Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Complication · Display

Humidity Indicator

Partially verified

A capsule containing a desiccant that changes color in the presence of moisture.

Definition

A capsule containing a desiccant that changes color in the presence of moisture.

Historical origin

Used to monitor the integrity of water-resistant seals.

How it works

A small window on the dial or movement houses a copper sulfate or similar chemical capsule.

It turns from light blue to dark blue or pink if moisture enters the case.

Pocket watch context

None.

Wristwatch context

A signature feature of Sinn (Ar-Dehumidifying Technology).

Identification

  • A small circular window, usually at 6 o'clock, containing a color-changing material

Servicing notes

If the capsule changes color, the watch requires an immediate pressure test and service.

General guidance only. Complicated mechanisms should be assessed and serviced by a qualified watchmaker or clockmaker specialist, not adjusted at home.

Related photographs

Pair-case repeating watch MET DP350908
Pair-case repeating watch MET DP350908 — Creator:John Champion, CC0. Wikimedia Commons file page

No confidently matched photograph of this subject has been found yet. These photographs show a closely related record, and are not examples of the type described on this page.

Sources & references

  1. de Carle, D., Watch and Clock Encyclopedia
  2. Britten, F. J., Old Clocks and Watches and Their Makers
  3. Horological Journal (British Horological Institute), technical articles

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.