I think SOME compass models have a well-tracked history of bubbles. I have two of Brunton's high-end "eclipse-style" mirrored compasses and have had bubbles in both ... and the manufacturer replaced them both for free.

Then again, I have something like eight Brunton base style compasses (used to teach map & compass skills), they are now about 10 years old, have been used a lot by young Boy Scouts, and NONE of them have bubbles.

I KNOW that liquid-filled compasses can withstand time and abuse. My base Silva Polaris compass purchased in 1970 - my first compass - has been used so much that its surface is almost translucent with scratches ... and yet it is fully functional and still has no bubbles.