One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding bussdown watches is that being warned not to get them wet automatically means the watch is fake.
That is not necessarily true.
A bussdown watch is a watch that has been modified with aftermarket diamonds. During that process, a diamond setter drills seats into the metal so each stone can be secured properly.
The setter is supposed to drill only to the depth required for the stone. However, we do not live in a perfect world. Drilling can sometimes go too deep, and other parts of the watch may be affected during customization.
The original water resistance should never be assumed after a watch has been modified.
Why Water Can Become a Problem
Some watch bracelets contain links that are partially hollow. If drilling penetrates too deeply, water or cleaning solution may collect inside those spaces. This can contribute to trapped residue, discoloration, odor or corrosion.
The greater concern is moisture reaching the movement.
Water may enter through a compromised crown, crystal, caseback, pusher, gasket or seal. Improper handling during customization or reassembly can affect any of these areas.
Once moisture reaches the movement, it can leave mineral residue and cause corrosion or rust. The watch may begin losing time, malfunctioning or stop working completely.
Depending on the watch and the extent of the damage, repairing or replacing the movement can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Modification Changes the Conversation
The minute a watch is modified, it is no longer in its original factory condition.
That does not mean nobody should purchase or enjoy an aftermarket diamond watch. It means buyers should understand what they are purchasing and ask the right questions before spending tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
There are jewelers and diamond setters who pay close attention to detail. There are also qualified watchmakers who can inspect a customized watch, replace or adjust its seals and perform a professional pressure test.
Nothing should be described as completely waterproof. A watch may be water resistant only to the specific level confirmed during testing.
How to Test the Jeweler
When shopping for a bussdown watch, tell the jeweler that you want to dip it in water and watch the reaction.
Do not actually dip the watch.
The purpose is to test the jeweler's confidence and knowledge. If the jeweler immediately panics, hesitates or cannot explain whether the finished watch was pressure tested, that may indicate the seller does not know if the watch is water resistant.
Most sellers are focused on making the sale. Buyers must be prepared to ask direct questions and require direct answers.
Questions to Ask Before Purchasing
Ask the jeweler:
- Was the finished watch pressure tested by a qualified watchmaker?
- What water resistance rating did it pass?
- When was it last tested?
- Will the water resistance rating be listed on my receipt or invoice?
- Will the jeweler guarantee that rating in writing?
If the jeweler cannot verify the water resistance, ask for the watch to be professionally inspected, sealed and pressure tested before completing the purchase.
You may also negotiate a discount that accounts for the additional testing and watchmaker service you will need.
Protect the Investment
If you have spent tens of thousands of dollars on a fully flooded watch, spending additional money to have it inspected and pressure tested is part of protecting the investment.
The exact cost will depend on the watch, its construction and what must be adjusted. That expense is still minor compared with the potential cost of repairing a water damaged movement.
Highly elaborate chandelier watches and heavily customized pieces may require even more caution. Their construction can make maintaining water resistance more difficult, and submerging them should never be assumed to be safe.
Cleaning an Untested Bussdown Watch
An untested bussdown watch should not be submerged.
For routine surface cleaning, apply Diamond Dazzler Express carefully and wipe the watch with a clean microfiber cloth. Avoid saturating the crown, pushers, crystal edges and caseback.
The goal is to remove surface oils, fingerprints and residue without allowing unnecessary moisture to reach vulnerable areas.
Final Word from Miss Diggs
A warning not to get a bussdown watch wet does not automatically prove that it is fake.
It proves that buyers need to understand the difference between an original factory watch and a customized aftermarket watch.
Ask whether the watch was professionally pressure tested. Ask what rating it passed. Get the answer and guarantee in writing.
If nobody can verify the water resistance, keep the watch dry until a qualified watchmaker can inspect it.
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