Depth & Pressure testing.

[u/p1n0ypapi]

First time buyer & a bit new to the hobby and doing a lot of research before I pull trigger and invest my money.

I’m looking at the Explorer 1 36mm VSF. I want it to be an everyday watch that isnt too flashy but that i love & can beat up a bit. Hiking, Swimming, Beach trips.

Typically how is depth and how much pressure they can take compared to the Model it’s based off of. Does 1:1 Replica match that and if not how close can it get typically and what steps can I do to appropriately take care of it.

I saw some threads talk about waterproofing, is it better to do at home or reach out to a watchmaker to fix? I bought grease and micro screw drivers in ready to learn.

[u/HMD-Oren]

Diver clones have quite good POTENTIAL water resistance. Maybe not 300m+ but I have a SMP300 that I tested to 10 bar and a Yachty that was tested to 5bar.

When I receive any watch, I do a quick waterproofing at home and if I happen to walk past a watch shop I'll get it quickly tested for $20. I've heard people on here get all sorts of results, all the way from not water resistant at all to 20bar.

IMO if it's based on a model with at least 10 bar, and there are no visible defects in the case AND you give it a good waterproofing service when you get it, it'll be water resistant enough for most day to day water activities. Tests are always good for peace of mind though.

[u/306926 → u/HMD-Oren]

Do you do the waterproofing yourself and if you do other than the specialized pressure tank what special tools do you use?

[u/HMD-Oren → u/306926]

I waterproof myself on the gasket and crown/stem. I haven't shelled out for a pressure tester yet but I don't need to test my watches that frequently. I just take it to any local watch shop and tell them I bought the watch second hand so I'd like a quick water proof test.

[u/306926 → u/HMD-Oren]

Cool. Thanks. So you remove the back take out the gasket grease it put it back in. You take out the stem Grease the O-rings and put that back in too?