How often should a watch be serviced?
Most mechanical watches should be serviced every five to ten years. Many modern watches from major brands are designed for intervals at the longer end; Rolex, for example, suggests around ten years for its current models, while Omega's guidance is roughly five to eight. Older and vintage watches often benefit from a service sooner. The real answer depends on the movement, how you wear the watch and how it's running, so a watch that loses time, stops or shows moisture should be seen sooner.
Updated
Why watches need servicing
A mechanical movement has dozens of tiny parts moving constantly, lubricated by oils that slowly dry out and thicken. Over the years, friction and wear increase, accuracy drifts, and gaskets that keep water out harden. A service cleans the movement, replaces worn parts and oils, and restores water resistance, which protects a watch that's meant to last for generations.
Signs your watch needs a service now
- It gains or loses noticeably more time than it used to.
- It stops overnight even though it was worn all day, or the power reserve seems short.
- Winding feels rough or gritty, or the crown is hard to pull out or push in.
- The date changes at the wrong time or gets stuck.
- You see fog or moisture under the crystal (get this looked at quickly).
- It has had a hard knock or been exposed to strong magnets and is running erratically.
What a full service usually includes
- 01The movement is taken apart, cleaned and inspected.
- 02Worn parts are replaced and the movement is re-oiled.
- 03It's reassembled, regulated for accuracy and tested.
- 04Gaskets are replaced and water resistance is pressure-tested.
- 05Often, the case and bracelet are cleaned or refinished (you can usually ask for no polishing).
Costs vary widely by brand and complexity, from a modest sum for a simple automatic at an independent watchmaker to well over a thousand for a complicated watch at the manufacturer.
Quartz watches
Quartz watches need far less care, but they still benefit from attention: a battery change every few years, and a check of the seals at the same time. See our quartz battery guide.
Keep track of when each watch is due
The hardest part of servicing is remembering. Note the date of every service, what was done and what it cost. WristLog.app keeps each watch's service history with the watch, stores photos of your receipts, and reminds you when a service is coming up.
Common questions
Can I wait longer than the recommended interval?
Many watches run well beyond their suggested interval, but old oils and worn parts can cause more damage, and a more expensive repair, if left too long. If a watch is running well and you wear it gently, a little longer is usually fine; if it's showing any signs above, don't wait.
Should I service with the brand or an independent watchmaker?
Brand service centres use original parts and often give a service warranty. A good independent watchmaker can be cheaper and more flexible, especially for vintage watches. Both can be good choices.
Does servicing affect a watch's value?
A documented service usually helps resale value. Heavy polishing can hurt the value of collectable or vintage watches, so ask for minimal or no polishing if that matters to you.
WristLog.app
See it for your own collection.
WristLog.app catalogues your watches from a photo and shows you how you really wear them. Free on iPhone and Android.
