Water resistance in a watch depends on proper sealing. Traditionally, crowns and pushers were screwed down when underwater to prevent water from entering into the watch case. This created a problem for divers wishing to operate their features underwater. Methods exist to combat this problem and allow for underwater operation of watches. These include use of special tube gaskets, rubber covers, or other means. While often effective, they require monitoring, maintenance, and of course have their limits. The bottom line is that if you have moving or depressed parts, there is a huge risk of water entering into the case. However, a new innovation from Breitling potentially solves this issue.
Breitling's new Avenger Seawolf Chronograph watch uses a new "non-contact" chronograph pusher system. Traditionally, depressing the chronograph pushers lowered a lever into the body of the watch. In the new for 2008 Avenger Seawolf Chronograph, pushing down the lever causes a magnet to approach another magnet inside the case without actually entering the case. In this instance the pusher never penetrates the watch case which remains sealed. This innovation allows for the watch case to remain completely sealed, and offer a "no-contact" chronograph operation experience. So for reference, the new magnet system allows for the Breitling Avenger Seawolf Chronograph to be fully functional at 1000 meters underwater.
One essential piece of information to understand is that this technology currently only applies to Breitling's Super Quartz movement, and not a mechanical movement, which require more pressure from the chronograph pusher. So while this is a wonderful technique for underwater watch operation, is does not yet apply to mechanical movement based watches. Regardless, it will certainly be well taken by a number of Breitling watch lovers along with diving enthusiasts.
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[...] LUM-TEC will use a sophisticated technique like the one that Breitling used for pushers. Read here to see how Breitling used magnets create ‘no contact’ pushers for its Avenger Seawolf Chronograph watch. I don’t know if this concept [...]