First, it is not recommended to wear your water resistant watch in a hot shower, sauna or hot tub, even though the watch is tested to have the required water resistance. Many people actually don’t understand the nature or properties of metal, and complain blindly to manufacturers or retailers when there is a water resistance problem with their watch. They don’t realize that the extreme heat can cause the metal parts to expand at a different rate than the rubber gaskets. This creates small openings that can allow water droplets to penetrate the watch. Sudden temperature changes are especially harsh. Take care not to jump into a cold pool after wearing your watch in the hot tub (which is not recommended in the first place).

After swimming or diving in salt water, immediately rinse the watch in a stream of fresh water. If your watch has a rotating bezel, turn the bezel several times while rinsing it. This will prevent salt buildup and corrosion of the bezel ring.

Some chemicals can corrode the gaskets and make it vulnerable. Heavily chlorinated water can cause problems, as can spray-on perfumes and hairsprays that work their way into the watch’s seams and damage the gaskets. (They can also damage your watch’s finish.)

Also, while the watch is submerged in water or still wet, you must NOT press any buttons or pushers on the watch  You must not pull out the crown while the watch is submerged in water. If the case, glass or seal is damaged in any way the watch will no longer be guaranteed water-resistant. Condensation can appear in any watch and is caused by a sudden change in temperature (i.e. when a watch is removed from a cold room and placed into a warm room, or vice versa). The appearance of condensation does not mean the watch will not operate properly, but to be safe it should be serviced. Batteries in water-resistant watches should be replaced by a professional so that the seal can be checked and renewed if necessary, otherwise the watch may no longer be guaranteed water-resistant.  (It is good practice to change the battery hatch or case-back gaskets whenever the battery is changed.)

As mentioned previously, water-resistance is not a permanent condition. For example, the gaskets that are around the stem, case-back and glass can deteriorate with time and should be inspected and changed periodically (by a professional).

Leather straps can be made to be water resistant too. Generally, however, leather straps are more easily damaged by frequent exposure to water. So if you are going to wear your watch while swimming — think of making / buying  a watch with a metal bracelet or a rubber or nylon diver strap.

Water resistance should be checked at least once a year. Like most manufacturers, we suggest that water resistance needs to be tested every time the case back is opened, because opening the case can dislodge the gaskets. This is why unauthorized opening of the watch case-back is usually not recommended, because doing so will invalidate warranty rights. This rule applies even to a simple battery change done by an unqualified person.