Why is there Fog Inside My Rolex?
If you see condensation or fog under the crystal glass, it means the water resistance has failed. The problem occurs when the rubber gasket becomes old, or the crown is not screwed down tightly before swimming. The wager is still inside the movement even if the fog goes away. You should act fast to stop rust.
How to Remove Moisture from a Rolex Dial
Follow these steps to remove moisture from the Rolex dial.
Open the Crown
The most important step is to let the air inside the watch connect with the air outside.
- Unscrew the winding crown on the side of the case.
- Pull it out all the way to the last position, and this is where you usually change the time.
- Why do we do this: If the crown is screwed down, the watch is a sealed room. The water can’t escape. Opening the crown creates a door for the water vapor to leave.
Use a Desiccant like Silica Gel
Silica gel is the small packets you find in new shoe boxes or medicine bottles. It absorbs water very well.
- Find a plastic container with a tight lid or a Ziploc bag.
- Put some silica gel packets in it.
- Close the lid very tightly and leave it for two days.
Remember, if you don’t have silica packets, you can buy “crystal cat litter” because it is made of the same material and works very well.
The Uncooked Rice Method
Rice is popular, but it is dusty. Dust can get inside the open crown and hurt the movement gears. If you must use rice, wrap your watch loosely in a thin paper towel or piece of cloth first.
Bury the wrapped watch in a bowl of dry, uncooked rice. Seal the bowl, and the rice will pull moisture. However, the absorption is slow compared to silica gel.
Gentle Heat But Use Caution
Heat turns liquid water into vapor, which makes it easier to move out of the watch. Place the watch on a warm surface. Good examples are the top of an internet router, the back of a fridge, or near a desk lamp. Never use a hair dryer or oven because high heat can ruin the oils that lubricate the gears. The watch will stop working if the oil dries up.
Why You Must Still Visit a Watchmaker
Visiting a watch repair service is the hard truth that many people ignore. Drying the watch at home is only first aid. It is not a cure.
When water enters a Rolex, it brings salt or minerals. Even if you dry the water, the salt stays on the steel parts inside, which causes rust and corrosion. Remember, rust can start within 24 hours.
- The Seals are Broken: The fog appeared because a seal or gasket is broken. Drying the watch does not fix the broken seal. If you wear it again, water will enter again.
- Lubrication: Water mixes with the watch oil, which makes it useless. The gears will grind against each other.
Also Read: Watch Glass Replacement – Things You Should Look For
The bottom line is that use the silica gel method immediately to save the dial and your hands at home. Then, take the watch to a professional service center as soon as possible for a full service. Don’t wait.
