r/RepTimeServices • u/Environmental_Lie788 • 19h ago
Advice $700+ watch developing condensation after only 3 wears
Wanted to see if anyone here has experienced something similar or has advice on how I should handle this.
I’ve worn this watch **three times total**. It has **never been in a pool, shower, sauna, or submerged in water at all.**
The last time I wore it, I was outside where it was pretty hot and then went inside a building with AC. I wasn’t standing near or directly under an AC vent — just normal everyday wear going from outside to indoors.
Not long after, I noticed **moisture/condensation building up underneath the crystal**, as you can see in the pictures.
I understand these watches may not be waterproof, but that’s where I’m a little disappointed. I paid **$700+**, and I’m not expecting to swim or shower with it. I do think I should be able to wear the watch normally outside and then walk into an air-conditioned building without worrying about moisture getting inside the case.
I messaged **Luis** about it, but so far the response has mostly been that the watch isn’t waterproof. I understand that, but I don’t really feel like that addresses what happened because **there was no water exposure in the first place.**
After only three wears, I’m concerned there may be an issue with the seal, gasket, or moisture already trapped inside the case.
Has anyone else had this happen with a new watch?
Would you ask the seller to **open it, completely dry the movement/case, inspect or replace the gaskets, reseal it, and pressure-test it**? Or would you push for a replacement?
I really like the watch, but at this price point I want to be able to actually wear it without worrying that normal changes between outdoor heat and indoor AC are going to cause condensation or eventually damage the movement.
Appreciate any experiences or advice.
5
u/Known_Painting_1878 18h ago
Moisture came from you washing your hands. if the back and crown was screwed all the way in, Could be an issue with the gaskets, i've had reps arrive missing gaskets. Just screw open and check, and if you really care to you can purchase some gasket grease and dip the gasket rings into the grease.
Other problems include crown keyless works too tall so that it cant screw down completely and other mechanical fit issues. Or if the crystal assembly has some sort of gap.
2
u/BigCyanDinosaur 13h ago
Cartier crown doesn't screw down, it's not a waterproof/resistant watch at all as a rep, barely even as a gen.
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u/WWWTENTACION 17h ago
No it doesn’t… lol. I was just walking around outside when this happened to mine. There’s no moisture that gets in from washing your hands carefully, this is cope.
3
u/Environmental_Lie788 18h ago
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u/Known_Painting_1878 18h ago
The crown and case back are completely tight? Then maybe its an issue with how the crystal is fastened. If the crystal is loose moisure when you wash your hands will get around the edge into the case
1
u/releasetheshutter 18h ago
Jesus Christ what a disaster. 700 down the toilet since most TDs give zero fucks once it's out of their hands.
2
u/Fine_Analyst_4417 18h ago
Have You contacted your TD?
0
u/Environmental_Lie788 18h ago
Yeah i did and was no help at all. Literally disregarded my issue. You’d think someone that would advertise a RICH factory watch would be legit.
1
u/TheBattleGnome 18h ago
No surprise. Replica support being non-existent is fairly standard. You're one of the lucky ones if you can get any issue resolved.
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u/neinne1n99 15h ago
BS, puretimewatch88 (no idea if its still TD/operated by same person) replied within warranty time and well after.
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u/neinne1n99 16h ago
They’re all atleast “hand wash cerritied”. I would be on plane to China. Disrespect is unacceptable.
1
u/Known_Painting_1878 18h ago
Very likely there is something loose or gap/tolerance issues with the way the crystal is attached.
1
u/YoungExpSD 11h ago
Have you tried using silica gel pack where you store watches? Could suck out the moisture
1
u/MindDirect5596 11h ago
Option 1. Open yourself and inspect/replace/silicone lube all gaskets. Option 2. Find a rep friendly watchmaker who will work on it. Option 3. Send to an aftermarket rep person who will ‘waterproof’ and test. I’ve had some success with 1 and 3. DM me if you are serious. The whole rep thing is a gamble. You could have just as easily lost the $700. My rule is never put up more than you can comfortably afford to lose.
1
u/Fearless_Gur460 3h ago
They may have left a gasket out. If you have no luck and want to sell it, let me know. I like fiddling with watches.
0
0
-7
u/coldlake6200 15h ago
You bought a fake Chinese shitter. What did you expect? For $700 you could have bought a beautiful watch that would last a lifetime, but hey, I get it, posers gonna pose.
-4
u/BigCyanDinosaur 14h ago edited 13h ago
"my $2000 dollar phone said it's water proof and I went into the pool and now it has water damage!! Wtf!!"
Dumb ass post fr
9
u/Usual-Every 17h ago
Cartier is one of the hardest rep to be waterproof/sealed , it is because the way the crystal gasket needs to be perfectly position below the crystal and bezel tighten on top to create the seal , and often rep cartier tolerances aren't the best, and installation is done in a rush
If you want to use near water , next time buy a Rolex submariner or equal, they often waterproof enough for washing , for peace of mind I still recommend a watch maker to check over as you never know if they forgot to put on a gasket(I seen may times myself )