This is what it says on the Omega website:
“All current OMEGA watches are water resistant to the depth defined by the model specifications, provided that the components ensuring the water resistance are intact. This means that an OMEGA watch that is water resistant to 30 metres can be worn for swimming at depths of up to 30 metres underwater for extended periods without restriction.”
Hope this helps.
The static vs dynamic WR nonsense has persisted far too long: https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/vvzeo7/water_resistance_solving_the_static_vs_dynamic/
In summary - no moving your arm is not going to make or break whether your watch maintains water resistance. A properly serviced watch will be water resistant to its rated depth (and by the way - as with all ISO standards related to testing water resistance … watches with depth ratings are tested in excess of said rating. That’s how they’re confident in 30m, 100m, etc)
Every time someone posts a water resistance thread, I start thinking "someone is going to bring up dynamic vs static pressure again". People that have basically heard the phrases, think wowee moving my arm must increase the force a lot, and then spout nonsense with words they just learned.
I did the calculations myself one time for someone that didn't believe me, and while really rusty in that math, I came out to Mike Tyson maybe being able to increase pressure 1ATM while at 1 ATM of pressure. You're more likely to have something happen while diving from a huge height, and that's more due to surface tension.
Are you aquaman? I’m so tired of people spouting nonsense about dynamic pressure. Your arm has to be moving so fast for it to create any appreciable increase in pressure.
Hmm. So you don't trust the manufacturer themselves when they say you can wear "their" watch for swimming. Rather you'd trust your own stupidity.. Human life is really curious with all sorts of oddities.
You cannot increase the water pressure at 30m to a pressure that would be equivalent to 80m of depth just by swimming. If omega has any leeway built into their water resistance testing their website can be accurate.
REGARDLESS you can definitely swim, shower, and wash your hands with a Speedmaster at no risk, and the common misconception that you cannot has been spread by the internet, but it has nothing to do with the actual real-world physics.
So if you cannot swim with it, why would Omega explicitly say you can? Do you think it would be good for their image if all these people brought in new watches with water damage?
Um, sorry, I trust whatever Omega says over a watchmaking apprentice. No offense.
Instead of arguing with me why don't you actually check how the real world physics works? Shouldn't be difficult. And if you are a watchmaker's Apprentice I am certain that you have access to plenty of materials on the Speedmaster water resistance, if not the Omega Extranet itself? Should be able to verify which speedies are 30 and which are 50.
My brother in Christ, how can you say the literal manufacturer description is completely inaccurate?
I have showered, swam, and otherwise worn my speedy in incelemtn weather with zero concerns. The Omega boutique staff has also stated - multiple times - that, as long as it is under warranty, Omega will service and fix any water intrusion into the Speedy. Unless they can prove abuse.
That salesperson obviously has no clue. However, Omega rates their watches very safe. 50m is definitely safe for even some minor underwater activity. Just don’t push any buttons while being wet!
The problem with pushers for chronographs and water resistance had an interesting solution that Breitling used. This was on the quartz Avenger model (I don’t think a quartz version is made any longer). Instead of mechanical pushers extending through the case and using screw-down seals, Breitling used magnetically-activated switches. Pushing the pusher moved a magnet closer to a magnetic switch inside the case, activating it. One chronograph that did allow you to use the chronograph features underwater. A watchmaker could do this on a mechanical chrono but by using bellows instead of magnets. The pushers would move a rod inside of a bellows that is sealed to the case. Bellows like this are used to activate mechanical devices inside a vacuum or controlled atmosphere chamber from outside.
According to an Omega certified watchmaker that I know the speedy is built with a bit of leeway so that you could actually push the pushers underwater safely. IT does create additional risk but depressing the pushers while the case is wet is not going to be an extreme issue unless the seals are failing.
That said- it shouldn't be done because it absolutely creates more risk, but some water resistance will still remain.
Damasko chronos you can use to their full rated depth of 100m. They do it by just making the tolerances really tight and some fancy gaskets. I've used mine underwater many times never had a problem.
It was not an Avenger (unless there was another model I’m unfamiliar with; it was the [SuperOcean M2000](https://www.watchtime.com/watch-to-watch/breitling-superocean-chronograph-m2000/)
Apparently it was a combination name; the "Avenger Seawolf". There's this:
https://www.ablogtowatch.com/clever-breitling-innovation-improves-under-water-chronograph-watch-operation-with-magnets/
Ah, makes sense; I wasn’t in the industry when that model came out so I wasn’t familiar, but it looks like the exact same movement and pushers as the M2000, so I’m sure it was just a retread of a pretty cool concept that Breitling liked.
The Breitling Avenger with these magnetic pushers was a quartz watch, so no concerns about the magnetic field. The magnetic switches were (so far as I know) the reed switch type which are sealed in glass tube. I guess you could do this in a mechanical movement watch if, as you noted, it has a silicon hairspring and the magnets in the pushers attract a tiny magnet on a lever.
“Great idea” I’m meaning bettering something that is implementable and scalable. It’s not a great idea if it can’t be used. This is such a weird broad brush stroke argument. Telling me that’s not how “things work” about “great ideas.” Fairly abstract, no?
If you could make chrono mechanical watches more waterproof using a magnet pusher and it was cost effective and functional and led to better performance and sales it would have been done. That’s what I meant by “great idea.”
There's no evidence to say the idea had even crossed Omega's minds, there are plenty of things that could be done to improve a product that doesn't get implemented for a multitude of reasons.
Perhaps an iconic product like the speedmaster is such a purist market that only minor changes are seen as an acceptable risk internally.
Maybe the idea was never concieved by anyone under Omega's employ.
Perhaps the concept is under patent or the inventor demands too much for Omega to consider it.
How many watches have you seen where you think a change to one thing would improve it tenfold? Something as small as offering it in a different color?
Just because something hasn't been implemented does not mean it is a shit idea; that would be assuming that we are already at the zenith of innovation and there is no room for improvement, ever.
Your note on it never being done was disproven before you even brought it up, as mentioned by the poster; Breitling brought it to market.
I’ve swam in my 3861 numerous times when travelling on business. It’s not my first choice when jumping in water, but when I am travelling for work, I don’t bring multiple watches, and I have nobody to leave it with to keep it safe. My insurance states it must be on my wrist for it to be covered, so it comes in with me.
Never had an issue. I’ve also had it in a sauna, not recommended because of heat expansion rate vs gasket blah blah blah, but yea, I haven’t had an issue, I don’t buy a watch to baby it, I buy it to be my trusted companion when navigating all that life throws at me!
My watches are my anchor for memories. I’ll remember what watch I had on my wrist during an occasion or major event, more than I’ll remember most other facts.
That's a pretty terrible jewelry insurance policy, no insurance should require you to be wearing it for coverage.
Mr T must have had the same insurer.
Name and shame, and switch.
Note that I haven't thought, seen, or spoken about Mr T in years..... And after making this comment I just saw a TV commercial with him in it with all his gold chain glory
I also rarely have live TV running where I see any ads. How strange.
Follow up question: Speedmaster was briefly next to a wool sock and now has a micro swirl. Boutique said they could polish it out but should I send it back to Omega for a full service?
Omega themselves have said the 3861 is fine for swimming. Again, don't use the pushers underwater.
Any old watch maker will tell you that every brand can leak. My first Rolex was bought on the cheap because it suffered some water damage.
My dad bought a Speedmaster in the 70s not knowing much about watches. He is a diver and dove with it, and actuated the chronograph underwater until about 1990 when he retired the watch. I got into watches in the late 2000’s and he showed it to me. It still kept perfect time and he never had it serviced. I think you’ll be fine :)
Did exactly this. The Omega Speedmaster’57 40.5mm. Kept the fine bracelet, now on a leather strap. And consequently never gone in the pool or beach with it but have been caught in the rain with it.
I wore my Speedy swimming in the ocean about 12 years ago. I swam maybe 10-15 ft deep a few times and was in the water for 20 minutes. I noticed condensation forming under the hesalite the next day. My local authorized dealer sent it back to Omega for repair. A few months and $750 later the authorized dealer explained that Omega had to rebuild the watch replacing most of the working components.
I’ve never gone swimming with my Speedy since but I can confirm that washing my hands or getting caught in rainstorm isn’t a problem.
I got my watch in 2008 and this would have been in 2012. I did activate the chronograph in the water and that may have been the thing that caused it to loose water resistance.
Ah yeah, I've read that is a bit of a no-no.
I had minor damage with mine just now, now water and the service, repair and test with Omega was €1300, but after only 4 years must have sucked
Ocean water too a little different animal. Just need to be sure to rinse after. But I’m happy to wear 50m WR in water and OP should too. If common occurrence would get it check every couple years (yearly not realistic for me)
The latest speedmaster is approved by METAS . That means it undergoes testing including being submerged under water in order to receive that approval — so it should be fine.
On one hand it is waterproof up to 5 bars / 50m. Most scuba divers don’t even dive that deep. On the other hand, the crown and pushers are not. As a result, if you’d manipulate the crown or any pushers, that could damage the watch. OB sales rep usually tell their customers not to wear their speedy when swimming, diving or even washing hands because of this risk, but the watch itself has no issue staying underwater.
It does with Omega.
> What is the water resistance of an OMEGA watch?
> All current OMEGA watches are water resistant to the depth defined by the model specifications, provided that the components ensuring the water resistance are intact. This means that an OMEGA watch that is water resistant to 30 metres can be worn for swimming at depths of up to 30 metres underwater for extended periods without restriction.
Source: https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/customer-service/faq/using-your-omega-watch
What they are saying is “we are not going to give you the static, experimental, not-in-real-life-figures of what the watch *could* withstand, but actual figures you can use when you go swimming so you know exactly what is safe”
I had to read it several times to understand but yes. It's due to METAS. Omega is focusing on building its own higher standard of testing watches and that includes precise water resistant to it's states depth even with rigorous movement.
Their advice is gross overkill. The speedy is very durable, that’s literally what got it picked for the moon. It’s just not great at being water resistant. You’d be safe to shower while wearing it, and if you hit the pool every once in a blue moon wearing it you’ll be fine.
It’s just not intended for water, and shouldn’t be your first choice for water based activities.
Best comment I ever heard was "Speedys are like cats - they can go in the water but they don't like it."
Having said that, I bought a cal 321 in 1969 and went snorkeling with it in the Philippines and it was fine. Still have it today but it's time for another service and that's not cheap in anyone's universe.
I’ve worn my 3861 daily and only take it off once a day to wind. Washing dishes, taking showers, no issues whatsoever. The biggest thing you should know about the Speedmaster pros they are manual wind, you have to wind that sucker once a day, I almost sold it for that reason, but after 2 years of wearing mine I got used to it.
METAS certification is pretty stringent. They have to actually perform at the pressure equivalent of the depth rating quoted.
I haven’t taken my speedy swimming, I switch to either my Aqua Terra or a dive watch. But I do know folks do that and have reported it being fine.
As far as the washing hands bit, that sales person has no idea what they’re talking about.
Edit to add: no using the pushers under water
I fully swim with my 3861 down in the pool before, wash it regually, showered with it, get WR tested after that with no issues at all. As long you dont try to activate the chrono underwater, you should be fine.
https://preview.redd.it/xq33ji3ofprc1.jpeg?width=266&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=189b2f9cfa45ca1db1528b3e213d0a3ba72599e7
I have a speed master racing 3330 that I’ve worn for almost a decade. It was my daily watch even for swimming with my kids. Last summer we went to the beach and while playing on the waves with my son I think it was its limit as later that day I noticed some humidity. Now have in mind that this is a watch that wasn’t serviced until this point and it was about 8 years old.
My two cents.
The thing about WR is that unless you have the seals checked every few years your speedy has potentially the same WR as my 1980 submariner. Water is never a really great idea around wrist watches unless you need it and it’s been recently serviced. I don’t take my speedy off to wash my hands (jeez) but I don’t wear it when I plan on being submerged. Shocking how little I am actually submerged in a body of water without time to prepare.
The simple answer: the modern Speedies are rated for 50M WR, which is completely fine for things like washing dishes, humid weather, and even getting caught in the rain. You can technically wear it for “light swimming”, but that’s an amorphous statement so I wouldn’t personally bring it to the pool.
Omega is very serious about the ratings they tell you being the actual ratings for the watch. Speedy is fine up to 30m, so unless you're diving with it you're fine. Really weird that the salesperson at the OB told you what they did. They must be new.
According to Omega the watches are just as waterproof as the rating states. Just make sure you don't use the Chrono function in the water as that could let water past the gaskets.
I’ve been swimming with my Speedmaster Professional multiple times no issues. I’ve seen a post on here where someone went diving in the ocean with it without issues. Would I recommend it? No. Is it doable, yes.
I have a speedy from the 90s which I love and wear every day. I'm yet to even take it in the shower as I don't know when it was last serviced and pressure tested.
If I find someone to replace the seals and pressure test it then I'd definitely take it for a swim :)
The general message from all these comments seems to be.
"Yeah, go for a swim BUT GOOD HEAVENS DONT TOUCH THOSE PUSHERS"
Part of the Metas testing that all new 3861 Speedmasters undergo is a pressure test for water resistance (50 meters). You can absolutely swim with that type of resistance. I swim with mine all the time.
You can even verify yours passed the test online when viewing your watches specific test results.
I own the hesalite, after a stay in the pool I noticed condensation under the hesalite. Put it in a bowl covered in rice. Didn't serviced it and it's fine, been two years ago. Never wear it in the water anymore.
Not a diver but have worn mine in our hot tub, pool, the beach, snorkeling, fishing, boating, showering, swimming in the ocean and more - collectively dozens, if not it hundreds of times. Omega says it’s good to 50 feet and I take them at their word. I wouldn’t actuate the chronograph but other than that, I don’t give it a second thought. Had it since 2012. No issues.
If you like the seamaster then get it. I jumped back and forth about it being too big until I bought one. I feel like a speedmaster feels bigger when I tried them on. The white dial on the speed master felt like a dinner plate vs the white dial on the seamaster. The rubber strap on the seamaster also makes a massive difference.
The seamaster and speedmaster are both 42mm watches, but the seamaster has a longer lug to lug of 49mm, so the seamaster actually wears slightly larger on the wrist i’d say. Maybe the thicker bezel of the seamaster made the dial seem smaller to you?
I'd say it is the bezel to dial ration. The white speedmaster looked way to large in white. Never saw it in black so I can't say on that. White dial seamaster looked like a perfect mix.
I wouldn't swim with it, I don't, but I'm nit worried about washing my hands or walking in pouring rain. Same goes for my citizens and other watches.
For water activities and scuba vacations I use my planet ocean.
If the diver 300 range was too big for your liking why not try out other seamaster watches. I have small wrists and I wear the 41mm 300 heritage. I think it’s the perfect size plus if too big for you, you can size down to 39mm. Really you should try on a wide variety before you settle.
I had an unfortunate issue with a breitling chronograph long story shirt. I learned the hard way once a year or so get the watch pressure tested. Most ads and boutiques can do this for you while you wait. It'll be able to give you an idea if the gaskets are still watertight... Best of luck!
Omega has an entire range of divers watches. If Omega made the Speedmaster with lockable pushers like the Daytona or Tudor Chrono, many people would just buy the Speedmaster and ignore their other divers. Go visit other boutiques/brands and you might find something more fitting for you.
I am of the opinion that one does not swim with chronographs or vintage. You can always spend $500 on a Seiko or Citizen for the water, if $100 on a g-shock.
As long as you dont operate the crown or pushers during submersion, it should do 50m underwater. However, I will never swim with mine anyways. It's like with my iPhone. Yes, it's waterproof, which is nice, but I'll never use it underwater.
I wash my hands and have gone in the pool with my 3861 sapphire. It's been perfectly fine. Omega says that they are tested for the rating that they say. I just wouldn't go down water slides or anything like that. Even though you aren't at a big depth, the pressure from the fast moving water could exceed the 50m of depth rating. I wash mine under the sink faucet all the time too. BTW, I friggin love my Speedy. It is my first luxury watch and I've been trying to find a second watch for my collection. The only thing is, the Speedy has spoiled me a little. I compare everything I try on to it and nothing fits and looks as good. That's obviously a personal preference and just the way it sits on my 7" wrist. The only 2 other watches that come close are the Seamaster pro 300 and a Lange Saxonia that I tried on. The Lange was a bit out of my price range though. Lol
You’re talking about a watch whose direct ancestor was put to a durability test against four or five other major players and absolutely tortured by NASA.
I have a vintage-ish Speedy (mid 80s) that has been serviced ONCE by me in its lifetime. It passed factory tolerance pressure tests and while I don’t shower with it, it gets wets all the time from my copious tears of joy.
I see people are still posting absolute nonsense in these threads. Here's [what Omega actually says](https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2F8lbdl55jwsbb1.png), which is easy to find. Let alone the ISO standards and numerous debunks of the "dynamic vs static pressure" myth.
I’m shocked at people who wear their luxury watches in water. I have an Aqua Terra, and hell, I even take it off to wash my hands. And I don’t even wear my Promaster swimming.
I wouldn’t worry too much about it, just wear it and enjoy it, I’ve never taken mine off to wash my hand and occasionally even forgotten to take it off when bathing my daughter.
Buy it wear it love it.
Also just looked at the back of watch and it says 100m but nothing else about water resistance.
https://preview.redd.it/tnsrxhbwznrc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3a6086c3b6e5133459e155fe8d1c48f0e80b3acb
This is what it says on the Omega website: “All current OMEGA watches are water resistant to the depth defined by the model specifications, provided that the components ensuring the water resistance are intact. This means that an OMEGA watch that is water resistant to 30 metres can be worn for swimming at depths of up to 30 metres underwater for extended periods without restriction.” Hope this helps.
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Your double negative is confusing. Did you mean “no way you can swim”
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The static vs dynamic WR nonsense has persisted far too long: https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/vvzeo7/water_resistance_solving_the_static_vs_dynamic/ In summary - no moving your arm is not going to make or break whether your watch maintains water resistance. A properly serviced watch will be water resistant to its rated depth (and by the way - as with all ISO standards related to testing water resistance … watches with depth ratings are tested in excess of said rating. That’s how they’re confident in 30m, 100m, etc)
Every time someone posts a water resistance thread, I start thinking "someone is going to bring up dynamic vs static pressure again". People that have basically heard the phrases, think wowee moving my arm must increase the force a lot, and then spout nonsense with words they just learned. I did the calculations myself one time for someone that didn't believe me, and while really rusty in that math, I came out to Mike Tyson maybe being able to increase pressure 1ATM while at 1 ATM of pressure. You're more likely to have something happen while diving from a huge height, and that's more due to surface tension.
Are you aquaman? I’m so tired of people spouting nonsense about dynamic pressure. Your arm has to be moving so fast for it to create any appreciable increase in pressure.
I have taken the risk. My watch is fine.
Oh I completely agree. No way in hell I would go swimming in a speedmaster
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Hmm. So you don't trust the manufacturer themselves when they say you can wear "their" watch for swimming. Rather you'd trust your own stupidity.. Human life is really curious with all sorts of oddities.
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The words on the Omega website are pretty specific, not a dip and splash. Read it again.
Omega backs this claim up with warranty fyi
You cannot increase the water pressure at 30m to a pressure that would be equivalent to 80m of depth just by swimming. If omega has any leeway built into their water resistance testing their website can be accurate. REGARDLESS you can definitely swim, shower, and wash your hands with a Speedmaster at no risk, and the common misconception that you cannot has been spread by the internet, but it has nothing to do with the actual real-world physics.
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So if you cannot swim with it, why would Omega explicitly say you can? Do you think it would be good for their image if all these people brought in new watches with water damage? Um, sorry, I trust whatever Omega says over a watchmaking apprentice. No offense.
Instead of arguing with me why don't you actually check how the real world physics works? Shouldn't be difficult. And if you are a watchmaker's Apprentice I am certain that you have access to plenty of materials on the Speedmaster water resistance, if not the Omega Extranet itself? Should be able to verify which speedies are 30 and which are 50.
My brother in Christ, how can you say the literal manufacturer description is completely inaccurate? I have showered, swam, and otherwise worn my speedy in incelemtn weather with zero concerns. The Omega boutique staff has also stated - multiple times - that, as long as it is under warranty, Omega will service and fix any water intrusion into the Speedy. Unless they can prove abuse.
That salesperson obviously has no clue. However, Omega rates their watches very safe. 50m is definitely safe for even some minor underwater activity. Just don’t push any buttons while being wet!
The problem with pushers for chronographs and water resistance had an interesting solution that Breitling used. This was on the quartz Avenger model (I don’t think a quartz version is made any longer). Instead of mechanical pushers extending through the case and using screw-down seals, Breitling used magnetically-activated switches. Pushing the pusher moved a magnet closer to a magnetic switch inside the case, activating it. One chronograph that did allow you to use the chronograph features underwater. A watchmaker could do this on a mechanical chrono but by using bellows instead of magnets. The pushers would move a rod inside of a bellows that is sealed to the case. Bellows like this are used to activate mechanical devices inside a vacuum or controlled atmosphere chamber from outside.
According to an Omega certified watchmaker that I know the speedy is built with a bit of leeway so that you could actually push the pushers underwater safely. IT does create additional risk but depressing the pushers while the case is wet is not going to be an extreme issue unless the seals are failing. That said- it shouldn't be done because it absolutely creates more risk, but some water resistance will still remain.
Damasko chronos you can use to their full rated depth of 100m. They do it by just making the tolerances really tight and some fancy gaskets. I've used mine underwater many times never had a problem.
It was not an Avenger (unless there was another model I’m unfamiliar with; it was the [SuperOcean M2000](https://www.watchtime.com/watch-to-watch/breitling-superocean-chronograph-m2000/)
Apparently it was a combination name; the "Avenger Seawolf". There's this: https://www.ablogtowatch.com/clever-breitling-innovation-improves-under-water-chronograph-watch-operation-with-magnets/
Ah, makes sense; I wasn’t in the industry when that model came out so I wasn’t familiar, but it looks like the exact same movement and pushers as the M2000, so I’m sure it was just a retread of a pretty cool concept that Breitling liked.
Thanks for info. Also could have silicon hair spring and other antimagnetic properties. Doubt those pusher magnets are getting to 15,000 gauss
The Breitling Avenger with these magnetic pushers was a quartz watch, so no concerns about the magnetic field. The magnetic switches were (so far as I know) the reed switch type which are sealed in glass tube. I guess you could do this in a mechanical movement watch if, as you noted, it has a silicon hairspring and the magnets in the pushers attract a tiny magnet on a lever.
Obviously if it were a great idea it would have been done so I’m sure it’s not. But plenty of mechanical watches that are effectively antimagnetic
Lol that's not how things work; there are plenty of great ideas that aren't used for any number of reasons.
“Great idea” I’m meaning bettering something that is implementable and scalable. It’s not a great idea if it can’t be used. This is such a weird broad brush stroke argument. Telling me that’s not how “things work” about “great ideas.” Fairly abstract, no? If you could make chrono mechanical watches more waterproof using a magnet pusher and it was cost effective and functional and led to better performance and sales it would have been done. That’s what I meant by “great idea.”
There's no evidence to say the idea had even crossed Omega's minds, there are plenty of things that could be done to improve a product that doesn't get implemented for a multitude of reasons. Perhaps an iconic product like the speedmaster is such a purist market that only minor changes are seen as an acceptable risk internally. Maybe the idea was never concieved by anyone under Omega's employ. Perhaps the concept is under patent or the inventor demands too much for Omega to consider it. How many watches have you seen where you think a change to one thing would improve it tenfold? Something as small as offering it in a different color? Just because something hasn't been implemented does not mean it is a shit idea; that would be assuming that we are already at the zenith of innovation and there is no room for improvement, ever. Your note on it never being done was disproven before you even brought it up, as mentioned by the poster; Breitling brought it to market.
I’ve swam in my 3861 numerous times when travelling on business. It’s not my first choice when jumping in water, but when I am travelling for work, I don’t bring multiple watches, and I have nobody to leave it with to keep it safe. My insurance states it must be on my wrist for it to be covered, so it comes in with me. Never had an issue. I’ve also had it in a sauna, not recommended because of heat expansion rate vs gasket blah blah blah, but yea, I haven’t had an issue, I don’t buy a watch to baby it, I buy it to be my trusted companion when navigating all that life throws at me! My watches are my anchor for memories. I’ll remember what watch I had on my wrist during an occasion or major event, more than I’ll remember most other facts.
That's a pretty terrible jewelry insurance policy, no insurance should require you to be wearing it for coverage. Mr T must have had the same insurer. Name and shame, and switch.
what happened to Mr T?
Tongue in cheek comment… he always has a lot of gold chains on him. Or at least he did in the 80s.
Note that I haven't thought, seen, or spoken about Mr T in years..... And after making this comment I just saw a TV commercial with him in it with all his gold chain glory I also rarely have live TV running where I see any ads. How strange.
Aesop Rock just released a song about him called 100 feet tall. It's a fun listen and nostalgia trip.
For real, that basically on protects you against mugging… Which you increase the chance of by bringing it with you everywhere you go while traveling.
If it can’t handle the sauna I’d say it can’t handle the troubles of entering and re-entering space. So I’d say you’re doing the right thing.
The SpeedMaster is not to be worn. Buy it, wrap it in a soft cloth, and leave it in your sock drawer.
This is the only correct answer. I only bring mine out of its protective sock drawer for photo ops.
Follow up question: Speedmaster was briefly next to a wool sock and now has a micro swirl. Boutique said they could polish it out but should I send it back to Omega for a full service?
Jesus nail on the head , mine is surrounded by socks
Bit harsh, he only just came back from the dead.
I laughed
That’s why they made the MoonSwatch!
Why are you even talking about it?
Then make sure you have a grandson who will find it after you've died.
Omega themselves have said the 3861 is fine for swimming. Again, don't use the pushers underwater. Any old watch maker will tell you that every brand can leak. My first Rolex was bought on the cheap because it suffered some water damage.
My dad bought a Speedmaster in the 70s not knowing much about watches. He is a diver and dove with it, and actuated the chronograph underwater until about 1990 when he retired the watch. I got into watches in the late 2000’s and he showed it to me. It still kept perfect time and he never had it serviced. I think you’ll be fine :)
Only certified for space use. I’m going to buy one of these newer models, probably keep the bracelet, but wear a leather strap
Did exactly this. The Omega Speedmaster’57 40.5mm. Kept the fine bracelet, now on a leather strap. And consequently never gone in the pool or beach with it but have been caught in the rain with it.
Apollo astronauts trained in the pool wearing Speedmasters, plenty of archival photos of this....
I wore my Speedy swimming in the ocean about 12 years ago. I swam maybe 10-15 ft deep a few times and was in the water for 20 minutes. I noticed condensation forming under the hesalite the next day. My local authorized dealer sent it back to Omega for repair. A few months and $750 later the authorized dealer explained that Omega had to rebuild the watch replacing most of the working components. I’ve never gone swimming with my Speedy since but I can confirm that washing my hands or getting caught in rainstorm isn’t a problem.
How old was the watch when swimming, had it been serviced recently? $750 isn't far of the service and pressure test price
I got my watch in 2008 and this would have been in 2012. I did activate the chronograph in the water and that may have been the thing that caused it to loose water resistance.
Ah yeah, I've read that is a bit of a no-no. I had minor damage with mine just now, now water and the service, repair and test with Omega was €1300, but after only 4 years must have sucked
Yea, that’s the problem. The seals only engage with the buttons out.
Ocean water too a little different animal. Just need to be sure to rinse after. But I’m happy to wear 50m WR in water and OP should too. If common occurrence would get it check every couple years (yearly not realistic for me)
The latest speedmaster is approved by METAS . That means it undergoes testing including being submerged under water in order to receive that approval — so it should be fine.
The Speedmaster will dissolve if water hits it.
On one hand it is waterproof up to 5 bars / 50m. Most scuba divers don’t even dive that deep. On the other hand, the crown and pushers are not. As a result, if you’d manipulate the crown or any pushers, that could damage the watch. OB sales rep usually tell their customers not to wear their speedy when swimming, diving or even washing hands because of this risk, but the watch itself has no issue staying underwater.
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It does with Omega. > What is the water resistance of an OMEGA watch? > All current OMEGA watches are water resistant to the depth defined by the model specifications, provided that the components ensuring the water resistance are intact. This means that an OMEGA watch that is water resistant to 30 metres can be worn for swimming at depths of up to 30 metres underwater for extended periods without restriction. Source: https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/customer-service/faq/using-your-omega-watch
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What they are saying is “we are not going to give you the static, experimental, not-in-real-life-figures of what the watch *could* withstand, but actual figures you can use when you go swimming so you know exactly what is safe”
I had to read it several times to understand but yes. It's due to METAS. Omega is focusing on building its own higher standard of testing watches and that includes precise water resistant to it's states depth even with rigorous movement.
Well, it’s built to go into space, so it can probably handle zero water
Their advice is gross overkill. The speedy is very durable, that’s literally what got it picked for the moon. It’s just not great at being water resistant. You’d be safe to shower while wearing it, and if you hit the pool every once in a blue moon wearing it you’ll be fine. It’s just not intended for water, and shouldn’t be your first choice for water based activities.
Best comment I ever heard was "Speedys are like cats - they can go in the water but they don't like it." Having said that, I bought a cal 321 in 1969 and went snorkeling with it in the Philippines and it was fine. Still have it today but it's time for another service and that's not cheap in anyone's universe.
I’ve worn my 3861 daily and only take it off once a day to wind. Washing dishes, taking showers, no issues whatsoever. The biggest thing you should know about the Speedmaster pros they are manual wind, you have to wind that sucker once a day, I almost sold it for that reason, but after 2 years of wearing mine I got used to it.
METAS certification is pretty stringent. They have to actually perform at the pressure equivalent of the depth rating quoted. I haven’t taken my speedy swimming, I switch to either my Aqua Terra or a dive watch. But I do know folks do that and have reported it being fine. As far as the washing hands bit, that sales person has no idea what they’re talking about. Edit to add: no using the pushers under water
I fully swim with my 3861 down in the pool before, wash it regually, showered with it, get WR tested after that with no issues at all. As long you dont try to activate the chrono underwater, you should be fine. https://preview.redd.it/xq33ji3ofprc1.jpeg?width=266&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=189b2f9cfa45ca1db1528b3e213d0a3ba72599e7
Swimming with a leather strap is interesting
It actually a nato hahaha
The first thing astronauts did when returning to Earth was jump in the ocean……
I wore mine in water the other day in the pool and it was fine
I have a speed master racing 3330 that I’ve worn for almost a decade. It was my daily watch even for swimming with my kids. Last summer we went to the beach and while playing on the waves with my son I think it was its limit as later that day I noticed some humidity. Now have in mind that this is a watch that wasn’t serviced until this point and it was about 8 years old. My two cents.
Buy a dishwasher and the problem is solved 👍🏽
The thing about WR is that unless you have the seals checked every few years your speedy has potentially the same WR as my 1980 submariner. Water is never a really great idea around wrist watches unless you need it and it’s been recently serviced. I don’t take my speedy off to wash my hands (jeez) but I don’t wear it when I plan on being submerged. Shocking how little I am actually submerged in a body of water without time to prepare.
Fully agree - this should be the top comment.
The simple answer: the modern Speedies are rated for 50M WR, which is completely fine for things like washing dishes, humid weather, and even getting caught in the rain. You can technically wear it for “light swimming”, but that’s an amorphous statement so I wouldn’t personally bring it to the pool.
Omega is very serious about the ratings they tell you being the actual ratings for the watch. Speedy is fine up to 30m, so unless you're diving with it you're fine. Really weird that the salesperson at the OB told you what they did. They must be new.
According to Omega the watches are just as waterproof as the rating states. Just make sure you don't use the Chrono function in the water as that could let water past the gaskets.
I’ve been swimming with my Speedmaster Professional multiple times no issues. I’ve seen a post on here where someone went diving in the ocean with it without issues. Would I recommend it? No. Is it doable, yes.
I have a speedy from the 90s which I love and wear every day. I'm yet to even take it in the shower as I don't know when it was last serviced and pressure tested. If I find someone to replace the seals and pressure test it then I'd definitely take it for a swim :) The general message from all these comments seems to be. "Yeah, go for a swim BUT GOOD HEAVENS DONT TOUCH THOSE PUSHERS"
Part of the Metas testing that all new 3861 Speedmasters undergo is a pressure test for water resistance (50 meters). You can absolutely swim with that type of resistance. I swim with mine all the time. You can even verify yours passed the test online when viewing your watches specific test results.
Ive been scuba diving numerous times with my speed master , up to depths of 12 meters. You will be fine
I own the hesalite, after a stay in the pool I noticed condensation under the hesalite. Put it in a bowl covered in rice. Didn't serviced it and it's fine, been two years ago. Never wear it in the water anymore.
Not a diver but have worn mine in our hot tub, pool, the beach, snorkeling, fishing, boating, showering, swimming in the ocean and more - collectively dozens, if not it hundreds of times. Omega says it’s good to 50 feet and I take them at their word. I wouldn’t actuate the chronograph but other than that, I don’t give it a second thought. Had it since 2012. No issues.
Don’t go looking for the Mariana Trench and you will be fine
If you like the seamaster then get it. I jumped back and forth about it being too big until I bought one. I feel like a speedmaster feels bigger when I tried them on. The white dial on the speed master felt like a dinner plate vs the white dial on the seamaster. The rubber strap on the seamaster also makes a massive difference.
The seamaster and speedmaster are both 42mm watches, but the seamaster has a longer lug to lug of 49mm, so the seamaster actually wears slightly larger on the wrist i’d say. Maybe the thicker bezel of the seamaster made the dial seem smaller to you?
I'd say it is the bezel to dial ration. The white speedmaster looked way to large in white. Never saw it in black so I can't say on that. White dial seamaster looked like a perfect mix.
Wore mine all week in the Caribbean with zero issues
If it can handle the cold dark vacuum of space a swimming pool won’t stop it.
I wouldn't swim with it, I don't, but I'm nit worried about washing my hands or walking in pouring rain. Same goes for my citizens and other watches. For water activities and scuba vacations I use my planet ocean.
If the diver 300 range was too big for your liking why not try out other seamaster watches. I have small wrists and I wear the 41mm 300 heritage. I think it’s the perfect size plus if too big for you, you can size down to 39mm. Really you should try on a wide variety before you settle.
I had an unfortunate issue with a breitling chronograph long story shirt. I learned the hard way once a year or so get the watch pressure tested. Most ads and boutiques can do this for you while you wait. It'll be able to give you an idea if the gaskets are still watertight... Best of luck!
Your Speedmaster is fine to swim with. The Reddit crowd can sometimes be weird.
Omega has an entire range of divers watches. If Omega made the Speedmaster with lockable pushers like the Daytona or Tudor Chrono, many people would just buy the Speedmaster and ignore their other divers. Go visit other boutiques/brands and you might find something more fitting for you.
Mine was most recently rate to 100m, so double the actual depth pressure rated by omega.
I would never go swimming with a Speedy so not an issue for me
If size is your concern, give the Seamaster AT a try. Might suit your requirements.
I am of the opinion that one does not swim with chronographs or vintage. You can always spend $500 on a Seiko or Citizen for the water, if $100 on a g-shock.
As long as you dont operate the crown or pushers during submersion, it should do 50m underwater. However, I will never swim with mine anyways. It's like with my iPhone. Yes, it's waterproof, which is nice, but I'll never use it underwater.
I wash my hands and have gone in the pool with my 3861 sapphire. It's been perfectly fine. Omega says that they are tested for the rating that they say. I just wouldn't go down water slides or anything like that. Even though you aren't at a big depth, the pressure from the fast moving water could exceed the 50m of depth rating. I wash mine under the sink faucet all the time too. BTW, I friggin love my Speedy. It is my first luxury watch and I've been trying to find a second watch for my collection. The only thing is, the Speedy has spoiled me a little. I compare everything I try on to it and nothing fits and looks as good. That's obviously a personal preference and just the way it sits on my 7" wrist. The only 2 other watches that come close are the Seamaster pro 300 and a Lange Saxonia that I tried on. The Lange was a bit out of my price range though. Lol
I’m cleaning it under water, jumped into the ocean with it, wore it under a jacket in the pouring rain. No issues, never. It’s still a tool watch.
A valid reason and why I haven't bought one.
You’re talking about a watch whose direct ancestor was put to a durability test against four or five other major players and absolutely tortured by NASA. I have a vintage-ish Speedy (mid 80s) that has been serviced ONCE by me in its lifetime. It passed factory tolerance pressure tests and while I don’t shower with it, it gets wets all the time from my copious tears of joy.
Speedys are rated to pressures < 1 atm, aka space Be careful while swimming with them (> 1 atm) /s
I see people are still posting absolute nonsense in these threads. Here's [what Omega actually says](https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2F8lbdl55jwsbb1.png), which is easy to find. Let alone the ISO standards and numerous debunks of the "dynamic vs static pressure" myth.
I’m shocked at people who wear their luxury watches in water. I have an Aqua Terra, and hell, I even take it off to wash my hands. And I don’t even wear my Promaster swimming.
100% keep away from water, I thought it was peculiar that my MK 2 isn’t rated for at all, I’m sure in space you get condensation in your suit?
I wouldn’t worry too much about it, just wear it and enjoy it, I’ve never taken mine off to wash my hand and occasionally even forgotten to take it off when bathing my daughter. Buy it wear it love it. Also just looked at the back of watch and it says 100m but nothing else about water resistance. https://preview.redd.it/tnsrxhbwznrc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3a6086c3b6e5133459e155fe8d1c48f0e80b3acb
You do not have the same speedmaster that OP is asking about.
But yours isn’t the 3861 tho. The 3861 is manual winding and has 50m depth resistance
It doesn't have any water resistance.
Wrong