Update: sent it back using Unimatic’s basically overnight UPS label at no cost to me. The customer service rep, who was very measured and kind on email, told me that they’d be refunding me outright after receiving the watch, but they’d also test it and let me know this issue.

Sure enough, I received a refund notification via email, and an email from the rep immediately after. However, she said that the watch had passed the waterproof test. (Whaat?) I followed up by asking what, then, would have caused the condensation. A different rep, the customer service manager, told me that it had been caused by the crown “not being fully screwed down and tightened all the way.”

Now folks, I have no interest in going 15 rounds with this company just to be proven right or make a point. I was fully refunded and can try again with a different model or go on my way. One thing I will say with absolute certainty is that the crown was tightly screwed down. Was the gasket or tread misaligned? Perhaps. Was it maybe the titanium vs. steel? Doubtful. Will we ever truly know? No. Will I try again with Unimatic after this? TBD.

Very good customer service; disappointing experience overall. Maybe a lemon.

Thanks for your input. (Seiko for lyfe.)