How to Replace an Rubber O-Ring Watch Back Gasket

 

Replacing a watch back gasket does not have to be complicated and can be done in just a few steps. If your watch has been leaking water or showing condensation on the crystal, you may need to replace the watch back gasket. The watch back gasket is among many gaskets that make up a waterproof watch, it is usually made of rubber and many times it is the largest size gasket on a watch. Because the watch back is where most watches are opened for service (to replace the watch cell, watch cleaning, etc..), it may need more frequent replacement as it is moved and handled more often. You may want to learn how to open watch backs to help you get to the gasket. If you order the watch gaskets on our website, you will need the measurements to order the correct size that will fit your watch and assure a water resistance. All measurements are in millimeters but the measurement can also be converted from inches to millimeters.

 

 

Step 1

 

 

Measuring the Outside Diameter:

 

With the case back off, using a digital gauge measure the outside diameter (OD) in millimeters of the inside lip on the case back. Measure the area where the old gasket rested or where there is a ledge to place the new gasket. This will determine the diameter of the gasket needed. When ordering the new gasket, order 0.1mm diameter smaller gasket size as it should be stretched slightly when inserting onto the case back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 2

 

 

 

Measuring the Thickness:

 

Using the opposite end of the digital gauge (place the watch back on a flat surface upside down) measure the depth of the lip from the bottom edge of the watch back to where the gasket will rest (in millimeters). This will determine the thickness of the gasket needed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 3

 

 

 

Lubricating the New Gasket:

 

Place the gasket in the watch gasket lubricator, twist lid and then remove.

The watch gasket lubricator is applied to help the gasket maintain structural integrity, insure a watertight seal, and to help the gasket stay in place and shape when opening and closing the watch back

 

 

 

 

 

Step 4

 

 

 

Attaching the Gasket to the Back:

 

 

Place the gasket on the case back. Holding the gasket in place with your thumb on one end, put your index and thumb of the other hand inside the gasket and stretch over the lip on the case back.

 

 

 

 

 

Step 5

Place the case back on to the watch with firm tension.

 

 

 

 

Other Articles that may help you:

• How to Waterproof a Watch
• How to Open a Watch Back
• How to Close a Watch Back
• How to Replace a Watch Movement
• How to Replace a Watch Crystal