The largest independent, non-commercial, consumer-oriented resource on the Internet for owners, collectors and enthusiasts of fine wristwatches. Online since 1998.
Informational Websites ChronoMaddox -- the legacy of Chuck Maddox OnTheDash -- vintage Heuer website Zowie -- Omega information
Discussion Forums ChronoMaddox Forum Heuer Forum Omega Forum
Counterfeit Watchers ChronoTools Forum ChronoTrader Forum

zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

Opened July 1999, zOwie is the Internet's first and longest running discussion forum dedicated to Omega brand watches.

Feel free to discuss pricing and specific dealers. But 'for sale' postings, commercial solicitation and ads are not allowed. Full archive of all messages is accessible through options in the Search and Preferences features. Privacy, policies and administrivia are covered in the Terms of Use.

For the answer to the NUMBER #1 most frequently asked question here--for details or value of a specific older Omega watch you have--go to: Tell Me About My Omega. Learn more about How To Include Photos and HTML In Your Postings. To contact someone with a question not relevant to other readers of the forum, please click on their email address and contact them privately.

Helium Release Valve

Has this every happened to anyone and if so, what did you do?

I was swimming in a pool, got out and laid my Seamanster watch on a table in the hot sun. Later I observed it appeared "smokey" or fogged on the inside of the crystal. I took it back inside to cool, thinking that the sun/heat had done this. Eventually I noticed that the helium release valve knob was loose.

Over the next day or so, the "smokey" appearance has cleared for the most part, but it still is not "crystal clear" on the inside like it should be. A jeweler recommended leaving both the HRV and the crown open for a day or so, while leaving the watch indoors (to allow any moisture that may be in the watch to escape). I have followed this procedure and the watch cleared up beautifully, however the minute I closed the HRV again, it fogged up again.

Is my watch ruined? What could be causing this? Any advice or guidance would be appreciated.

Messages In This Thread

Helium Release Valve
Re: Helium Release Valve
Re: Helium Release Valve
Current Position
Chronocentric and zOwie site design and contents (c) Copyright 1998-2005, Derek Ziglar; Copyright 2005-2008, Jeffrey M. Stein. All rights reserved. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the terms of use. CONTACT | TERMS OF USE | TRANSLATE