One common issue that watch owners often encounter is a fogged-up watch. Fog inside a watch can disrupt its functionality. Fortunately, there are easy ways to remove the moisture from your watch.
You don’t have to rely on a professional technician to get rid of the fog inside your watch—you can tackle this yourself at home. Check out the guide in this article!
How to Get Rid of Watch Fogging
There are several methods you can use to address the fog inside your watch. Here are some of them:
1. Use rice
One of the simplest methods you can try involves using an absorbent material, which has hygroscopic properties that allow it to absorb moisture. One of the most readily available adsorbents at home is rice.
First, prepare an airtight container. Then, fill the container with rice. Before placing the watch inside, prepare it first.
Remove the crown of the watch to speed up the moisture absorption process. Then, wrap the watch in a soft cotton cloth to prevent the rice grains from scratching its surface.
Once prepared, place the watch inside the container and seal it tightly. Leave it for 2-3 days until all the moisture has been absorbed by the rice. In addition to using rice, other absorbent alternatives include silica gel or cat litter.
2. Dry it under sunlight
Sunlight can be an effective way to remove moisture from your watch. Similar to the first method, remove the crown of the watch if possible. Place the watch under direct sunlight, with the face of the watch pointing upwards. Wait until the watch is dry.
However, it’s important to note that if the weather is too hot, avoid exposing the watch to direct sunlight to prevent overheating. You can place it by a window where it can still catch sunlight without being directly exposed.
3. Use heat from a hair dryer
Aside from sunlight, you can also use other heat sources found at home, such as electronic devices. A hair dryer is particularly useful for removing moisture from your watch.
For this method, you’ll need to remove the back cover of the watch, known as the caseback. Make sure you know how to do this safely.
Use the hair dryer on the lowest temperature setting and dry the watch from the back. Remember, don’t hold the hair dryer too close to the watch.
4. Use heat from a lamp
In addition to electronic devices, you can also use the heat generated by a lamp. Similar to the hair dryer method, you’ll need to remove the caseback of the watch for this method.
Once that’s done, place the watch under the lamp for a few hours. You can even leave it overnight if that’s more convenient.
Avoid using electronic devices like microwaves or ovens to dry the moisture inside your watch, as these can cause overheating and potentially ruin your watch.
5. Dry it with a fan
Another electronic device that can help remove moisture from your watch is a fan. Simply place the watch near the fan, but not too close. Turn on the fan as usual and leave the watch in front of it for 1-2 hours until the fog disappears.
6. Wrap it in a dry towel
If you have a dry towel, you can use it to remove the moisture from your watch. Make sure the towel is clean before using it. Wrap the watch in a clean, dry towel, ensuring that the face of the watch is facing downward.
After wrapping it, place the towel outdoors in a bright spot with good air circulation. Leave it overnight until the fog clears.
Read more: 6 Ways to Clean a Leather Watch Strap and Keep It Like New
7. Take it to a service center
If you’ve tried all the above methods but still can’t get rid of the moisture in your watch, it might be time to take it to a service center. A professional technician can safely and effectively remove the moisture from your watch.
Causes of Fogging in Watches
The appearance of fog inside a watch doesn’t happen without reason. Several factors can trigger this issue, such as:
1. Temperature changes
One of the main causes of fogging inside a watch is the extreme difference between the watch’s temperature and the surrounding environment.
Don’t be surprised if a watch stored in an air-conditioned room starts fogging up when suddenly exposed to a much hotter outdoor environment, and vice versa.
2. Crown not properly sealed
Many watch owners often forget to return the crown or pusher to its original position after adjusting the time. If the crown or pusher isn’t sealed properly, it can create a gap that allows water to enter.
This water ingress is one of the main causes of fogging inside a watch. To prevent this, always check the position of the crown and pusher, especially after using the watch.
3. Cracks in the watch
Some watches use materials that are prone to cracking in certain parts. Crystals, such as acrylic or mineral crystals, are typically thin and can crack easily when bumped.
These cracks are usually small and not immediately visible to the naked eye. However, these tiny cracks can allow water to seep in, causing the watch to fog up.
4. Errors during battery replacement
The process of replacing a watch battery should ideally be done in a completely dry and non-humid environment. Why is this important?
Because opening the back of the watch in a high-humidity room can allow moisture to enter and become trapped inside the watch. Over time, this trapped moisture can lead to fogging.
Read more: How to Change a Luxury Watch Battery: Step by Step
Can a Water-Resistant Watch Fog Up?
Watches labeled as water-resistant are indeed highly resistant to water. However, it’s still possible for these watches to fog up.
Fog can form when there’s a significant temperature difference between the inside and outside of the watch. For example, if the watch is exposed to cold water and then moved to a warm environment, moisture inside the watch can condense on the glass or other components.
Additionally, if the watch’s seals or gaskets are no longer watertight due to age or damage, moisture can enter the watch, leading to fogging as well.
To prevent this, ensure your watch is well-maintained and that its water resistance is checked regularly, especially if it’s frequently exposed to water or used in humid conditions.
Read more: Luxury Watch Water Resistance Explained: Is It Better than Waterproof?
Ensuring your watch stays in good condition is crucial. If you’re unsure about removing the fog yourself, it’s best to seek help from a professional technician.
If you purchase a watch from Luxehouze, our Client Advisors can provide guidance on proper watch care to prevent damage, dirt, and fogging.
Luxehouze offers a vast collection of watches, all guaranteed to be 100% authentic and available at the best prices. Find your perfect watch at Luxehouze today!
