How Often Should You Service Your Watch?
How Often Should You Service Your Watch?
One of the most common questions we hear at our Kuala Lumpur workshop is: how often should I service my watch? The answer depends on your watch type, age, and how you use it.
Mechanical Watches: Every 3-5 Years
Mechanical watches — whether automatic or manual-wind — contain dozens of tiny moving parts that require regular maintenance. We recommend a full service every 3 to 5 years.
Signs your mechanical watch needs service:
- Losing or gaining more than 30 seconds per day
- The crown feels stiff or gritty when winding
- Moisture visible under the crystal
- Unusual noises from the movement
Quartz Watches: Every 5-7 Years
Quartz watches are lower maintenance but still need attention. Replace the battery when the seconds hand starts jumping in 2-second intervals (End of Life indicator). A full service every 5-7 years keeps the movement clean and the seals intact.
Luxury Watches: Follow Manufacturer Guidelines
Rolex recommends service every 10 years for modern watches. Omega suggests 5-8 years depending on the model. These intervals assume normal wear — if you swim, dive, or work in dusty environments, service more frequently.
What Happens If You Skip Service?
Old lubricants gum up. Dust enters the movement. Water degrades gaskets. The result? A repair that costs 2-3x more than routine servicing would have.