The Importance of Watch Servicing: How Often and Why It Matters

For many, owning a luxury watch is not only a matter of personal style but also a significant investment. Whether it’s a mechanical, automatic, or quartz timepiece, regular maintenance is essential to ensure that your watch continues to function smoothly for years to come. However, many watch owners are unaware of how often they should service their watches or why it’s so important.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the importance of watch servicing, explain how often you should have your watch serviced, and outline the consequences of neglecting regular maintenance. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time watch owner, understanding the proper care of your timepiece is essential to preserving both its functionality and value.

1. What is Watch Servicing?

Watch servicing is a process similar to getting your car maintained—it's about keeping your watch in optimal condition so it can run accurately and smoothly over time. Servicing typically involves disassembling the watch to clean, lubricate, and repair or replace any worn-out parts. Additionally, the watch is regulated to ensure its timekeeping accuracy, and water-resistant watches are tested to ensure they still meet their original water-resistance ratings.

A comprehensive watch service may include the following steps:

• Disassembly: The movement is taken apart piece by piece, and the parts are cleaned using specialized equipment.
• Inspection and Replacement: Worn-out components, such as gaskets, seals, and springs, are inspected and replaced if necessary.
• Lubrication: The movement is reassembled and lubricated to reduce friction and wear on the moving parts.
• Timing Adjustment: The watch’s timekeeping is regulated to ensure precision.
• Water-Resistance Test: For dive watches and water-resistant models, the seals and gaskets are checked and replaced, and the watch is tested for water resistance.
• Polishing (Optional): The case and bracelet may be polished to remove scratches and restore the watch's original finish.

Servicing a watch is a meticulous process performed by skilled watchmakers, often requiring several hours or even days to complete depending on the complexity of the movement.

2. How Often Should You Service Your Watch?

The frequency of watch servicing depends on several factors, including the type of movement, the conditions in which the watch is worn, and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Generally, most watchmakers recommend servicing mechanical watches every 3 to 5 years.

Mechanical Watches (Manual and Automatic):

• Recommended Servicing: Every 3 to 5 years.
• Why It’s Important: Mechanical watches contain hundreds of moving parts, all of which are subject to wear and tear over time. Lubricants in the movement dry out and can lead to increased friction, which can affect accuracy and damage components. Regular servicing helps ensure that the watch continues to run smoothly and accurately, while also preventing more costly repairs down the road.

Quartz Watches:

• Recommended Servicing: Every 5 to 7 years.
• Why It’s Important: Quartz watches have fewer moving parts compared to mechanical watches, but they still require periodic servicing. While quartz movements are generally more accurate and require less maintenance, battery changes should be performed by a professional to avoid damage to the movement. Additionally, gaskets and seals in quartz watches degrade over time, and servicing ensures continued water resistance and protection against dust and moisture.

Water-Resistant or Dive Watches:

• Recommended Servicing: Every 1 to 2 years (for water resistance testing).
• Why It’s Important: Dive watches and water-resistant watches rely on rubber gaskets and seals to maintain their water resistance. These components degrade over time, especially if the watch is frequently exposed to water, salt, and varying temperatures. Regular testing ensures the watch retains its water resistance, preventing water from entering the case and damaging the movement.

3. The Consequences of Skipping Watch Servicing

Skipping regular servicing can lead to several issues that could affect the performance and longevity of your watch. Here are some common problems that arise when servicing is neglected:

1. Loss of Accuracy:

One of the most common signs that your watch needs servicing is a noticeable loss of accuracy. Mechanical watches, in particular, may start gaining or losing several minutes a day due to worn parts or dried-out lubricants. When a watch is regularly serviced, the movement is regulated to keep time within the manufacturer’s specifications, ensuring it stays accurate.

2. Wear and Tear on the Movement:

Over time, the lubricants inside a watch movement dry out or become contaminated with dust and debris. This increases friction between moving parts, leading to premature wear. Left unchecked, this wear can cause significant damage to the movement, leading to expensive repairs or even the need for a complete overhaul.

3. Compromised Water Resistance:

For dive watches or water-resistant watches, failing to service the watch regularly can result in compromised water resistance. Gaskets and seals break down over time, allowing moisture to seep into the case. Water inside the watch can cause rust and corrosion, severely damaging the movement and dial. Regular servicing ensures these seals are replaced before they fail, maintaining the watch’s water resistance.

4. Shortened Lifespan:

Like any finely tuned machine, a watch’s lifespan can be significantly shortened if it is not properly maintained. Neglecting regular servicing leads to greater wear on the internal components, and over time, this can cause parts to break or become damaged beyond repair. A well-maintained watch, on the other hand, can last for generations and may even increase in value over time.

4. When Should You Take Your Watch in for Servicing?

In addition to following the recommended service intervals, there are specific signs that indicate it’s time to take your watch to a professional:

• Loss of Accuracy: If your mechanical watch starts to lose or gain time significantly (by more than 10-15 seconds a day), it’s a good indicator that the movement needs attention.

• Power Reserve Issues: If your automatic watch stops too soon after winding, or if the power reserve is shorter than it should be, the movement likely needs servicing.

• Unusual Sounds or Stiffness: If you hear unusual noises, such as grinding or scraping, when winding the watch or setting the time, or if the crown feels stiff, it’s time for a service.

• Water Damage: If you see condensation under the crystal or notice water inside the case, the watch needs immediate attention. Water damage can wreak havoc on the movement, so the sooner it’s addressed, the better.

• Regular Battery Changes (Quartz Watches): For quartz watches, the battery should be changed every 1 to 2 years. A professional watchmaker will change the battery and also check the gaskets and water resistance during this process.

5. The Benefits of Regular Watch Servicing

Regularly servicing your watch offers several key benefits:

• Maintains Timekeeping Accuracy: A properly serviced watch will keep time as accurately as possible, reducing the chances of drift and improving its reliability.

• Preserves Watch Value: Whether you own a luxury timepiece or a beloved family heirloom, regular servicing helps maintain its value over time. Well-maintained watches, especially those from prestigious brands, tend to hold their value better and may even appreciate.

• Prevents Costly Repairs: Regular maintenance can help catch issues early before they become major problems, saving you from costly repairs down the line.

• Extends Lifespan: With proper care, a high-quality watch can last for generations, becoming a cherished family heirloom. Regular servicing ensures the longevity of the movement and keeps it functioning smoothly.

6. Conclusion: Why Watch Servicing Matters

Just like any finely tuned machine, a luxury watch requires regular care and attention to perform at its best. Servicing your watch every few years not only ensures that it continues to run accurately, but also prevents long-term damage that could result in costly repairs or even replacement.

Whether you own a mechanical, automatic, or quartz watch, regular servicing is a small price to pay to keep your timepiece functioning perfectly for years to come. Taking the time to maintain your watch properly will help you enjoy it for a lifetime and even pass it down to future generations.

So, if it’s been a while since your last service or if your watch is showing signs of wear, consider taking it to a professional watchmaker. Your timepiece will thank you—and so will your future self.