Check out my shorts to see the test done by holding it up in the air, pressurizing the tank and then lowering it into the water to look for bubbles. Future videos the test will be performed this way. Hopefully this still shows the ability of the watch regardless! Thanks everyone!
You really don't need to bother with pressure testing, it's simple physics. Example: If you fill a plastic bottle under water and tighten the cap submerged so NO AIR can get in and then drop to the bottom of the Marianas Trench? The water on the outside is the same as inside with a thin layer of plastic between them and matter cannot compress on itself. Nothing happens, even if you unscew the cap at the bottom. The water just mixes together. Using food grade silicone oil just reinforces it inside even more with a denser matter and doesn't cause corrosion.
Finally, the whole story about water resistant watches. That took nearly 10 years of watching YT reviews to get to this comprehensive detailed video. Bravo..!!
I’ve been telling this to the dive watch and watch community in general for years and the topic has almost always become heated. Thank you for your video.
Agreed, it is a little depressing. I have 7 watches totalling a few thousand bucks and the truth is I wear my Casio more often than any other. It's worth noting it's not just any $12 watch, it's a Casio.
I’ve a small watch collection of maybe a dozen. In 2020, I bought a F91 for sometimes sports wear. Always love it. Not that it really matters, it now has a nylon strap and my old casio A700 module inside. In Feb 2024, it accidentally went through a full wash /dry laundry cycle. No issues or damage. Recently opened the back, dry as a bone. Thats enough water resistance for me.
I wear my F91w during my swim work outs in the pool. I swim 1,5 km twice a week, doing all kind of strokes, freestyle, butterfly, back stroke, breast stroke... no problem! Works perfectly fine! 👌😊 It really must be the best watch for the price and with a cool history to go with it! Can't go wrong! Great video! Thanks for clarifying!
Finally, a comprehensive answer to the "maybe you can wash your hands with a modern 30m water resistant watch" people. I swim with my speedy all the time.
One specific thing you did not mention about ISO 6425 is that this standard requires every single watch that is being produced, to be pressure tested up to the rated depth + 25% and remain at that pressure for 2 hours. After that test, a condensation test must be performed to check for water ingress. This means that if you buy a watch that has "DIVERS 200 m" on the dial, that that very watch has been at a pressure equivalent to the rated depth + 25%. I am glad that you debunked the myths about water resistance.
@@folksurvival No. All other tests mentioned in ISO6425 are so called type tests, meaning these are only performed on a newly developed watch when it goes into production. Only the waterproofing and condensation tests are performed on each and every watch.
Great advice for non divers. I am a highly experienced diver, and trained to a very high level by world class professionals. I use housings on the surface and at depth, and the seals are at greatest risk of leaking when at the surface and dunking the housing in a freshwater rinse tank (not recommended). This is because the seals are not under pressure and so are at their least resistant to working. That is why the standards are different for splash and depth. When diving, I may have a dive computer on each wrist of different brands, one of which is wirelessly connected to a tank pressure meter, and a third dive computer physically connected to the tank. All of this is to not get caught out by equipment failure in the wild. In other words, when I dive I have no space to wear a dive watch, so in a watch for me splash resistance is way more important than depth.
I think the minimal water resistance rating on the basic Casios is partly because you're not supposed to operate the buttons under water. But I believe you can do so on the basic G-Shock square DW5600. That's a $50 watch that does almost everything, and you can drag it through hell. On the low end, I prefer the F105 to the F91 because of the EL backlight, which is like Timex Indiglo. Similarly, in stainless (with a metal plated resin case), I like the A168 better than the A158 for the same reason. Overall, it's incredible how good these are for the money.
Love it! Great explanation, and not really surprising (to me) about the 2x more deapth than the rating on watch. I saw someone comparing a g-shock with 200m WR compared to the same hydro modded watch. The original broke around 600m, and the hydro modded watch still worked at 4800m water pressure, the max of the machine he was working with. I have a Casio Baby-G from 1998, with only 30m water resistance, that has lived on my wrist for over a decade. Did everything with the watch, running, swimming, cycling (triathlon), scuba diving up to 25m, the deepest I have been, as a back-up to my Suunto Dive computer. Never a glitch. Replaced my battery for the first time in 2012, and only once more in 2023. Phenomenal watch, and now my beater watch for the holidays.
IUse my f91w for sailing, shallow water diving, and swimming, here on the south shore of long island. Have had the same one for almost 10 years and it's been great!😂
I don't think you're using the machine correctly. Your meant to pressurize with the watch above the water level. Let it sit. Then lower into the water. Then slowly release the pressure and watch to see if bubbles are released from the watch.
I’ll make a short doing the same test this way. Good callout. Clearly it still should work, but we’ll see. Took too much time researching ISO certs and not enough on the machine
Why is that the methodology? My guess is one might assume it’s more realistic because on a dive you’d start in air then go to water. But in this tank isn’t the air at the same pressure as the water, which is of course unlike real life? Am I misunderstanding something?
@@rbalfanz since air molecules are smaller than water molecules, if it's airtight, then it's definitely water tight. The correct method allows you to check the seals without risking water getting into the watch.
@@jeebusmcfries8114 Exactly. Airtight is as good as water tight and if a seal has failed you didn't fill the watch with water. You'll see where the bubbles come out and know where the problem is.
@@rbalfanz as others have said, it's not meant to be a destructive test if possible. The other aspect, it's hard to observe water intrusion. But a bubble stream is easier to observe.
Thanks for the video. I have one of these Casio watches, along with a number of diver's watches. I consider it the 'coolest' watch in the connection. 👍 Maybe other comments have covered this, but in case anyone is thinking of using one of these pressure testing chambers with their watch, this isn't the way to use them. I realise that for this video the watch is cheap and can be replaced easily. But the way to use this device is to hang the watch in the air space above the water, then increase the pressure. If the watch isn't sealed properly or the gasket needs replacing, only air will enter the watch. Then you release the pressure and lower the watch into the water at the same time. The air at higher pressure inside the watch then starts to escape, and you will see bubbles coming out of it where the seal is compromised. This means that the watch could be re-sealed or repaired but no water got in to ruin the movement inside. Even very expensive watches can require a new gasket at times, especially after battery replacement or servicing. It would be an expensive mistake to allow water to get into the watch. Thanks again for the video.
funny thing is that I used to snorkel-dive with a swatch all thru the 1980's to depths of about 15 feet. This is what most recreational watches go thru. I never had a leak. Fast-forward to recent times and manufacturers tell usthat the same "30M" rating is only good for "splashing". Shows that these companies lowered standards to what they wanted to, to achieve cost-savings and reduce liability. As a side note, the author of this video is quoting the "new" ISO rating that came out 12 years ago and is optional (ISO22810). Most companies still use the older 30-100-200 ratings that had the "splash"/"Swim"/Dive levels.
Ty for busting myth. The other day someone on Reddit was just arguing with me Tissot gentleman with 100 wr isn’t good enough for diving which is just ludicrous.
Very well explained, I don't think most people understand how deep 100 meters is. 99% of the time is someone's watch is deeper than 20 feet it's because it fell off of their wrist. This might be a big ask but can you do the pressure test on a Casio "Duro" MDV106? That's probably the most affordable dive watch on the market. Casio claims a 200m WR with this watch, it would just be nice to know. Thanks!!!
Thank you! You've made a video on one of the biggest misunderstandings in the watch world. I recently got in a minor argument with a person who was interested in a Hamilton Field Watch, but was worried that the 50m water resistance wouldn't hold up to daily wear and occasionally getting wet. A 50m Field watch will be able to withstand more water than most people will ever encounter. I really appreciate this video. I've also noticed that a whole lot of "dive"" watches don't include the word "diver's" on the dial.
This was great! Thanks for clearing up about water resistance tolerance for us layman. I've been collecting watches for a long time but just took for granted that 30 meters meant it was good for getting it just a bit wet. I have many watches from that same Casio to Rolex Sub and now I know I don't have to worry too much about water tolerance.
The only reason I spent $20 on my plastic Casio digital watch is that it has a much bigger font than the F91W, so I can read it at a glance even with my aging eyes. I swim in it in salt water (rinse it later), I wear it in a pouring rain, and in any other inclement weather that Florida can throw at me. Zero problems. I would never spend thousands of dollars on a beater watch. That's insane. Dress watch might be different, but beater watch? No.
I think it was 1971 when watch makers had to stop calling their watches waterproof and instead say water resistant. You will often find vintage watches from the early 70's where the case back will say water resistant but the dial will say say waterproof. This is because the dial was made before the date of the change. Most diver type watches will state the minimum water resistance and rarely the maximum. The Vostok Amphibia has a 200m water resistant rating but has achieved twice that. 👍
@@orvillefindley8117 So the designers and manufacturers would have received a long holiday in a Siberian salt mine if the watches WEREN'T as waterproof as stated 😁
@@andrewallen9993 It was actually Stalin who started the Soviet watch making industry immediately after WWll. It came about when a lot of soldiers returned with watches that were given to them by Western forces. The original Amphibia was not available to the general public and could only be purchased by soldiers at designated military shops. I have a very nice Vostok Amphibia and a Komanderskie with the KGB dial. 👍
The additional margin you need is in case you strike your watch against a hard surface (scuba tank, rocks, etc). An engineering margin of safety is usually double the max static pressure something might be exposed to. Underwater is a pretty harsh environment and the testing is under idyllic conditions (static temperatures, clean water) so I’d expect the spec to be more conservative.
Agreed. It would also be somewhat crazy to be relying on a crappy green light to tell you when to ascend to the next stop in case you actually went down to a depth that required it. Also, I thought the proper way to test is to pressurize the watch out of water (to fill it with air if there are any bad seals), then drop it in water, and depressurize and see if any bubbles escape? Probably a moot point given the depths discussed in this vid and the usage scenario.
Such a great explanation and demonstration. This just proves how well made Casio watches are for absolutely no money. I hope people understand that it's not any cheap watch, it's a Casio. If you did this test on a generic cheap watch it wouldn't have the same reault.
Very nice video, Harrison! I like that you have experience as a diver and shared what it’s really like down there. Most of us have no real understanding. For me, I just want to be reasonably assured that my watch won’t be destroyed when being outside in the rain, swimming, and cleaning it occasionally. I’m thinking “50m” would assure all these things.
My Navitimer has a 30m rating but I would not even shower in it. It could likely handle it with ease, but if something goes wrong it is an expensive mistake. Not only do I have more confidence in my G shocks, if one fails, It is not a financial blow to just replace it.
Just got a a700 had to look up some tests, this all actually wasn’t news to me. I learned a lot of this around 2020 when I dove head first into watches with orient seiko then Rolex and a bunch of random other things! Mostly vintage recently and that’s a whole other bag of worms, I have a seiko 6139 that’s in amazing shape, I went over the gaskets personally since seiko them selfs are apparently out of stock forever🤣rip anyways it’s at least pool depth worthy as of now along, along with passing the “there’s no water” check by my watch maker. I’d be willing to bet it would hits its 70m “proof” rating yes it say proof on the dial along with the case back. It’s an early model and really the exact and of the wild claims that watches used to have like absurdly high fake jewel counts and proof water ratings. Learning about iso ratings is really useful and shows that every watch you buy from a brand with a water resistance rating today means it. I believe the I watches don’t have that, I believe they play under a different rule book. Either way iso 6425 to me, buying a citizen ny0040 specifically for its long production run and military history means just a tough ass watch on all fronts, shock, magnetism, spring bars! Tough ass freakin spring bars, I also believe they throw in a “the watch can’t flip 30 seconds over a day” timing requirement! Lots of useful things that regulate the lower end market of divers. My ny0040-17 will 100% out live me in its current form on a bracelet with its oem spring bars
You’re not using the instrument correctly. You must pressurize the vessel while the watch is above the water. Once pressurized then you lower it into the water. This prevents water from entering the watch if its not water resistant. When you slowly release the pressure bubbles will start coming out of the watch if its not water resistant. At this point lift the watch out of the water and no harm will be done.
Question: if air escapes the watch, isn’t it being replaced by water? Also, is the test in the video a complete bust that negates the conclusion? (lol. Physics is tough for me!)
@@geoffreydlin8043 The air in the watch is not replaced by water. As soon as you see bubbles coming out, you lift it out of the water. I'd say the video is a bust.
I think I figured it out. When the watch is pressurized through the air, if air squeezes into the case, when it’s immersed into the water and pressure is released, the water is just there to see the air escaping in the form of bubbles.… Right? The water doesn’t do anything except help visualize what’s going on.
@@geoffreydlin8043 Correct! I suppose if you don't lift the watch out of the water in time after depressurizing then you risk water entering the watch.
If I’m at the river or in water I take the Casio I like the protreck line a lot! I have a few but my ole PRG-240 is my go to. Remember to replace your o-rings every ten years!
quite informative. thank you. i knew that some of the watch reviewers did not know what the actual water resistance is on the actual diver watches. shameful, so thanks again for the info.
Outstanding demonstration and explanation, dude! Ignore all the negative Nancy comments because everyone is an "expert" on TH-cam. Looking forward to seeing more content.
Good video. A normal wet test, you raise the pressure with the watch above the water surface. If it leaks, the pressure in the watch will be the same as the container, i.e. filled with air. The watch is then lowered into the water and at the same time the valve is slowly opened. If there is a leak, air bubbles will appear where the leak is but the movement is still dry, hopefully
A Casio F91W actually has a reputation for being used under water. I’d like to see this test done with a Timex Easy Reader or Marlin or an Orient Bambino, some watch that *doesn’t* have that reputation for toughness.
My father in law wears his Orient Bambino while swimming (weekly for the last three or four years). It's not scuba diving but no problems with the watch so far.
Most divers are going to rely on their dive computer anyway, so at most a wristwatch is just a cheap back-up. I've only done about 100 dives, mostly in Cozumel. Most of the divemasters on the boats there wear Casio's like this one. The safest way to go is with very simple and minimal and well-maintained equipment. A 300m Omega Professional or a Submariner or whatever are only for dumb bragging rights. Don't wear them while washing or in the shower though- soapy water gets past the seals much easier!
From experience with these Casio’s, my favorite included F-108 as long as the case isn’t broke if water got in. Taking the module out and giving it an alcohol bath, making sure everything is cleaned and dried, it’ll still work.
so many cool aspect of this video, but remember without light source, you do not want to be pushing any built in light button on casio. And oil filling them will probably make them last to the abyssal zone. I think I've seen a 2100 g shock oil filled to be able to do that on youtube.
The cave diver Sheck Exley used to wear Casios on all his dives. I'm not sure if they were f91w's or not, but they were cheap digital Casios. He'd wear two on his wrist and also wrap them around the regs of his staged decompression tanks as backups, but he never had one fail even in extreme technical diving beyond 200m. I dive with a duro or an ISO diver just for easy readability, but I'd have no reservations about diving with an f91w either.
Water resistance ratings are measured on brand new watches. The main reason dive watches have what appear to be overkill depth ratings is that water resistance can degrade as a watch ages, especially with repeated exposure to salt water and pressure changes. A 200m or 300m rated watch will be safe for normal scuba depths five years down the line, even if the seals and gaskets have slightly shrunk or degraded. How many watch owners want to be told that the 50m watch failed under water because it was two years old. BTW - I had a 50m watch fail after swimming and mild jacuzzi exposure, in the first week, something a 200m watch can handle.
You did not read the direction that came with the machine? With the watch OUT of the water, bring the air pressure up to 3 atmosperes. Wait a minute or two then lower the watch into the water. Release the air pressure and observe if any bubbles come out of the watch.
Awesome video! I believe you have to pump up the pressure while the watch is above water for the air to get in the case, than submerge and release the pressure above to see if the high pressured air (should it have got in the case) now escape to equalise the pressure.
@@wonderwatch2239 You are pressurising the air above the water, the air will only get in if the seals are compromised. When you suddenly drop the pressure the pressurised air will escape. You drop it in the water to see those bubbles escape. The water serves as an indicator to see the bubbles and not to provide the pressure.
Thank you! I have argued with so many of my watch friends about this. They always say 30 meters is not really water resistant and I always tell them yes it is! It drives me crazy. Just a side note, you’re supposed to pump the pressure in when the watch is above the water then lower it down into the water and then release the pressure. That’s how to use these. The watch still would have been fine but just wanted to throw that out there.
Interesting. I recently bought a new Chinese dive watch rated at 200 meters WR. It leaked washing the car. I too SCUBA dive. Over 100 dives and PADI Divemaster certified. For 30 years I dove with an Omega Seamaster 120, rated for only 120 meters with a push pull crown. It did fine diving for 30 years and then it didn't. Now I dive with the cheapest G-SHOCK. But you're right. I wouldn't hesitate to dive with any of my Casio watches. My current favorite is a round version of the Casio Royale rated at 100 meters. It has all the features of a G-SHOCK and Casio Royale for under $20.
I have Chinese watches and they are fine but i wouldn't trust to much on what they say. I have a 19$ cartier tank homage that they had the audacity to put swiss made on it 😂
I had one for a few years. I swam with it for ages and it never faltered. Curious if you would ever test a Freestyle watch (we had them in the early 90s in Florida everywhere). Supposedly built for the water.
Would like another video on how watches that are supposively water resistant get moisture trace on dial. Saw some of these on older Speedmaster and others.
Now if it's salty water, I'd agree that you've truly tested and proved your point. Since this is fresh water (I assume), even IF the water gets in, it won't immediately stop the watch. Just sayin...
Hey thanks for doing this test. The technical information was fascinating 👍 My father has his PADI Open Water certificate. He refused to drive with any watch that had buttons, he said it was too easy to bump a button and destroy the seal. Could you possibly test some Skmei watches ? They're a very cheap Chinese brand doing Casio and Timex ripoffs.... PS : You might like to boost your lighting a bit, you're a little dark ...
I just bought one of this as at 09-06-2024 and some clear silicone oil 6 centistokes to do the extreme water depth pressure resistant test modification, maybe you should do an update vid?
i forgot to change my 60m rated IWC spitfire for my 500m rated Sinn U50 dive watch and went surfing with it. it is a 5000$ watch and water got in it. it cost me a packet to have it fixed. so just because this casio can withstand a high pressure doesn't mean that all the watches on the market withstand the depth it says on them. if its iso certified then you can believe the depth rating. if not then you better stick with the manufacturers recommendations. nobody goes diving with a 50m rated speadmaster.
It is the quality I am concerned about. A Hamilton Khaki Field claims 50 meters water resistance. But, will it really do it ? The F-91W just proved its Legendary status. I look forward to your other tests.
Sorry man, you do not know how to use the device, You fill it with water, place the watch inside above the water level, then pressurise the tank, put the watch under the water, then realese the pressure, if the watch get any pressure from the tank, there will be bubles from the liking part of the watch.
That's the correct procedure for a watch maker testing an empty case. On the other hand, if you want to show your TH-cam viewers that your hand cranked pressure tester can't destroy a $12 Casio watch, you start the stop watch and drop it in the water before cranking the pressure up to see if the watch is destroyed.
i've dived below 30m wearing f91w just to prove a point .i reckon it could go 100m in a test at a push Mechanical watches stop when the compressed case touches the movement .Don't get that with quartz and if you fill the case with oil a cheap quartz diver will go insane depths ,below 1000m
Check out my shorts to see the test done by holding it up in the air, pressurizing the tank and then lowering it into the water to look for bubbles. Future videos the test will be performed this way. Hopefully this still shows the ability of the watch regardless! Thanks everyone!
Can u make a WR test vedio with Casio MTP b145d.?
You really don't need to bother with pressure testing, it's simple physics. Example: If you fill a plastic bottle under water and tighten the cap submerged so NO AIR can get in and then drop to the bottom of the Marianas Trench? The water on the outside is the same as inside with a thin layer of plastic between them and matter cannot compress on itself. Nothing happens, even if you unscew the cap at the bottom. The water just mixes together. Using food grade silicone oil just reinforces it inside even more with a denser matter and doesn't cause corrosion.
Finally, the whole story about water resistant watches. That took nearly 10 years of watching YT reviews to get to this comprehensive detailed video. Bravo..!!
Glad I could help!
Harrison just single handedly destroyed the diving watch market haha
The rotating bezels are cool though!
I use a Casio Dura not wasting 1000s on an expensive watch
@@wineweasel That Duro will handle anything you throw at it.
😂😅 NOT a diver just an average snorkeler & pool commando. I’m a Casio fanboy 😂
I’ve been telling this to the dive watch and watch community in general for years and the topic has almost always become heated. Thank you for your video.
Appreciate it!
I took an F91W on my PADI Advanced course and went down to 100ft. It was absolutely fine.
Hahahah
It’s revealing and depressing at the same time. In reality all we need is a $12 watch unless we are going to the Operatic theatre.
waech is a toy for making yourself happy
Unfortunately yes
Agreed, it is a little depressing. I have 7 watches totalling a few thousand bucks and the truth is I wear my Casio more often than any other. It's worth noting it's not just any $12 watch, it's a Casio.
Nah. I wouldn't want to wear a piece on plastic strapped directly to my skin every day. That can't be good, can it?
@@kresimirpleic still, drinking and eating from plastic must be much safer
I’ve a small watch collection of maybe a dozen. In 2020, I bought a F91 for sometimes sports wear. Always love it. Not that it really matters, it now has a nylon strap and my old casio A700 module inside. In Feb 2024, it accidentally went through a full wash /dry laundry cycle. No issues or damage. Recently opened the back, dry as a bone. Thats enough water resistance for me.
I wear my F91w during my swim work outs in the pool.
I swim 1,5 km twice a week, doing all kind of strokes, freestyle, butterfly, back stroke, breast stroke... no problem! Works perfectly fine! 👌😊
It really must be the best watch for the price and with a cool history to go with it! Can't go wrong!
Great video! Thanks for clarifying!
Awesome to hear!
Finally, a comprehensive answer to the "maybe you can wash your hands with a modern 30m water resistant watch" people.
I swim with my speedy all the time.
One specific thing you did not mention about ISO 6425 is that this standard requires every single watch that is being produced, to be pressure tested up to the rated depth + 25% and remain at that pressure for 2 hours. After that test, a condensation test must be performed to check for water ingress.
This means that if you buy a watch that has "DIVERS 200 m" on the dial, that that very watch has been at a pressure equivalent to the rated depth + 25%.
I am glad that you debunked the myths about water resistance.
Very good point! You are correct!
Plus other durability tests.
@@folksurvival No. All other tests mentioned in ISO6425 are so called type tests, meaning these are only performed on a newly developed watch when it goes into production. Only the waterproofing and condensation tests are performed on each and every watch.
Great advice for non divers.
I am a highly experienced diver, and trained to a very high level by world class professionals.
I use housings on the surface and at depth, and the seals are at greatest risk of leaking when at the surface and dunking the housing in a freshwater rinse tank (not recommended). This is because the seals are not under pressure and so are at their least resistant to working. That is why the standards are different for splash and depth.
When diving, I may have a dive computer on each wrist of different brands, one of which is wirelessly connected to a tank pressure meter, and a third dive computer physically connected to the tank. All of this is to not get caught out by equipment failure in the wild.
In other words, when I dive I have no space to wear a dive watch, so in a watch for me splash resistance is way more important than depth.
I think the minimal water resistance rating on the basic Casios is partly because you're not supposed to operate the buttons under water. But I believe you can do so on the basic G-Shock square DW5600. That's a $50 watch that does almost everything, and you can drag it through hell. On the low end, I prefer the F105 to the F91 because of the EL backlight, which is like Timex Indiglo. Similarly, in stainless (with a metal plated resin case), I like the A168 better than the A158 for the same reason. Overall, it's incredible how good these are for the money.
Love it! Great explanation, and not really surprising (to me) about the 2x more deapth than the rating on watch.
I saw someone comparing a g-shock with 200m WR compared to the same hydro modded watch. The original broke around 600m, and the hydro modded watch still worked at 4800m water pressure, the max of the machine he was working with.
I have a Casio Baby-G from 1998, with only 30m water resistance, that has lived on my wrist for over a decade. Did everything with the watch, running, swimming, cycling (triathlon), scuba diving up to 25m, the deepest I have been, as a back-up to my Suunto Dive computer. Never a glitch.
Replaced my battery for the first time in 2012, and only once more in 2023. Phenomenal watch, and now my beater watch for the holidays.
By far the most interesting video in any TH-cam watch channel in ages
Glad to hear it!
IUse my f91w for sailing, shallow water diving, and swimming, here on the south shore of long island. Have had the same one for almost 10 years and it's been great!😂
I don't think you're using the machine correctly.
Your meant to pressurize with the watch above the water level. Let it sit. Then lower into the water. Then slowly release the pressure and watch to see if bubbles are released from the watch.
I’ll make a short doing the same test this way. Good callout. Clearly it still should work, but we’ll see. Took too much time researching ISO certs and not enough on the machine
Why is that the methodology?
My guess is one might assume it’s more realistic because on a dive you’d start in air then go to water. But in this tank isn’t the air at the same pressure as the water, which is of course unlike real life?
Am I misunderstanding something?
@@rbalfanz since air molecules are smaller than water molecules, if it's airtight, then it's definitely water tight. The correct method allows you to check the seals without risking water getting into the watch.
@@jeebusmcfries8114 Exactly. Airtight is as good as water tight and if a seal has failed you didn't fill the watch with water. You'll see where the bubbles come out and know where the problem is.
@@rbalfanz as others have said, it's not meant to be a destructive test if possible.
The other aspect, it's hard to observe water intrusion. But a bubble stream is easier to observe.
Very interesting! I’ve never even considered any watch less than 200m and I don’t even dive anymore 😂
Thanks for the video. I have one of these Casio watches, along with a number of diver's watches. I consider it the 'coolest' watch in the connection. 👍
Maybe other comments have covered this, but in case anyone is thinking of using one of these pressure testing chambers with their watch, this isn't the way to use them.
I realise that for this video the watch is cheap and can be replaced easily. But the way to use this device is to hang the watch in the air space above the water, then increase the pressure. If the watch isn't sealed properly or the gasket needs replacing, only air will enter the watch. Then you release the pressure and lower the watch into the water at the same time. The air at higher pressure inside the watch then starts to escape, and you will see bubbles coming out of it where the seal is compromised.
This means that the watch could be re-sealed or repaired but no water got in to ruin the movement inside. Even very expensive watches can require a new gasket at times, especially after battery replacement or servicing. It would be an expensive mistake to allow water to get into the watch.
Thanks again for the video.
funny thing is that I used to snorkel-dive with a swatch all thru the 1980's to depths of about 15 feet. This is what most recreational watches go thru. I never had a leak. Fast-forward to recent times and manufacturers tell usthat the same "30M" rating is only good for "splashing". Shows that these companies lowered standards to what they wanted to, to achieve cost-savings and reduce liability. As a side note, the author of this video is quoting the "new" ISO rating that came out 12 years ago and is optional (ISO22810). Most companies still use the older 30-100-200 ratings that had the "splash"/"Swim"/Dive levels.
Buy a Russian Vostok Amphibia. Those are really waterproof unless you dive to depths that would kill you in which case you won't need a watch.
Ty for busting myth. The other day someone on Reddit was just arguing with me Tissot gentleman with 100 wr isn’t good enough for diving which is just ludicrous.
Finally, someone said it and back it with hard facts. You Sir, have earned my subscription.
Thanks!
Thank you for debunking the whole "water resistance" deal with watches. ALL COLLECTORS NEED TO SEE THIS!
they will ignore it... had a DBC63 from the 90s and used everyday for close to 7 yrs, never had an issue. Still works fine today!
Thank you. These WR myths need to end. Too many people are missing out on great watches because they are under 100m WR.
Agreed!
Very well explained, I don't think most people understand how deep 100 meters is. 99% of the time is someone's watch is deeper than 20 feet it's because it fell off of their wrist. This might be a big ask but can you do the pressure test on a Casio "Duro" MDV106? That's probably the most affordable dive watch on the market. Casio claims a 200m WR with this watch, it would just be nice to know. Thanks!!!
As a yacht engineer. I fully agree that people have no idea how deep 50m really is and most watches will be more than capable for swimming in a pool.
Thank you! You've made a video on one of the biggest misunderstandings in the watch world. I recently got in a minor argument with a person who was interested in a Hamilton Field Watch, but was worried that the 50m water resistance wouldn't hold up to daily wear and occasionally getting wet. A 50m Field watch will be able to withstand more water than most people will ever encounter. I really appreciate this video. I've also noticed that a whole lot of "dive"" watches don't include the word "diver's" on the dial.
This was great! Thanks for clearing up about water resistance tolerance for us layman. I've been collecting watches for a long time but just took for granted that 30 meters meant it was good for getting it just a bit wet. I have many watches from that same Casio to Rolex Sub and now I know I don't have to worry too much about water tolerance.
😂😂 you can’t imagine how many times I hear “but bruh your watch isn’t 200 meter iso certified” it got to the point were I just say and nether are you
The only reason I spent $20 on my plastic Casio digital watch is that it has a much bigger font than the F91W, so I can read it at a glance even with my aging eyes. I swim in it in salt water (rinse it later), I wear it in a pouring rain, and in any other inclement weather that Florida can throw at me. Zero problems. I would never spend thousands of dollars on a beater watch. That's insane. Dress watch might be different, but beater watch? No.
Which casio model do u have?
@@ex0ticx0x AE1500WH-5AV.
Thanks for dispelling all the misunderstandings about diving depths and pressures, etc
You bet!
I think it was 1971 when watch makers had to stop calling their watches waterproof and instead say water resistant. You will often find vintage watches from the early 70's where the case back will say water resistant but the dial will say say waterproof. This is because the dial was made before the date of the change. Most diver type watches will state the minimum water resistance and rarely the maximum. The Vostok Amphibia has a 200m water resistant rating but has achieved twice that. 👍
I used a Vostok komandirskie for daily and it also had 200m water resistance
800 metres before it stops working and 1200 metres before it implodes and leaks water 😁
@@andrewallen9993 The Vostok Amphibia was designed for the soviet military.
@@orvillefindley8117 So the designers and manufacturers would have received a long holiday in a Siberian salt mine if the watches WEREN'T as waterproof as stated 😁
@@andrewallen9993 It was actually Stalin who started the Soviet watch making industry immediately after WWll. It came about when a lot of soldiers returned with watches that were given to them by Western forces. The original Amphibia was not available to the general public and could only be purchased by soldiers at designated military shops. I have a very nice Vostok Amphibia and a Komanderskie with the KGB dial. 👍
The additional margin you need is in case you strike your watch against a hard surface (scuba tank, rocks, etc). An engineering margin of safety is usually double the max static pressure something might be exposed to. Underwater is a pretty harsh environment and the testing is under idyllic conditions (static temperatures, clean water) so I’d expect the spec to be more conservative.
Agreed. It would also be somewhat crazy to be relying on a crappy green light to tell you when to ascend to the next stop in case you actually went down to a depth that required it. Also, I thought the proper way to test is to pressurize the watch out of water (to fill it with air if there are any bad seals), then drop it in water, and depressurize and see if any bubbles escape? Probably a moot point given the depths discussed in this vid and the usage scenario.
Such a great explanation and demonstration. This just proves how well made Casio watches are for absolutely no money. I hope people understand that it's not any cheap watch, it's a Casio. If you did this test on a generic cheap watch it wouldn't have the same reault.
Yup I’m surprised he didn’t mention this
Casio watches are over engineered I don’t think fashion watches with 30m wr can do this
Very nice video, Harrison! I like that you have experience as a diver and shared what it’s really like down there. Most of us have no real understanding.
For me, I just want to be reasonably assured that my watch won’t be destroyed when being outside in the rain, swimming, and cleaning it occasionally. I’m thinking “50m” would assure all these things.
A small step for the F91W - a huge leap for GodTier watch lovers
Nico would B proud mate 😊
My Navitimer has a 30m rating but I would not even shower in it. It could likely handle it with ease, but if something goes wrong it is an expensive mistake. Not only do I have more confidence in my G shocks, if one fails, It is not a financial blow to just replace it.
Just got a a700 had to look up some tests, this all actually wasn’t news to me. I learned a lot of this around 2020 when I dove head first into watches with orient seiko then Rolex and a bunch of random other things! Mostly vintage recently and that’s a whole other bag of worms, I have a seiko 6139 that’s in amazing shape, I went over the gaskets personally since seiko them selfs are apparently out of stock forever🤣rip anyways it’s at least pool depth worthy as of now along, along with passing the “there’s no water” check by my watch maker. I’d be willing to bet it would hits its 70m “proof” rating yes it say proof on the dial along with the case back. It’s an early model and really the exact and of the wild claims that watches used to have like absurdly high fake jewel counts and proof water ratings. Learning about iso ratings is really useful and shows that every watch you buy from a brand with a water resistance rating today means it. I believe the I watches don’t have that, I believe they play under a different rule book. Either way iso 6425 to me, buying a citizen ny0040 specifically for its long production run and military history means just a tough ass watch on all fronts, shock, magnetism, spring bars! Tough ass freakin spring bars, I also believe they throw in a “the watch can’t flip 30 seconds over a day” timing requirement! Lots of useful things that regulate the lower end market of divers. My ny0040-17 will 100% out live me in its current form on a bracelet with its oem spring bars
You’re not using the instrument correctly. You must pressurize the vessel while the watch is above the water. Once pressurized then you lower it into the water. This prevents water from entering the watch if its not water resistant. When you slowly release the pressure bubbles will start coming out of the watch if its not water resistant. At this point lift the watch out of the water and no harm will be done.
Question: if air escapes the watch, isn’t it being replaced by water?
Also, is the test in the video a complete bust that negates the conclusion? (lol. Physics is tough for me!)
Bergeon SA has an instructional video on their TH-cam channel. I've seen more than one TH-camr do it wrong.
@@geoffreydlin8043 The air in the watch is not replaced by water. As soon as you see bubbles coming out, you lift it out of the water. I'd say the video is a bust.
I think I figured it out. When the watch is pressurized through the air, if air squeezes into the case, when it’s immersed into the water and pressure is released, the water is just there to see the air escaping in the form of bubbles.… Right? The water doesn’t do anything except help visualize what’s going on.
@@geoffreydlin8043 Correct! I suppose if you don't lift the watch out of the water in time after depressurizing then you risk water entering the watch.
If I’m at the river or in water I take the Casio I like the protreck line a lot! I have a few but my ole PRG-240 is my go to. Remember to replace your o-rings every ten years!
quite informative. thank you. i knew that some of the watch reviewers did not know what the actual water resistance is on the actual diver watches. shameful, so thanks again for the info.
I still like to have at least 300m for washing dishes
Outstanding demonstration and explanation, dude! Ignore all the negative Nancy comments because everyone is an "expert" on TH-cam. Looking forward to seeing more content.
Good video. A normal wet test, you raise the pressure with the watch above the water surface. If it leaks, the pressure in the watch will be the same as the container, i.e. filled with air. The watch is then lowered into the water and at the same time the valve is slowly opened. If there is a leak, air bubbles will appear where the leak is but the movement is still dry, hopefully
This video is the reason I have so many F-91W’s
I am starting to think I should collect them all, lol
Seriously excellent content. Bizarre that it's so hard to find this kind of content online, you're unique in this field. Thanks for making this video!
Thank you. It’s about time someone did this. Liked and subbed. 🙏
A Casio F91W actually has a reputation for being used under water. I’d like to see this test done with a Timex Easy Reader or Marlin or an Orient Bambino, some watch that *doesn’t* have that reputation for toughness.
My father in law wears his Orient Bambino while swimming (weekly for the last three or four years). It's not scuba diving but no problems with the watch so far.
It was used by a very famous deep scuba diver in diving up to 30m just to have fun 😂
Most divers are going to rely on their dive computer anyway, so at most a wristwatch is just a cheap back-up. I've only done about 100 dives, mostly in Cozumel. Most of the divemasters on the boats there wear Casio's like this one. The safest way to go is with very simple and minimal and well-maintained equipment. A 300m Omega Professional or a Submariner or whatever are only for dumb bragging rights. Don't wear them while washing or in the shower though- soapy water gets past the seals much easier!
That test just destroyed all of the Rolex fan boys!🤣🤣🤣
I own one. Been swimming with it in the UK cold ass sea every day for years. Still works to this day
From experience with these Casio’s, my favorite included F-108 as long as the case isn’t broke if water got in. Taking the module out and giving it an alcohol bath, making sure everything is cleaned and dried, it’ll still work.
Loved this video. My 2011 Breitling Aeromarine SuperOcean is rated at 2000M...or 6600ft...with an automatic helium escape valve. It does just fine.
A bit excessive no? Its not like you've ever going to go that deep haha
A friend found a similar Casio among the rocks shore submerged for who knows how long, he cleaned it and it works perfectly.
so many cool aspect of this video, but remember without light source, you do not want to be pushing any built in light button on casio. And oil filling them will probably make them last to the abyssal zone. I think I've seen a 2100 g shock oil filled to be able to do that on youtube.
Very interesting and useful video; thanks for taking the time to make it!👍
You should put the Omega Speedmaster in that pressure chamber to see what it can really handle.
Yours first! The bubble test would be what you want to do: (1) 60m of air pressure, then (2) dunk it, then (3) release the pressure.
The cave diver Sheck Exley used to wear Casios on all his dives. I'm not sure if they were f91w's or not, but they were cheap digital Casios. He'd wear two on his wrist and also wrap them around the regs of his staged decompression tanks as backups, but he never had one fail even in extreme technical diving beyond 200m. I dive with a duro or an ISO diver just for easy readability, but I'd have no reservations about diving with an f91w either.
Water resistance ratings are measured on brand new watches. The main reason dive watches have what appear to be overkill depth ratings is that water resistance can degrade as a watch ages, especially with repeated exposure to salt water and pressure changes. A 200m or 300m rated watch will be safe for normal scuba depths five years down the line, even if the seals and gaskets have slightly shrunk or degraded.
How many watch owners want to be told that the 50m watch failed under water because it was two years old. BTW - I had a 50m watch fail after swimming and mild jacuzzi exposure, in the first week, something a 200m watch can handle.
You did not read the direction that came with the machine? With the watch OUT of the water, bring the air pressure up to 3 atmosperes. Wait a minute or two then lower the watch into the water. Release the air pressure and observe if any bubbles come out of the watch.
I am guessing this means that the test he has done is worthless?
@SirGwl pretty much useless by waterproof watch standards used by watchmakers all over the world.
Yes, the way he did it, you would not be able to tell if water was getting inside the case…
Awesome video! I believe you have to pump up the pressure while the watch is above water for the air to get in the case, than submerge and release the pressure above to see if the high pressured air (should it have got in the case) now escape to equalise the pressure.
Yep, that's how you should test...
Isn’t that only to avoid water ingress, in case of an expensive watch? This way is more realistic
@@wonderwatch2239 You are pressurising the air above the water, the air will only get in if the seals are compromised. When you suddenly drop the pressure the pressurised air will escape. You drop it in the water to see those bubbles escape. The water serves as an indicator to see the bubbles and not to provide the pressure.
I think that's just for checking for air leaks in empty watch cases for automatic watches.
@@wonderwatch2239 air molecules are smaller than water molecules. if it's airtight, it's definitely water tight
The F91w is an engineering masterpiece.
I enjoyed watching this. I remember Michael Schumacher had one on his F1 steering wheel to time his laps.
Thank you! I have argued with so many of my watch friends about this. They always say 30 meters is not really water resistant and I always tell them yes it is! It drives me crazy. Just a side note, you’re supposed to pump the pressure in when the watch is above the water then lower it down into the water and then release the pressure. That’s how to use these. The watch still would have been fine but just wanted to throw that out there.
Best WR video to date. Thanks.
The F91w generally fails at 200m as the acrylic caves in.
Good to know. 🙄
Yeah…. I think humans die first before the watch does 😂
@@jpdemer5 This same channel has a video entitled "$30 Casio = 600ft Under Water?!" showing an A158 failing at 200m.
Super fun video! Thanks for all the useful information. Love your content.
Sir, can you rinse & repeat this using the same watch until the gaskets give up?
Thank you in advance from a spend resistant watch collector.
Nice video. Thanks.
Would this hold true of automatic watches from companies such as Seiko who at 3Bar WR actually state not to swim with it?
Yes. That is exactly what the ISO 22810 standard is all about. If you state 30 m, it should handle 30 m at least.
First time seeing one of your videos! Really well done! Great work
Today i mistakly scratched my my watch from iron bench in school 😢😢
This was really cool and informative as a big fan of these casios, thanks
Glad you enjoyed!
Thank you for this. This is excellent content!
Glad you enjoy it!
Fantastic test. How about testing the MQ-24 now?
Excellent video but it does depend on manufacturers reliably stating the actual ratings of their watches.
Interesting. I recently bought a new Chinese dive watch rated at 200 meters WR. It leaked washing the car. I too SCUBA dive. Over 100 dives and PADI Divemaster certified. For 30 years I dove with an Omega Seamaster 120, rated for only 120 meters with a push pull crown. It did fine diving for 30 years and then it didn't. Now I dive with the cheapest G-SHOCK. But you're right. I wouldn't hesitate to dive with any of my Casio watches. My current favorite is a round version of the Casio Royale rated at 100 meters. It has all the features of a G-SHOCK and Casio Royale for under $20.
I have Chinese watches and they are fine but i wouldn't trust to much on what they say. I have a 19$ cartier tank homage that they had the audacity to put swiss made on it 😂
I had one for a few years. I swam with it for ages and it never faltered.
Curious if you would ever test a Freestyle watch (we had them in the early 90s in Florida everywhere). Supposedly built for the water.
Thank you for explaining 😂 I’m a fan now
Great insights. Any idea how long before those ratings diminish due to aging gaskets? 10 years, 20 years, etc..
Depends on the silicone used and the gasket quality. Also if you swim in salt water they degrade faster.
Just buy another one 😂
Thanks. I always thought that "WR" on a Casio really meant Resist Water.
Do the Hamilton khaki field mechanical! It’s 50m water resistance is such a sticking point with many people!
its 16$ on amazon now. So the price has gone up haha
Would like another video on how watches that are supposively water resistant get moisture trace on dial. Saw some of these on older Speedmaster and others.
Great coverage on water resistance
Now if it's salty water, I'd agree that you've truly tested and proved your point. Since this is fresh water (I assume), even IF the water gets in, it won't immediately stop the watch. Just sayin...
But....but....but it looks really cool and makes me feel special when it says "200" on the dial!
Hey thanks for doing this test. The technical information was fascinating 👍
My father has his PADI Open Water certificate. He refused to drive with any watch that had buttons, he said it was too easy to bump a button and destroy the seal.
Could you possibly test some Skmei watches ? They're a very cheap Chinese brand doing Casio and Timex ripoffs....
PS : You might like to boost your lighting a bit, you're a little dark ...
I just bought one of this as at 09-06-2024 and some clear silicone oil 6 centistokes to do the extreme water depth pressure resistant test modification, maybe you should do an update vid?
i forgot to change my 60m rated IWC spitfire for my 500m rated Sinn U50 dive watch and went surfing with it. it is a 5000$ watch and water got in it. it cost me a packet to have it fixed. so just because this casio can withstand a high pressure doesn't mean that all the watches on the market withstand the depth it says on them. if its iso certified then you can believe the depth rating. if not then you better stick with the manufacturers recommendations. nobody goes diving with a 50m rated speadmaster.
finally some sence. All people here act like the manufacturers diminish their watches capabilities and 30m wr is suddenly diver's ready.
This is absolutely true
Only casio Can do this
Because they have a very standardized automated wr test
Nobody can beat Casio for what you get at any price point.✌🏽
At 18m there certainly can be current, great video, do your advanced, it will open up a whole new world...
It is the quality I am concerned about. A Hamilton Khaki Field claims 50 meters water resistance. But, will it really do it ? The F-91W just proved its Legendary status. I look forward to your other tests.
Very informative! Thank You!
Anytime!
No more needed. Can tell the time and you wont have to care about it, plus its a nice watch and a classic.
Sorry man, you do not know how to use the device, You fill it with water, place the watch inside above the water level, then pressurise the tank, put the watch under the water, then realese the pressure, if the watch get any pressure from the tank, there will be bubles from the liking part of the watch.
You are absolutely right
That's the correct procedure for a watch maker testing an empty case.
On the other hand, if you want to show your TH-cam viewers that your hand cranked pressure tester can't destroy a $12 Casio watch, you start the stop watch and drop it in the water before cranking the pressure up to see if the watch is destroyed.
i've dived below 30m wearing f91w just to prove a point .i reckon it could go 100m in a test at a push Mechanical watches stop when the compressed case touches the movement .Don't get that with quartz and if you fill the case with oil a cheap quartz diver will go insane depths ,below 1000m
I want to see that test with the omega 😂😂
But yes I think you have to hang the watch in the air then dunk it 👍
How accurate is this pressure device?
Great video! Super informative - thanks.
Juat bought that metal strap casio yesterday