IWC Ingenieur Automatic 3239 water-related questions

I was just wondering how water-resistant this watch is...

Is it OK for:

• running under water while washing hands?
• showering?
• immersing in water for bathing?
• swimming?

As the watch has a water resistance of 12 bar (= 120 m), and is equipped with a screw-in crown, you should be able to do all the actions you mention without any problem. You should check the state of the rubber rings every year though, I wonder how many owners of the watches do this. That this check is no nonsense is shown in a recent thread, where a diver's watch was shown that drowned: quite a sorry sight.

Kind regards,
Paul

Thanks! I suppose when you say, "you should check the state of the rubber rings", I guess you mean a qualified watchsmith, eh? If not, how would someone check that?

Sorry, I was not clear enough. An AD is the best place to get it checked. I would never touch a watch in any other way than putting it on or off my wrist.

Kind regards,
Paul

Your question is easy and difficult as well, due to physical conditions.

Sure, a ref. 3239 should stand your requirements.

But those requirements are some kind of worst case.

Why ?

If water proved watches get an anvironment with significant higher pressure, the seals get kompression and that increases the sealing funktions.

Identical preassure is the common cause for leaking.

And a combination of different temperature (hot shower/bath) is the theoratical worst case.

So, I would use only cheap watches for those requirements and I do it strictly.

I've never liked showering with watches. Afraid the steam will somehow get into the watch. Call me anal but I am very careful with my watches. Sleep better that way. However, if a diver or watch with significant water resistance capabilities then go ahead.

Best thing about this is that you can always fix something if it goes sour. Good luck buddy.

Narbeh