Vostok Amphibia Leaks - own fault

[JapaneseBob]

Since I got my Amphibia I wore it everywhere - including the gym, and afterwards in the sauna and jacuzzi, and this never troubled it. I realise now this was foolish, and you are free to admonish me for it. Took it on holiday to Portugal, swam in the ocean every day - no problem. Then went skiing in Austria, up the mountain all day, then down again and went for a sauna - and afterwards noticed moisture inside the watch. 
I have taken the back off, removed the crown and made sure it is dry - then I put the crown back and the case back on, but, based on a post I read in this forum, I placed a piece of coloured paper inside the case and then put it in a glass of water. On opening the watch again it seems the water is coming in all around the crystal. I was able to push the crystal off using my hands, and popped it back into place without the use of a tool. 
Could I have damaged the crystal  or it’s seal with the case? 
Any advice most welcome.

[AndyGSi]

Welcome to the forum.

Seals don't last for ever and need replacing.

[JohnL]

With the amphibia there's also the gasket in the screw-in crown. If memory serves a correct seal for the back of the case is tricky to find as well, but maybe that's because mine are vintage. The newer cases are larger I think. 

[clockboy]

Welcome to the forum, enjoy. The issue is watches that are sold as  waterproof are only valid if serviced and fitted with new gaskets fitted particularly those that are around the stems.A picture of the watch would be helpful for a better analysis..

Edited 8 hours ago by clockboy

[VWatchie]

5 hours ago, JapaneseBob said:

Could I have damaged the crystal  or it’s seal with the case? 

The Amphibia uses an armoured glass, that is, it has a metal ring on the inside around its circumference. If that ring is missing, it will fit but leak. The fact that you were able to push out the crystal using your fingers only tells me the metal ring was missing. It usually requires a crystal press or a very, very strong thumb and comes with pain in said thumb.

Fitting a correct crystal w/o a crystal press is basically impossible. You can see me do it here! I also found a video sequence where I press out an armoured crystal on a Vostok Komandirskie (press here to see it). Looking at the video, I'm sure you can imagine the power needed.

Edited 5 hours ago by VWatchie