zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

This makes a lot of sense -- and is quite relevant in terms of what I wanted to know "real world."

Right out of college, I worked for a company that made 2-litre soft drink bottles. At that time, the bottles were changing from 2 pieces (clear, plastic main body; glue; black or green "base cup"). These were two different types of plastic (PET and HDPE) and that, plus the glue, messed up recycling, which was taking off. Problem was, because of the pressure of carbonation w/in the containers, it was difficult to mold-in a bottom that was flat or w/ "feet" (the solution that worked), w/out having it blow out.

Once we had the designs that worked in static situations, we had to test them against dynamic forces. Akin to our discussions here about a 300m water resistant watch failing at that limit once you move, because it's all about the pressure.

So we designed platforms that could be raised and lowered w/ in a range of heights above a steel plate. The platforms had quick-release bottoms that dropped out (maybe like a carnival dunking tank). As a result, we could compare bottles, consistently, dropping onto the surface, at various heights. Until they reached predictable failure points. We could also adjust the orientation of the bottle: Perfectly vertical, 45-degrees, whatever. And how they hit made a differnce.

And as we all know, when the pop bottle falls out of the refrigerator (especially for those of you who have kids), it doesn't always fall lab-test-level!

My guess is that our watch specifactions are probably based on drop-impact, rather than strike impact. That would be more uniform. I'd also like to believe that testing would be across a number of orientations, perhaps not unlike COSC testing.

But who defines and regulates those standards?

The question remains open here. And if I get something from any of the other Forums I frequent, I'll let you know.

Meantime: Thanks again!

Link to my Omega Seamaster 2252.50 review: For a 21st Century Goldfinger
Link to my Omega Seamaster 2254.50 review: Should'a been Bond's Omega
Link to my Omega Seamaster 2255.80 review: "The Electric Blue"
Link to my Omega Seamaster 2531.80 review: Bond's second Omega
Link to my Omega Seamaster 2541.80 review: Actually-- Bond's first Omega
Link to my Omega Seamaster 2561.80 review: Mid-sized version of 2541.80