Have had nothing but wonderful things to say about my Timex… definitely got what I paid for and use the heck out of it. After a full year of constant use, the watch stopped picking up the HR strap’s signal, and then the screen started dimming. Not surprised then it was time to change the battery. I went to a watch store to let them do it because I didn’t have the tiny screw drivers…
Swam the next day, and was using the watch to time intervals. Got out of the pool and realized that there was WATER in the screen!! The watch is still working fine (changed the battery on Sunday) but there is definitely still moisture in there - the screen is foggy with little water droplets on it.
SO, the question is… is there any way I can dry it out? I guess even if I could, I wouldn’t be able to shower/swim/run in the rain. DANGIT!! I loved this watch! Is there any hope? Or does anyone know if Timex’s warranty would cover something like that?
It will dry out over several days likely…don’t push the buttons in the water if you were doing so, as it lets water in…there is a chance of course that the gasket wasn’t put back in correctly…these things can be difficult as sometimes they’re oddly shaped.
The gasket likely wasn’t re-installed properly after the battery was changed. Get yourself a very small Phillips screwdriver and take the back off. If it’s like other Timex digitals, the body should come out quite easily, or may be held in by a couple of additional screws. Take the timepiece out and you should be left with the shell of the watch. Let it dry and re-assemble. Make sure the gasket is properly seated and has no tears.
Yeah, I’d be more concerned with keeping it from leaking again than just drying it out once… You can get a set of jeweler’s screwdrivers for only a few bucks at a hardware store; it’s not like you gotta special-order a set from Brussels or Geneva. I’ve replaced the battery in my Timex a couple of times. Unless you have bratwursts for fingers, there’s no reason you can’t do it yourself just as well or better than anyone else; it ain’t brain surgery. You just need to find a fairly clean, well-lit working surface so you don’t lose the tiny screws, and be patient getting the gasket to line up properly in its groove since it’s pretty small and easily deformed.
It is very much possible to fix this yourself with jeweler’s screwdrivers. Remove the back and gasket and allow the watch to sit in a dry place for a few days. A few minutes of warm (not hot) air from a hair dryer will help.
Once the watch is completely dry, inspect the gasket for nicks or tears. If there are any, order a replacement gasket from a watchmaker’s supply store (usually very cheap). Before installing a gasket, old or new, lubricate the gasket with silicone grease (found at scuba diving stores, restaurant supply stores and occasionally hardware stores). Not much, just a little on your finger and then rub the gasket a bit.
Try putting it in some rice, it might draw out the moisture.
rice can be pretty dusty. I find putting it in a plastic bag with a few of those packages of silicone desiccant beads and putting the whole thing in a warm place (window sill in the sun, under an electric blanket, etc) does the best job.