Pressure Testing & Resealing
Professional Watch Pressure Testing in Barnet
Our on-site workshop provides professional water-resistance testing, seal assessment and resealing for luxury, sports and everyday watches.
Pressure testing is particularly important following battery replacement, servicing or case work, helping us assess the integrity of the watch before it is exposed to moisture.
Watches We Regularly Test
Luxury, Sports & Everyday Watches
We also pressure test and reseal watches from many other manufacturers, subject to the watch’s condition, construction and the availability of suitable seals and components.
Workshop Testing Equipment
More Than a Simple Seal Check
Water resistance depends on several components working together, including the case back gasket, crown, pushers, crystal gasket and the overall condition of the case.
Our workshop uses professional dry pressure-testing equipment to assess whether a watch is maintaining its intended resistance without immersing it in water during the initial test.
If a watch fails, we can investigate the likely cause and advise whether resealing, replacement components or further case work may be required.
A successful test confirms the watch’s performance at the time of testing. Water resistance can reduce over time through wear, impact, ageing seals or accidental damage, so periodic testing is recommended.
Dry Pressure Testing
Professional testing using specialist equipment without placing the watch directly into water.
Seal Inspection
Assessment of gaskets, crown, pushers and case components where accessible and appropriate.
Resealing
Replacement and lubrication of suitable seals where correct parts remain available.
Failure Diagnosis
Advice on likely leakage points and any further repair work recommended after a failed test.
Important Guidance
Water Resistance Is Not Permanent
Water-resistance ratings are established under controlled conditions. Everyday wear, ageing seals, impacts, crown damage and previous repairs can all affect performance.
A watch marked as water resistant should not automatically be assumed safe for swimming or immersion, particularly if it has not been tested recently.
We recommend testing after battery replacement, servicing, crown or crystal work, and periodically for watches regularly exposed to water.
After Battery Replacement
Opening the case can disturb an existing seal, so resealing and testing should be considered before water exposure.
Before Swimming
Sports and diving watches should be tested regularly, especially before a holiday or renewed water use.
After an Impact
A damaged crown, crystal or case can affect resistance even when no external gap is immediately visible.
After Servicing
Water-resistance testing forms an important final check where the watch is designed and suitable for testing.
Vintage & Older Watches
Testing With Appropriate Caution
Vintage watches require an individual assessment. Ageing cases, unavailable seals, worn crowns and original components may make full water resistance unrealistic or inappropriate.
In some cases, we may recommend keeping a vintage watch away from water rather than attempting to achieve a modern resistance standard.
We will explain the options honestly before carrying out testing or resealing work.
“A pressure test tells us how the watch performs today. It cannot prevent future wear, damage or seal deterioration.”
Our Process
Watch Pressure Testing Process
Every watch is assessed individually before testing so we can decide whether the procedure is appropriate and what preparation may be required.
Initial Inspection
We assess the case, crown, pushers, crystal and visible condition before placing the watch under test.
Dry Pressure Test
The watch is tested using professional equipment appropriate to its construction and expected resistance.
Seal Assessment
If the watch fails, we assess the likely cause and identify suitable seals or components where available.
Results & Advice
We explain the outcome and recommend any resealing, repair work or future precautions.
Pressure testing can be combined with quartz watch servicing or a complete mechanical watch service.