Victorinox Dive Master 500 Four second jump

[94marconi]

Years ago I purchased a Titanium Dive Master 500 watch. I do not wear it a lot and When I went to wear it today, the seconds hand was jumping in 4 second intervals?? Perhaps a low battery issue? The watch is keeping the time and date correct albeit the time is a couple of minutes fast. The manual does not indicate this condition at all. Being waterproof to 500 meters i hate to open it up and do a battery change myself, if that is the issue. I had a new battery installed and the watch serviced and water tested by my watchmaker when I bought it off ebay as I used to do with all my watch purchases. Now that I am learning the hobby i am loath to pay some one to open it up and change the battery for me. This is a Ronda 715 movement. Do I take a chance on compromising the waterproof aspect? Or is opening the back not that big of a deal waterproof wise. Thoughts and ruminations most welcome

Ron.

[Brian3]

It's definitely your low battery power indicator with the four second jumps, I would change the battery myself, check the condition of the case back gasket, renew if the profile isn't round anymore, re grease the gasket and fit back making sure all contact surfaces are clean, I'd also remove the stem and crown, clean the case tube and relube it before returning the crown and stem to watch.

Obviously you can't be 100% sure your watch is water resistant without a pressure test, but if you do this you'll give it a real fighting chance.

Brian

[94marconi]

Thanks Brian. I didn't think it would be a big deal. Just wanted to make sure. The four second jump thing is a new one on me. You would think it would be mentioned in the booklet. I was under the impression the battery was a five year job. Is it wise to leave the watch in the hack position when not in use? While that would save on battery life, would it compromise the seal on the stem with the crown not screwed down? Just glad it is a low battery. I just got my Jaxa wrench last month and now I get to play with it. 

[94marconi]

Just found the receipt for the watch service and battery change with pressure test. Was done almost two years ago to the day. Cost $131.25 Can. That is a lot of money to say the least. Not begrudging the shop at all, after all they have to make a living and their work is top notch. Just that $131.00 goes along way for much needed watch oil, and we all know what that's worth. I just bought 2ml. of Moebius 9020 for $30.00. Besides, if I can change a balance staff I am sure I can Change a watch battery.

Ron

[94marconi]

Just had a look at the tech sheet for the Ronda 715 and it calls for a 371 battery and the life expectancy is 60 months. Sounds like I may have gotten less battery than what I paid for...or is five years just wishful thinking on the part of the manufacturer.

Sorry for all the questions.

Ron

[clockboy]

 

Looking at some pics on the net: 

Victorinox Dive Master 500 is a screw back case so it should not be a problem for you to change the battery. However before re-screwing the back on (after checking the watch is functioning OK) put a tiny about of silicone grease on the case back thread. This will give a real good water proof seal.

 

 

 

[94marconi]

Finally got around to doing the battery change. No reason that i should not attempt it, Especially when one hangs out on a learned forum such as this. Just that this is a little more involved than popping in a battery in the wife's cheap disposables.

First thing to do was to get out the Jaxa wrench and loosen the case back and use a toothbrush to remove any debris that may be caught between the cover and the case.

  

And loosened all the way

Sure takes a lot of patience to set up the wrench. One must be very careful not to scratch the watch, especially since this is Titanium and is so easy to scratch. I would not want to take a  a chance on a precious metal case. Especially if it was someone else's watch. 

Inside was the Ronda 715.5 Gold plated five jewel movement. Nice to see a bit of an upgrade from the standard movement. The 371 battery was easy to remove, being careful to not slip and damage the coil while prying back the battery retainer.

It was decided to remove the movement from the case so a proper cleaning could be done. Out came the stem and the movement followed. The case, band, and back were treated to a good scrub in dish soap and hot water with a soft toothbrush. I hope the wife doesn't mind that I used her toothbrush...

The gasket for the back looked in really great shape and as advised, I re greased it and the threads of the back with silicone grease. Also lubed the O ring in the stem tube and the gasket inside the crown. I took the measurements of the gaskets at the same time so I can order them when i service the watch movement at the next battery change. I do not have the proper oil yet. The hardest part was cleaning the inside of the watch crystal to perfection as well as removing all specks of dust from the dial face. Any issues here and I would be looking at them for the next couple of years.

All assembled and ready for the band.

The specks you see are on the outside.  And of course the obligatory wrist shot.

Love the look feel and warmth of the Titanium, but hate that it scratches so easy.

Bit of a mess after an evenings work... 

Thanks to all for the help and advice for such a simple job... 

[Cad101]

Nice job goes to show what a bit of patience knowledge and advice from the kind peeps here will do. Not to mention the $130+  your saving which can now be used on more important items well done.

[WileyDave]

Great job and pics, you have saved enough to by many tooth brushes! Wish my bench looked half as tidy as yours.

[OmarHaltam]

Great Job, and that is the best way to learn... one watch at a time [emoji1303]