Watch in a washing machine

filetress · Sep 17, 2021

Yes, I forgot my Dan Henry 1962 in my pants and I put them in a washing machine. What do I do now? It works, but there is fog/drops of water on the inner side of the glass.
Put it in rice? Can it be dried by a watchmaker?
Any recommendations welcomed

rdoder · Sep 17, 2021

Ouch! Probably a visit to a watchmaker would be good.

bigclive2011 · Sep 17, 2021

How much did it cost and how much do you love it?

The cost involved to dry it out and replace any damaged parts may be high.

arzinet · Sep 17, 2021

I am not an expert at all, but I’d be taking it to a watchmaker for a full service ASAP.

If I couldn’t get to a watchmaker right away, I’d remove the case back just to let the moisture out in the meantime.

WIS_Chronomaster · Sep 17, 2021

Take it to a watchmaker ! , you need to get the back off that one asap!

grafiz · Sep 17, 2021

Hmm... tough one here, I mean, in theory you would want a watchmaker to pull it apart and dry everything properly, if done quickly it'll probably be fine, although the dial and hands might eventually show wear that they wouldn't have otherwise.

But, the cost of the watch originally wasn't that much, so the cost to have it completely torn to bits and dried, then reassembled might not really be worth it.

So you might try just opening the crown, and case back ideally, if you have the tools, then taking a hair dryer and doing your best to dry everything without getting it too hot... of course remove the battery first, etc.

Or you could try putting it in a bag with rice, etc.

The right way is to take it for a service ASAP and just pay the cost... the less right way is to try and dry it yourself knowing that you might have to buy another one if it doesn't end up alright.

Best of luck with it!

Baka1969 · Sep 17, 2021

It could likely cost more than the original price of the watch to repair it.

Remove the caseback, open the stem, place the watch in a shoebox, put a can of desiccant next to the watch and close the box. Wait a week. The quicker the better. Hope for the best.

That's the best you can do without spending more than the price of the watch at a watchmaker.

caribiner23 · Sep 17, 2021

At least it remained intact! I agree with getting it to a watchmaker or at the very least opening it up to let it dry.

A few years ago, my wife left her Skagen in a jeans pocket and the washing machine totally destroyed it. It wasn't worth a lot financially, but it had a ton of sentimental value.

Chris Stark · Sep 17, 2021

The spin cycle will help give the second hand a "clean" sweep.

But seriously, since it still works, why not try the rice routine?

Tjcdas · Sep 17, 2021

Take the back off take the movement out let it dry.

Remove the hands and dial throw the movemet out and buy a new movement for under $40.

Hattori® Japan Quartz Chrono Watch Movement VK63 Overall Height 7.5mm

Learn about Hattori Japanese VK63 quartz movements and discover an efficient, durable and ready-to-install component that is invaluable for watchmakers specializing in Seiko watches.

www.esslinger.com

Grasshopperglock · Sep 17, 2021

Emergency care?

Submerge in 91% rubbing alcohol or in denatured alcohol. The alcohol will absorb the water. Keeping it in suspension. Alcohol has a neutral PH. Which hovers around 7.0.

Let it soak a while. Drain it. Then replace the alcohol and soak again. Once the water has been removed. Take it to a watchmaker. Because the alcohol will wash the watch clean of lube. as well as the moisture.

Notice how watchmakers will use alcohol as a final rinse to remove any water used during cleaning.

NC_Hager626 · Sep 17, 2021

It is a 270 dollar watch, which puts it in the "through away" category. Even though it may work, for now, I would pitch it and buy a new one.

bigclive2011 · Sep 17, 2021

NC_Hager626 said:
It is a 270 dollar watch, which puts it in the "through away" category. Even though it may work, for now, I would pitch it and buy a new one.

Yep that's my view as well, unless there is a real emotional factor that goes with it.

Glencoe · Sep 17, 2021

Water damage can creep up over time. A few droplets stuck in there can progressively f-up the internals. I would suggest taking it to a watch maker.

If it were me, I would probably just fairly confidently open it up, disassemble a bit and clean out the movement myself but if you are not familiar with this than suchexercise poses some risk.

On the plus side, it is not an overly expensive movement to just swap out if things do go sideways. In that case, I would be more concerned with the aesthetic components of the watch like water trapped in between or on top the dial, etc.

In any case, just letting the water sit and crossing your fingers is probably not ideal.

Mtvandi · Sep 17, 2021

As most have mentioned, due to what a proper service would cost and the original purchase price of the watch, I would remove the case back and open/ unscrew the crown, then place it backside up in a ziplock bag of white rice. Be careful to keep the open side away from direct contact with the rice, close the bag and leave it for a day or two. You will be surprised how well this works!

wuyeah · Sep 17, 2021

Maybe try to put it in the dryer this time!?

cheu_f50 · Sep 17, 2021

How much are you willing to pay to get it fixed? The beauty of affordable watches is that they are affordable.

I'd throw this out and just get a new one.

Peteworrall · Sep 17, 2021

arzinet said:
I am not an expert at all, but I'd be taking it to a watchmaker for a full service ASAP.

If I couldn't get to a watchmaker right away, I'd remove the case back just to let the moisture out in the meantime.

I second this wise suggestion

BorutP · Sep 17, 2021

Grasshopperglock said:
Emergency care?

Submerge in 91% rubbing alcohol or in denatured alcohol. The alcohol will absorb the water. Keeping it in suspension. Alcohol has a neutral PH. Which hovers around 7.0.

Let it soak a while. Drain it. Then replace the alcohol and soak again. Once the water has been removed. Take it to a watchmaker. Because the alcohol will wash the watch clean of lube. as well as the moisture.

Notice how watchmakers will use alcohol as a final rinse to remove any water used during cleaning.

This.
Also remove battery first.
Rice will not do much as it is too slow. Removing moisture is top priority. Do not let it sit wet. If you let dry naturally it will corrode more, but still better than nothing. Maybe try some forced air drying...

hub6152 · Sep 17, 2021

Rice is about as absorbent as a handful of stones and is an urban myth.

Put in a ziplock bag with a silica gel bag and that really will absorb moisture.

Watch in a washing machine

filetress

rdoder

bigclive2011

arzinet

WIS_Chronomaster

grafiz

Baka1969

caribiner23

Chris Stark

Tjcdas

Hattori® Japan Quartz Chrono Watch Movement VK63 Overall Height 7.5mm

Grasshopperglock

NC_Hager626

bigclive2011

Glencoe

Mtvandi

wuyeah

cheu_f50

Peteworrall

BorutP

hub6152

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities