construction and are heavier than my Rolex, and the Seiko solid bracelet makes Rolex's rattly piece look pretty low-rent.

However, I wouldn't sell Rolex short on quality at all. They make a big deal about tradition and I like the fact that they make what they make how they make it - until recently the Submariner was very little changed from the 1950s and the look is just... right. Rolex were innovators in the dive watch space and that can't be taken away from them.

Having said all that, it's an Omega Speedmaster Professional "pre-Moon" on my wrist today

Cheers

d.
watch geek

[Joe Bob]

Be advised that replacing a battery....non self winders, obviously.....compromises the seal. So.......the rating may not be as advertised.

I have a Seiko, Sports Chronograph 150. 20 years old.....