Your watch needs regular service to keep running properly. Here’s what you need to know:
| Watch Type | Service Interval | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | 3-5 years | $500-1000 |
| Quartz | 7-10 years | $200-400 |
| Vintage | 4-7 years | $900-2500 |
Key signs your watch needs service:
- Losing/gaining more than 4-6 seconds per day
- Moisture inside the case
- Strange noises or rattling
- Crown feels loose or stiff
- Power reserve drops
Where to get service:
| Provider | Best For | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Centers | Luxury watches, warranty work | $800-2500+ |
| Local Shops | Basic repairs, vintage pieces | $250-900 |
Think of watch service like car maintenance – skip it and small problems become big ones. A basic service includes:
- Complete disassembly
- Ultrasonic cleaning
- Parts inspection and replacement
- Fresh lubrication
- Timing adjustment
- Water resistance testing
Between services:
- Wipe down daily with microfiber cloth
- Keep crown screwed down
- Avoid extreme temperatures
- Stay away from magnets
- Remove for sports/manual work
The bottom line: Regular service costs less than fixing a broken watch. Don’t wait for problems – stick to the recommended service schedule for your watch type.
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When to Service Your Watch
Different watches need different care. Here’s what you should know:
Mechanical Watches
Mechanical watches need more love. Here’s how often top brands say to service them:
| Brand | How Often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rolex | 10 years | New models (under 7 years) only if damaged |
| Tag Heuer | 3-5 years | More if worn daily |
| Omega | 5-7 years | Check water resistance every 2 years |
| Patek Philippe | 3-5 years | Complex models need more |
"Rolex recommends servicing every three to ten years." – BQ Watches Team
Expect to pay $150-$250 for basic service. Fancy brands cost more:
| Service | Price (CHF) | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 380-590 | Clean, oil, tune movement |
| Full | 600-1000 | Replace parts, waterproof |
Quartz Watches
Quartz watches are low-maintenance, but still need some TLC:
| What | When | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| New Battery | 1-2 years | $10-15 |
| Full Service | 10-15 years | 310-520 CHF |
| Check Movement | If battery dies fast | Varies |
Watch accuracy can tell you if it’s time for service:
| Watch Type | Normal | Time for Service If |
|---|---|---|
| Quartz | ±15-20 sec/month | Battery dies faster than usual |
| Mechanical | -20 to +40 sec/day | Loses more time than before |
Don’t wait for problems. Set a schedule based on your watch type. It’s cheaper than fixing a broken watch.
For all watches:
- Check water resistance every 2 years if you swim
- Keep service records
- Use qualified watchmakers only
What Affects Service Timing
Your watch’s service needs depend on how you use it and where you keep it. Let’s break it down:
Weather and Storage
Temperature swings can mess with your watch:
| Temperature | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Under 0°C/32°F | Oils freeze, gears stop |
| Over 60°C/140°F | Lubricants dry out, parts break |
| -20°C to +70°C | Omega watches are happy |
Moisture and dust are bad news:
- Humid air? Rust in the movement.
- Dust? Scratched crystal.
- Too much sun? Faded colors and warped metal.
"Wear your watch often. It’s best to service it every four to five years." – Florin Niculescu, VP of Product Development at Parmigiani Fleurier
Your Wearing Habits
How you use your watch matters:
| What You Do | When to Service |
|---|---|
| Swimming | Check seals every 2 years |
| Diving | Service every 5 years max |
| Rarely wear it | Wind monthly to keep it running |
| Use near magnets | Get it checked if it stops |
Don’t do these things:
- Set the date between 9 PM and 3 AM (it’ll break the gears)
- Wind while wearing (it’s hard on the crown)
- Take it in hot water (bye-bye, seals)
| Water Rating | What It Can Handle |
|---|---|
| 3 ATM | Rain, splashes |
| 5 ATM | Swimming, skiing |
| 10 ATM | Snorkeling |
| 20+ ATM | Scuba diving |
Storing your watch? Here’s how:
- Use Ziploc bags with silica gel
- Keep it at room temp
- Keep it away from electronics
- Wind it once a month
"New gaskets keep your watch water-resistant." – Maximilian Büsser, Founder and CEO of MB&F
Warning Signs Your Watch Needs Service
Your watch will tell you when it’s time for a tune-up. Here’s what to watch out for:
Time Keeping Problems
| Problem | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Fast gains | Magnetized | Demagnetize |
| Loses >4 sec/day | Movement issue | See watchmaker |
| Stuttering seconds | Low battery (quartz) | Replace battery |
| Low power reserve | Mainspring problems | Service needed |
| Random stops | Movement troubles | Expert check |
If your watch strays beyond 4 seconds slow or 6 seconds fast per day, it’s check-up time.
Physical Warning Signs
Keep an eye out for:
| Warning | Cause | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture inside | Broken gaskets | High – service now |
| Rattling | Loose parts | High – stop wearing |
| Stiff crown | Damaged stem | Medium – service soon |
| Loose crown | Worn parts | High – service now |
| Internal fogging | Failed seals | High – service now |
- Hear rattling? Stop wearing it. Loose parts can wreck the movement.
- Spot moisture or fog? Get those seals checked.
- Test all functions regularly. Everything should work smoothly.
- Listen up. Grinding sounds spell trouble.
For quartz watches, a seconds hand jumping in 5-second leaps means your battery’s on its last legs.
"Any moisture inside your watch case? Get to a pro service center ASAP."
Don’t ignore these signs. Small issues can snowball fast. A quick fix now beats a pricey repair later.
What Professional Service Includes
When you send your watch for service, it goes through a detailed process. Here’s what happens:
Basic Service Steps
| Step | Process | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Disassembly | Take apart case and movement | Check components |
| Ultrasonic Clean | Clean parts in special bath | Remove dirt and old oil |
| Parts Check | Inspect each component | Find wear and damage |
| Oiling | Apply watch lubricants | Reduce friction |
| Reassembly | Put watch back together | Restore function |
| Testing | Check timekeeping | Ensure it works right |
"These tests help ensure customers get quality work and reliable watches that’ll keep ticking for years." – Huxley Mann, AMJ Watch Services
Major Service Steps
| Service Type | What’s Included | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full Overhaul | Replace parts, repair movement | From £250 |
| Case Work | Polish, remove scratches | From £75 |
| Water Testing | Test in pressure chamber | From £65 |
| Bezel Work | Replace insert, sandblast | £90-£145 |
For fancy watches like Rolex:
- They take the movement apart completely
- Replace parts that aren’t up to snuff
- Make the case and bracelet look new again
- Give you a two-year guarantee
Pro tip: Always ask for real manufacturer parts. Fake ones can mess up your watch’s value and how it works.
Watch out: Some places cut corners. Make sure your service center does all the steps and uses the right tools.
Quality work takes time – usually a few weeks. But rushing can cause problems down the road.
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Special Watch Types
Old Watches
Old watches are tricky. They need extra TLC because of their age and hard-to-find parts.
| Issue | Problem | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Old oil | Parts wear out fast | Full service every 1-1.5 years |
| Rare parts | Tough to fix | Find a pro who can source parts |
| Easy to break | More likely to get damaged | Check it often |
| Not water-resistant | Water can ruin it | Keep it dry, check the seals |
"Running an old watch without cleaning is like never changing your car’s oil." – Alan, Watch Buff
To keep your old watch ticking:
- Store it somewhere dry (not in plastic bags – they trap moisture)
- Get the oil changed regularly
- Use a watchmaker who knows vintage pieces
- Keep the original parts when you can
Complex Watches
Fancy watches with extra features? They cost more to fix and need special care:
| Watch Type | Service Cost | How Often |
|---|---|---|
| Chronograph (Omega) | $675-710 | Every 4-5 years |
| Perpetual Calendar | €2,500+ | Every 3-4 years |
| Minute Repeater | $30,000+ | Every 5 years |
| Tourbillon | £775+ | Every 3-5 years |
"Complex watches are why I now stick to simple, hand-wound ones." – Stephen Leslie, Watch Fan
What affects the price? The brand, features, parts needed, and type of service.
For both old and complex watches, pick a service center that:
- Knows your watch type inside out
- Uses real brand parts
- Tells you exactly what you’re paying for
- Guarantees their work
Choosing a Service Provider
Brand Service Centers vs. Local Shops
When it comes to watch repair, you’ve got two main options: brand service centers and local watch repair shops. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each.
Brand Service Centers
Think Rolex Service Centers (RSC) or Omega. Here’s what you get:
- Original parts (straight from the factory)
- 2-year warranty on service
- Factory-trained staff
- Costs: $500-2,500+ (depends on the watch)
"If Omega messes up, you can send it back in within the 2 year time period." – Steve Kivel, Grand Central Watch
Go with a brand center if:
- Your watch is under warranty
- You need original parts
- You’ve got a modern luxury watch (less than 15-20 years old)
- You want guaranteed quality work
Local Watch Repair Shops
Independent shops can be great for many watches:
| Service | Cost | Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $250-450 | 1 year (usually) |
| Full | $450-900 | 1-2 years |
| Vintage | $900-2,500 | Varies |
Picking a good local shop:
- Check if they’re brand-authorized
- Read Google and Yelp reviews
- Ask to see their workshop
- Avoid jewelry stores that "also fix watches"
Watch out for these red flags:
- No parts account with major brands
- Messy workspace
- Can’t explain their process
- No warranty offered
For vintage watches, local experts often beat brand centers. They’ll try to keep original parts, while brand centers might swap them out.
"It just takes putting your watch in the wrong watchmaker’s hands, and it’s game over. Even a modern watch." – Steve Kivel, Grand Central Watch
Quick decision guide:
| Your Watch | Go With | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Under warranty | Brand center | Free fixes |
| Modern luxury | Brand center | Original parts |
| Vintage | Local expert | Keeps value |
| Basic mechanical | Compare both | Price shop |
| Complex features | Brand center | Special tools |
Service Costs
Watch service costs depend on the job. Here’s a breakdown:
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Change | $10-95 | Basic: $10-30, Water-resistant: $45-60, Chronograph: $65-95 |
| Crystal Replacement | $70-200+ | Sapphire costs more |
| Strap/Bracelet | $25-1,000+ | Leather: $25-500, Steel: $75-1,000, Gold/Platinum: $1,000+ |
| Basic Overhaul | $250-450 | Cleaning and adjustment |
| Full Service | $450-900 | Complete rebuild |
| Vintage Service | $900-2,500 | Special handling |
Brand-specific prices at official centers:
| Brand | Basic Service | Chronograph Service |
|---|---|---|
| Rolex | $800-1,000 | $1,500-2,000 |
| Omega | $500-700 | $900-1,100 |
| Breitling | $570 | $850 |
| Patek Philippe | $1,120 | $2,464+ |
| Audemars Piguet | $1,064 | $1,904 |
| Tag Heuer | $270-445 | N/A |
| Seiko | $118-154 | N/A |
| IWC | $470-555 | N/A |
What affects the price? Materials, movement type, complexity, age, condition, and parts availability.
For instance: An Omega chronograph service costs $900 for standard materials, but $1,100 for precious metals. A basic Rolex Datejust service is $1,000-1,200, while a Daytona runs $1,500-2,000.
Daily Watch Care
Basic Watch Care
Here’s how to keep your watch ticking between services:
| Task | Frequency | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Wipe down | Daily | Soft microfiber cloth |
| Deep clean | Weekly | Damp cloth + mild soap (water-resistant only) |
| Check crown | Before wear | Fully screwed down |
| Wind up | Daily | For automatics not worn |
| Clean strap | Monthly | Metal: Soft toothbrush + soap Leather: Dry cloth |
For metal bracelets:
1. Brush off dirt
2. Soap between links
3. Rinse (distilled water)
4. Dry with fresh microfiber
"Take off your watch during physical activity and clean it when dirty. You’ll likely avoid scratching the crystal." – Bill Green, Expert Jeweler
Keeping Your Watch Safe
Watch out for these hazards:
| Hazard | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Water | Check resistance, secure crown |
| Scratches | Remove for physical activities |
| UV | Store away from sunlight |
| Magnets | Keep away from electronics |
| Temperature | Avoid extremes |
| Impact | Handle over soft surfaces |
Real-life lesson: A Baume & Mercier got moisture damage from a loose crown. Result? Scratched hands and corroded date wheel. A Rolex got lug scratches from a bad-fitting non-original bracelet.
Storage tips:
- Use original box or watch roll (short-term)
- Dust-free watch box (long-term)
- Away from sun and moisture
- Flat or crown-up
- Off during sports or manual work
For rarely worn automatics:
- Wind manually
- Try a watch winder
- Check movement often
Summary
Here’s the lowdown on watch service timing:
| Watch Type | Service Interval | Signs It Needs Service |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | 3-5 years | Poor timekeeping, winding issues |
| Quartz | 1-2 years | Battery changes, moisture issues |
| Vintage | 4-7 years | Even if running well |
| Daily wear | More frequent | Based on use conditions |
Service needs depend on wearing habits, weather, storage, movement type, and age. Here’s a rough cost guide:
| Brand Level | Basic Service | Major Service |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $200-400 | $500-800 |
| Luxury | $500-1000 | $1000-3000+ |
| Complex Pieces | $800-1500 | $2000-5000+ |
Between services:
- Wind mechanical watches monthly
- Check water resistance yearly
- Monitor accuracy
- Look for moisture
- Listen for odd sounds
"Recommended service intervals are just a rule of thumb. They can vary based on brand and use." – WatchGecko
Service provider options:
| Provider Type | Best For | Consider When |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Centers | Luxury watches | Under warranty |
| Local Shops | Basic repairs | Out of warranty |
| Specialists | Vintage pieces | Special expertise needed |
Here’s the thing: Oils dry out over time, even in unused watches. Regular service catches small issues before they blow up. Skip it, and you might end up with a bigger (and pricier) problem down the road.
FAQs
Is it worth it to service a watch?
Yes, servicing your watch is worth it. Here’s why:
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Protects Value | No service? Lose 20% resale value |
| Prevents Costs | Catch issues early, avoid big repairs |
| Keeps Accuracy | Fresh oils = better performance |
| Extends Life | Well-maintained watches last generations |
Let’s talk money:
| Watch | Service Cost | How Often |
|---|---|---|
| Rolex | $500 | Every 4-5 years |
| Omega | $700 | Every 4-5 years |
| Patek Philippe | Up to $6,000 | Every 3-5 years |
"Regular servicing preserves performance and value." – BlockApps Inc.
Think of it like car maintenance. You wouldn’t skip oil changes until your engine dies, right? Same goes for watches. Dried-up oils create friction, wearing down parts over time.
Got a vintage watch? Even more important. Get it checked when you buy it, then every couple of years if you wear it daily. Water-resistant watches? Check those seals yearly between full services.
