The Importance of Servicing Your Luxury Watch
The Importance of Servicing Your Luxury Watch (And How Often You Should Do It)
Luxury watches like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet are built to last a lifetime—but only if properly maintained. Over time, even the most well-crafted timepieces experience wear and tear, making regular servicing essential to keep them running accurately and preserving their long-term value. In this guide, we’ll break down why watch servicing is important, how often you should do it, and what happens during a professional watch service.
1. Why Servicing Your Luxury Watch is Important
Mechanical watches have hundreds of tiny parts that work together to keep precise time. Without servicing, lubricants dry out, parts wear down, and accuracy declines. Regular maintenance prevents these issues and ensures your watch retains its value.
💎 Related Read: How Much is a Rolex Worth?
2. How Often Should You Service Your Luxury Watch?
The recommended service interval depends on the brand, model, and how often you wear your watch.
✔ Rolex: Every 5-10 years (depending on usage)
✔ Patek Philippe: Every 5-7 years
✔ Audemars Piguet: Every 5-7 years
✔ Omega & Tudor: Every 5-7 years
✔ Daily Wearers: Should be serviced sooner than occasional-use watches
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3. Signs That Your Watch Needs Servicing
Even if you haven’t reached the official service interval, certain warning signs indicate your watch needs immediate attention:
⚠️ It’s running too fast or too slow – A variation of more than 30 seconds per day is a red flag.
⚠️ The second hand stutters or jumps – Indicates lubrication issues or movement damage.
⚠️ Moisture inside the crystal – Water resistance failure can cause internal damage.
⚠️ The rotor sounds louder than usual – Could mean issues with the automatic winding mechanism.
⚠️ Date or chronograph functions aren’t working properly – Mechanical complications can get stuck without proper lubrication.
💎 Explore Rolex Models: Presidential Rolex Review
4. What Happens During a Professional Watch Service?
A professional service involves disassembling, inspecting, cleaning, lubricating, and reassembling your watch. Here’s what to expect:
✔ Case & Bracelet Cleaning: Watchmakers remove dirt, grime, and polish the case.
✔ Movement Disassembly & Cleaning: The movement is taken apart and cleaned in a special solution.
✔ Lubrication & Calibration: Fresh lubricants are applied, and the movement is regulated for accuracy.
✔ Gasket Replacement: Ensures water resistance remains intact.
✔ Pressure Testing: For dive watches, pressure tests confirm the watch’s water resistance.
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5. Can You Service a Luxury Watch Yourself?
While basic cleaning (wiping with a microfiber cloth) can be done at home, a full movement service requires professional expertise. DIY repairs can damage delicate parts, leading to costly repairs.
✔ Safe to Do at Home: Wipe down with a soft cloth, clean with a brush, store properly.
🚫 Never DIY: Opening the case, adjusting the movement, or polishing without expertise.
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6. How Much Does a Watch Service Cost?
The cost of a professional watch service varies based on the brand and complexity of the movement:
✔ Rolex: $600 – $1,200
✔ Patek Philippe: $1,000 – $3,000
✔ Audemars Piguet: $1,000 – $2,500
✔ Omega & Tudor: $400 – $900
💎 Learn More About Rolex Value: How Much is a Rolex Worth?
7. Best Places to Service a Luxury Watch
Always have your watch serviced at an authorized service center or trusted watchmaker. Avoid local jewelers unless they specialize in high-end watches.
🔹 Official Service Centers: Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, and other brands offer manufacturer servicing.
🔹 Certified Independent Watchmakers: Independent horologists often offer more affordable rates.
🔹 Reputable Watch Dealers: Some high-end watch dealers provide servicing for pre-owned watches.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Investment with Regular Servicing
A well-serviced luxury watch can last for generations and even appreciate in value. Following a proper maintenance schedule will keep your timepiece running accurately and in peak condition.
💎 Want More Watch Maintenance Tips? Explore our full collection of expert guides here: The Watch Goat.
