Can You Keep Your Watch Safe Underwater?

Companies which produce wristwatches rate their product for it's ability to stay dry underwater. What does that rating really mean? Watches have carried different monikers indicating how they will do in water. These phrases never had any science behind them aren't used anymore. Now a number reflecting depth of use has been adopted.

As some moisture might get through it can incite many issues with the works on the inside, making it impossible to give accurate time. To prevent that from happening manufacturers design cases to resist that pressure and keep water out. Important in that intent is modern engineering and machinery.

No gaps, no place for water to come in. But even the most precise tooling in use ca n't provide a close enough fit to keep water under pressure from squeezing through a tiny gap.

A company could decide to make a watch of this kind, they could never sell them for a price buyers would pay. Watch makers, like Rolex, choose to seal the watch case by other means.

It is then possible to state how deep you can go with a particular watch. Common ratings, for example are 30M, 50M, 100M or higher.

They are rated on conditions not apparent in a real underwater situation. The measurements are made under very carefully controlled lab conditions, using static pressure.

Your watch if submerged in water is likely to be involved in action. Making the rating on the watch less than stated.

So, even though a watch may be rated safe to wear up to 100M of depth in the water, in fact, you wouldn't want to do more than go snorkeling near the surface with one. Pressure higher than that can cause leakage.

Of course companies are aware and don't want trouble, they have added statements to limit their liability. In the manual the rating might be explained further in a way that says not to use it as deep as it says. Wear the high end watch you bought in the bathtub but not diving.

For people who dive and want a watch for that purpose you have many options.

Rolex and The Flyboys

Pete Knight, wrote the following to Rolex after his pioneering flight. "I finally flew on October 3, 1967 to a speed of 4,534 mph and all systems functioned properly with the exception of some local heating damage on the lower ventral. I have been wearing my Rolex GMT-Master for a period of months now and have calibrated it to within a few seconds a day". The pilot had just completed a flight that set the world speed record and remember that he was able to return safely even after his plane was damaged during the flight. Hot air was blowing into the bottom of the plane and ruined the fuel dumping mechanism meaning that Knight eventually had to land the plane 680 kilograms heavier than planned because he could not jettison the residual fuel. If the extreme temperatures did anymore damage the plane could not have landed and Knight would have parachuted to safety. Fortunately, that did not happen.

The pilot was able to land the plane back at his headquarters even though it looked cooked. It was a miracle that both survived and just as amazing was that despite the speed and heat his Rolex GMT was still telling time. The other X-15 pilots also wrote to Rolex about their watches but the story of Pete Knight's final flight is perhaps the most interesting.

It is worth noting that while Knight wore a Rolex GMT Master on his world record flight he was following in the grand tradition at Edwards Air Force Base, for it was there in 1947 that Chuck Yeager first broke the Sound Barrier in a Bell X-1 and did so wearing a Rolex Oyster; the same one he had worn all through World War II.

Watches: Still Popular

Not many people need a wristwatch these days - people still seem to be buying and wearing wristwatches anyway. Everywhere in public places the time time is prominently displayed. We all still like the feel of a watch on our wrists. What makes us act like this?

We can only guess, but we can include the style they add to the list of reasons. A watch has style, whether it's merely a utilitarian type or a diamond studded platinum analog beauty.

The popularity of high end and vintage watches remains strong. Old companies like Rolex seem to able to make watches that are worth more all the time even though no one needs a watch anymore.

The cheap plastic watch can most daring in its fashion statement. Offering more than just the time these watches do it all. Of course they offer the basic information on the date. They also do much, much more. They can be helpful as a stopwatch. Now they also might tell you where you are if lost.

All those electronics accomplish more than they are meant to - the subtlety is that the person wearing a watch like this needs the most modern accessory. The watch proclaims for its wearer that they are important and need the latest gadget.

More elegant, bejeweled watches also make a statement - though of a very different type, of course. A silvery case, with a jewel-encrusted crystal or band formed into a rich design says 'I have it. You want it. Go get it for yourself. And you can. Elegance doesn't have to cost a fortune.

You might like the look of a vintage Rolex. Or you could just like the older look of a pre-owned luxury watch. No matter your look a watch is made that will work.

Now you have more decisions. The strap is equally a definer of the personality and taste of its wearer. Maybe you like the toughness of leather. Or, you may want to go crocodile in green or black. You might want to make a fashion statement and go for the shark.

Bands come in all manner of materials. You may like the cool feel of canvas. You could prefer the endurance of something metallic. Or, you may be a huge Mickey Mouse fan and just die to have Goofy on your wrist.

Whatever you decide the choices are abundant.

Contemporary watches is convenient, a flick of the wrist shows the time. They are inexpensive, tell great time and are versatile. It makes it's own staement and is a great accessory to any outfit, with many choices. Or perhaps you are that individual who really needs a computer on your wrist. Take the plunge.

Find a watch and make a statemant about yourself.

Win A Race|Get A Rolex

Luxury watches were not on my mind when I started to sail. When I started to race on yachts I was a young pup and did it to learn how to sail. Learn I certainly did and I was able to move along to racing my own small boat while at the same time continuing to race on larger yachts a swell. As my experience expanded I was able to take a more vital role on the large yacht I had been racing on for years.

The owner of the boat I crewed on was very wealthy and liked to maintain a steady group of crew members and to encourage our participation he always covered expenses and meals and was very generous. If you sail in large races and regattas you learn pretty quickly that Rolex Watch Company is a major sponsor of major yacht racing. We sailed in many of their sponsored races but not at a national level until now.

We had the opportunity to sail our Swan in The Rolex Championship in Monterrey and were able to win our division. The Skipper was presented with a Rolex Yachtmaster. It was a beautiful timepiece and we all admired it as much as the trophy. To our surprise, at our next gathering, the yacht's owner presented us all with a Rolex Submariner. What a great surprise and whata great watch. I now where mine with pride every where I go.

When To Buy Your First Rolex

I knew very early in my professional career that I would someday treat myself to a fine watch. After studying the merits and looks of many watches I chose a Rolex as my desired timepiece. Even though I was not yet in a position to make the purchase I was well aware of which model I would acquire - The Rolex Yacht Master!



When I wondered would be the right time to buy my watch. Should I wait until I was comfortable with my salary and expenses? Or should I go out on a limb? Should I buy it for myself as a celebration or reward, or just when it was finaancially a sound decision?

It seemed like I had no answers even as my career took off and my salary increased. Then as if I never needed to have thought about this question at all my decision was made. I had just met the woman of my dreams and had gotten my best job opportunity. just as was deciding when to buy my watch it dawned on me that I needed, instead, to buy an engaement ring and ask my girl friend to marry me. She said yes and as a bonus gave me that Rolex Yacht Master for my birthday. So sometimes you can wish for something and have your dreams answered.

Harrison Ford Mel Gibson Christopher Guest Wore Rolex in Movies

Harrison Ford wore a Stainless Steel Datejust on a Jubilee Bracelet in Frantic in 1987. That thriller had a closeup of the watch.

Mel Gibson wore a Gold Rolex Submariner in Tequila Sunrise in 1988

Christopher Guest wore a Rolex Submariner in This is Spinal Tap in 1984

Rolex Joke

A woman is at Penn Station waiting for her train that leaves at 10 a.m., but she has forgotten her Rolex wristwatch. So she looks for someone to ask what time it is. She sees a guy with two suitcases and wearing a new hi tech watch. She asks what the time is and he replies "In which country?"

The woman asks, "How many countries have you got?" to which the man replies, "All of them!"

"Wow! That's a pretty cool watch you've got there."

"That's nothing," the man says. "This watch also has a GPS, fax, e-mail and can even receive NTSC television channels and display them on its miniature active color pixel LCD screen!"

"Wow, that's incredible. I wish I had a watch like that one. You wouldn't consider selling it by any chance?"

"Well, actually the novelty has worn off for me, so for $900, if you want it, it's yours."

The watchless traveler can hardly whip out his checkbook fast enough to hand over a check for $900.

The man removes the watch and hans it to the woman, "Congratulations, here is you new hi-tech watch." Then, handing the two suitcases over as well, he says, "And here are the batteries."