When Should You Service Your Watch? A Practical Guide
Whether it’s a faithful daily companion or a cherished heirloom, your watch deserves thoughtful care to keep it running reliably for years to come. While quartz and mechanical watches operate differently, both benefit from periodic maintenance. Like any precision instrument—or a well-loved car—regular servicing helps ensure performance, longevity, and peace of mind.
Below is a guide based on how often you wear your watch and the type of movement inside.
Daily Wear – Every 4–6 Years
Mechanical watches are intricate machines. With regular use, lubricants gradually break down, and wear particles can accumulate. Timely servicing keeps the movement precise, maintains water resistance, and helps prevent long-term damage.
Occasional Wear – Every 6–8 Years
Watches that see occasional wear experience less stress—but oils still age and gaskets can still deteriorate. Even if everything seems fine, quiet issues may be developing beneath the dial.
Stored Mechanical Watches – Every 5–7 Years
Unworn doesn’t mean untouched. Lubricants dry, seals shrink, and moisture can creep in. Regular inspection and preventive care help preserve these timepieces while in storage.
Vintage Mechanical (Pre-1980) – Every 3–5 Years
Older watches often use different materials and oils, and many parts are more delicate or irreplaceable. Routine care is essential to preserve both function and value. If you’ve inherited or acquired a vintage piece, it’s wise to have it checked—even if it appears to run well.
What’s Included in a Full Watch Service
- Complete movement inspection
- Disassembly, ultrasonic cleaning, and re-lubrication
- Battery replacement (for quartz models)
- Replacement of gaskets and seals
- Pressure testing for water-resistant watches
- Timing regulation and performance testing
Daily Wear – Every 5–7 Years
Quartz movements are remarkably reliable, but daily use places steady wear on gaskets, lubricants, and other key components. A full service every 5–7 years keeps the movement clean, properly lubricated, and sealed against moisture. We’ll also check for battery leakage—an often silent issue that can lead to costly damage.
Occasional Wear – Every 7–10 Years
Even watches worn only now and then need care. Lubricants degrade over time, and seals can lose effectiveness. Infrequent wear calls for less frequent servicing, but it’s still essential to prevent unnoticed deterioration.
Stored Watches – Check Every 3–5 Years
When a quartz watch is stored, the battery poses the biggest risk. If left too long, it can leak and cause corrosion. We recommend checking stored watches every few years—just to be safe.
Quartz Chronograph or Complications – Every 4–6 Years
Complicated quartz movements (like chronographs or alarms) draw more power and contain more moving parts. They benefit from slightly more frequent maintenance to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Need Guidance? We’re Here.
If you’re unsure whether your watch is due for service, just reach out. We’re always happy to take a look, offer honest recommendations, and help you plan for the care of your timepiece—whether it’s a daily companion or a treasured legacy.
Preserve the precision. Protect the story. Let your watch keep perfect time—for years to come.