zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

: I notice that you advised a person to leave the
: crown unscrewed during a flight, as any
: cabbin pressure changes would force the
: crystal to 'pop' out. -

Not any cabin pressue. Only in rare cases of a sudden significant drop in cabin air pressure.

: Isn't that dangerous
: for the same reason that divers do not
: unscrew the crown in a diving bell and
: instead use the special valve.

No. The reason for the escape valve is to allow excess pressure to escape while still maintaining water tightness. The crown *will* allow water in. But the escape valve is literally a valve that lets air out, but not water in.

Hopefully, you will not be underwater *while* in an airplane.

: However, you
: mention that other gases can escape through
: the valve, so if oxygen can escape, dosn't
: this make it a better bet than opening th
: ecrown and exposing the watch?

Yes. The advice in the FAQ is written to apply to *any* screw-down crown water-resistant watch. Most such watches do not have the escape valve as an alternative method of accomplishing this.

: Also, if
: releasing the valve means that the watch is
: not air-tight (since air can escape), does
: this mean that when the valve is open
: (during the relase of a gas), then water can
: enter?

No. It is an automatic valve that only opens while releasing the excess gas pressure and maintains its water tight state.

: I have enjoyed reading the site and the FAQs
: are very useful. Happy Birthday and I'm sure
: the site will remain popular for years to
: come;)

Thanks!