Information on water resistance
All Breitling products have a certain degree of water resistance, described in meters or in bars (1 bar ~ 10 m ~ approx. 33 ft). This level of water resistance refers to a technical standard, based on the pressure the watch would be exposed to, during a static immersion at a certain depth (for example 50 m / 165 ft). However, the movements of the owner (diving, jumping, swimming...), as well as the force of water in motion (shower jets, river currents, waterfalls...) can considerably increase this pressure. Therefore a water resistance level of 5 bar (50 m / 165 ft) does not entail that the watch can be worn in motion at this depth; it means the watch is intended for the corresponding activities described in the table below.
| 3 bars / 30 m (100 ft) | 5 bars / 50 m (165 ft) | 10 bars / 100 m (330 ft) | ≥ 30 bars / ≥ 300 m (≥ 1000 ft) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Splashing | ||||
| Shower, swimming, surface water sports | ||||
| Water-skiing, dives, snorkeling | ||||
| Diving |
| Splashing | |
|---|---|
| Shower, swimming, surface water sports | |
| Water-skiing, dives, snorkeling | |
| Diving |
MAINTENANCE OF SEALS
The water resistance of the case is ensured by a sophisticated seal system. These seals undergo the ravages of a number of external factors (perspiration, heat, temperature changes, ultraviolet rays, chlorine or salt water, chemicals, cosmetics, dust...). To remain as effective as possible, they need to be replaced regularly. In the event of intensive use in water, we recommend to exchange all gaskets in the frame of a maintenance service every year. Otherwise they should be changed every two years (and imperatively when the battery is changed on quartz models). Generally speaking, it is advisable to have a water resistance test performed once a year (ideally before the swimming season), or else every second year, by an authorized Breitling maintenance center or retailer.
Five essential precautions in the realm of water resistance
- Never activate the chronograph pushers under water or when the watch is wet (apart from Breitling models equipped with a patented magnetic pusher system that is water resistant up to 2000 meters). The same criteria apply to the rotating bezels (slide rules) of the Navitimer and Montbrillant models.
- Never pull out and use a crown under water or if the watch is wet (this applies to both standard and screw-lock crowns).
- If your watch is equipped with a screw-lock crown, ensure that this is locked before any use in water. This also applies to screw-lock pushers.
- Never try and open the case yourself.
- In the event of water or condensation under the crystal, take the watch to a Breitling retailer or authorized service center as quickly as possible.
- Never use bracelets other than metal bracelets and rubber straps in water.
ESSENTIAL PRECAUTIONS TO ENSURE YOUR WATCH’S WATER RESISTANCE
1. Never activate the chronograph pushers underwater or when the watch is wet. The only exception is for watches equipped with dedicated patented magnetic pusher systems resistant to 2,000 meters.
2. Never pull out and use a crown underwater or if the watch is wet.
3. If you have a screw-locked crown or chronograph pushers, make sure they are screwed-in before exposure to water.
4. Never try to open your watch yourself. This can compromise the integrity of the case and/or displace the gaskets.
5. In the event of water or condensation under the crystal, take your watch to a Breitling retailer or an authorized service center immediately.
6. If you use your watch extensively in water, we recommend servicing it once a year for water-resistance testing and gasket replacement.
7. Avoid exposing leather and textile straps to water as it can damage these materials irreparably. Consider instead a metal bracelet or rubber strap for your water-based activities.
Screw-lock crowns/pushpieces
Models intended for use in water are generally equipped with screw-lock crowns – a guarantee of optimal water resistance. Prior to using the crown, it must be unlocked by unscrewing it and subsequently screwed in again to lock it. The same principle applies to screw-lock pushers.