Guide
Watch servicing explained
What a service generally involves, signs a watch may need looking at, and why there's no single rule for how often.
Mechanical (automatic and manual-wind) watches
A full service by a watchmaker typically includes:
- Taking the movement apart, cleaning the parts and inspecting them for wear.
- Replacing worn or damaged parts, and fresh lubrication where the design calls for it.
- Reassembling and regulating it so it keeps good time in different positions.
- Replacing gaskets and seals, and pressure-testing if the watch is meant to be water-resistant.
- Often a case and bracelet clean; refinishing or polishing is usually optional, so ask first.
Quartz watches
- Battery replacement is the most common job; leaking old batteries can damage the movement.
- Seals can be checked or replaced and the watch pressure-tested after the case has been opened.
- The movement may be cleaned, have its circuit or coil checked, or be replaced if faulty.
- Solar and some other quartz types use rechargeable cells that can also wear out over many years.
Signs it may be worth an inspection
- It gains or loses noticeably more than it used to. Track its accuracy to see the trend.
- A mechanical watch's power reserve has dropped, or it stops unexpectedly.
- Condensation or fog under the crystal, or water inside.
- The crown feels gritty or loose, the date sticks, or a pusher doesn't work.
- After a hard knock, or if the case has been opened without a pressure test.
How often?
There's no universal interval. Recommendations vary widely by manufacturer and movement, and real needs depend on age, condition, how often it's worn and whether it meets water. Follow your manufacturer's guidance (see the Watch Manuals Directory) and the watch's actual behaviour, and ask a qualified watchmaker for a quote and an explanation of what they'll do. Prices vary too much to give a figure here.
Log services and set reminders in the Maintenance Planner.