Wearing a water resistant pocket watch was just what train conductors and engineers needed as they were constantly exposed to various weather conditions. Thus, the railroad pocket watch was conceived. Water resistant pocket watches prevent water from getting into the mechanism and keep timekeeping accurate.

Water resistant or waterproof pocket watches?

There are water resistant pocket watches, but no waterproof pocket watches. How is that so? Here is the answer:

By technical standards, a waterproof timepiece, just like the diver’s watch, can withstand extreme underwater pressure. Pocket watches were not designed for use under harsh conditions. Even if how airtight your pocket watch could be, it can only keep away the dust from the mechanism.

Waterproof pocket watches hardly exist. The best water resistant pocket watch you can find in the market is capable of withstanding pressure up to 5 ATM or 132 feet (40 meters). If you want a waterproof timepiece, it would make more sense to choose a diver’s watch over a pocket watch.  

If your pocket watch indicates that it is “water resistant” this means that it can endure light water contact. Like when you get wet under the rain or you accidentally spill beverage over your pocket watch.

Benefits of a water resistant pocket watch

Watertight pocket watches are obviously dustproof. Dust and light water contacts are hazardous to the pocket watch mechanism as they can lead to corrosion. Water resistant pocket watch cases are mostly made of stainless steel since the metal in gold pocket watch cases tend to be softer.

Another alternative is a plastic pocket watch. Modern pocket watch designs are innovative and they are made for the rougher outdoor use.  Plastic water resistant pocket watches sometimes come with a handy compass. Your vintage pocket watch is best worn as a dress watch to accent your formal wear and not for mountain trekking.

Cleaning and opening water resist pocket watches

As a rule of thumb, never attempt to clean the inner mechanism of your pocket watch if you are not sure how to do it. Opening a pocket watch is better left to the horologist.

A water resistant pocket watch has a tight case. Pushing too hard or trying to pry it open may lead to dents and scratches. Remember, the pocket watch condition grade matters a lot. Water resistant vintage pocket watches are hallmarks of fine craftsmanship that you would not want to downgrade.

Buying a water resistant pocket watch

Water resistant pocket watches are not hard to find since most modern timepieces are made watertight up to a few meters. However a waterproof pocketwatch is still unheard of. Waterproof pocket watches, if ever they exist, are more of novelty items than practical timepieces.

You can purchase a water resistant pocket watch from the jeweler, at the horologist’s, or from the internet. When buying, remember to ask about the technicalities: up to how many meters can the pocket watch withstand water? Can the water resistant pocket watch case be opened?