Servicing is the least discussed part of watch ownership and the most expensive to neglect. A movement that runs dry wears itself out, and the damage costs far more to correct than the service would have.
Typical intervals
| Movement | Service interval | Typical cost (relative) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical (automatic or manual) | 4–7 years | High |
| Quartz | Battery every 2–3 years, gaskets at 5 | Low |
| Solar / Eco-Drive | Gaskets at 5–10 years | Low |
How you wear it matters. A watch worn daily and kept wound ages faster than one worn occasionally. A watch left stopped for years still needs servicing, because lubricants degrade with time rather than use.
What a service involves
- The movement is fully disassembled.
- Every part is cleaned in solvent baths.
- Worn parts — typically gaskets and sometimes the mainspring — are replaced.
- The movement is reassembled and lubricated at specific points.
- It is regulated on a timing machine to bring rates back within specification.
- The case is resealed, pressure-tested and refinished if requested.
A proper service takes a qualified watchmaker several hours. If a quote is unusually cheap, ask precisely what is included.
Warning signs it is overdue
- Gaining or losing time progressively. Usually the first signal.
- Inconsistent rate. Accurate one week, minutes out the next.
- Rough winding. Gritty or stiff feel when winding a manual watch.
- Fogging under the crystal. A failed gasket. Stop wearing it near water immediately.
- Stopping overnight. Power reserve has dropped below specification.
What you can do yourself
Very little inside the movement, and you should not try. What you can do is keep the watch clean, avoid magnetism, rinse it after salt water, and store it somewhere dry. That extends intervals and prevents most avoidable failures.
Is servicing worth it?
On a watch you intend to keep, always. On an inexpensive watch, compare the service quote against replacement cost — but remember that a serviced mechanical watch can outlast several replacements.
All watches from our shop ship with the manufacturer’s international warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Does an unused watch need servicing?
Yes. Oils thicken and separate with time regardless of use. Sitting idle is not preservation.
How much does servicing cost?
It varies widely by brand and movement complexity. Establish the figure before buying — it is part of the true cost of ownership.
Can I service it anywhere?
Use an authorised service centre during the warranty period. Afterwards, a reputable independent watchmaker is often better value.
