Why Your High-End Watch Needs a Battery & Pressure Test (And How Often)

If you own a quality watch — whether it's a dive watch, a dress watch, or anything in between — there are two simple services that quietly protect your investment: a battery check and a water-resistance (pressure) test. Neither gets talked about as much as a full service, but skipping them is one of the easiest ways to end up with a damaged watch.

What Is a Pressure Test?

A pressure test checks whether your watch's seals, gaskets, and crown are still doing their job of keeping water and moisture out. Over time, gaskets dry out, crowns wear, and cases can develop tiny gaps you'd never spot with the naked eye. Even a watch that's never been swimming can let moisture in through everyday exposure — rain, washing your hands, or simple humidity.

We test water resistance using specialised equipment that checks the case seal without exposing your watch to actual water, so there's no risk to the movement during testing itself.

Why It Matters

A watch that fails a pressure test hasn't necessarily let water in yet — but it's telling you it's vulnerable. Catching that early means:

Avoiding costly movement damage. Water ingress can corrode a movement beyond economical repair. A $50 pressure test is far cheaper than replacing a damaged calibre.
Protecting resale and sentimental value. Whether it's a modern Rolex or a vintage family heirloom, moisture damage can be irreversible.
Peace of mind for active wear. If you swim, dive, or simply don't want to think twice before washing your hands with your watch on, a passed pressure test means you can wear it with confidence.
What About Batteries?

For quartz watches, a battery that's left to die in the case can leak and cause corrosion inside the movement — sometimes enough to require a full service to put right. We use quality replacement batteries and, while your watch is open, we also check the seals and gaskets while we're in there. It's the ideal moment to combine a battery change with a pressure test, since the case is already open.

How Often Should You Test?

As a general guide:

Dive and sports watches: every 12 months, especially if you swim or dive regularly.
Everyday dress and casual watches: every 1–2 years.
Before a big trip, swim, or event: always worth a quick check beforehand.
Book Your Battery & Pressure Test

Whether you're preparing for summer swimming and boating, or you simply haven't had your watch checked in a while, our qualified watchmakers offer battery replacement and pressure testing for high-end watches at both our Burnside, Christchurch and Suncourt Plaza, Taupo stores.

Book your watch in or contact us to have your battery and water resistance checked before it becomes a bigger problem