How to Fix a Wet Watch

How to Fix a Wet Watch thumbnail
Analog watches are particularly vulnerable to internal moisture due to their small moving parts becoming rusted.

Most watches are not waterproof, and those that are require periodic replacement of internal seals in order to keep them waterproof. Many watches are water-resistant, but this does not mean that you should completely submerge them; rather, they can handle small amounts of water (such as rain) without being damaged. If water manages to get inside the watch, then it can cause rusting or damage to electronic components, but prompt drying can often remedy the situation. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

  • Paper towel
  • Screwdriver
  • Sealing plastic bag
  • Silica gel desiccant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the wet watch on a paper towel overnight to drain excess moisture.

    • 2

      Open a sealing plastic bag and slide a folded paper towel into it. Use an appropriately sized screwdriver to open the back of the watch. Place the opened watch and back casing onto the paper towel. Place several unopened satchels of silica gel (a desiccant) into the bag and then close it. Let the bag sit for 24 hours.

    • 3

      Open the bag and check for any remaining moisture on the watch. Let the watch sit for another 24 hours if moisture is detected; otherwise, take the watch out of the bag and reattach the back casing. Seal the bag and dispose of it, as silica gel can be hazardous under certain conditions.

Tips & Warnings

  • If you're not familiar with the mechanisms inside your watch, then you may wish to attempt to dry it with silica gel without opening it. It will not be as efficient, but it may still suffice. If the unopened watch still has internal moisture after 48 hours with the silica gel, then take it to a professional watch repair store.

  • Silica gel is normally nontoxic, but it can become toxic by interacting with certain substances or being inhaled. Dispose of silica gel promptly after use.

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  • Photo Credit BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images

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