How Often Should You Service Your Luxury Watch?

Luxury watches are more than just timepieces; they are works of fine engineering. Like machines, they require maintenance to ensure they continue to function properly. Whether it's a Rolex, Omega, or Patek Philippe, regular maintenance ensures that your watch will perform well for many years and likely even generations!

So when should you service your luxury watch?

Every 3–5 years (on average)

On average, most watchmakers recommend servicing a high-end watch every 3–5 years, even before it appears to be running well. Just think of a car; it needs an oil change even if it runs perfectly well.

But this timeframe is not universal. Let’s see what makes it flicker.

Things That May Alter the Timeline:

1. Degree of Use

Regular wearers may require more frequent servicing for their watches. Dust, moisture, and wear-and-tear harm the movement inside.

2. Water Exposure

No matter how water-resistant, a watch is never waterproof for life. The gaskets eventually wear out. If you enjoy showering or swimming with your wristwatch, we recommend yearly checkups.

3. Mechanical versus Quartz Movement

Mechanical watches (manual or automatic) generally need servicing more often than battery-powered quartz watches. Why? The more moving parts, the greater its wear.

4. Your watch has found itself in extreme temperature or shock conditions.

If your watch has been subjected to heat, extreme cold, or shock, it is advisable to have it serviced even sooner.

Why Have an Immediate Watch Service? The following indicates urgent servicing:

• It is either running too fast or too slow.
• Stiff crown or winder
• Moisture trapped under the glass
• Strange ticking-type noise accompanied by grinding
• Power reserve runs out too quickly.
• What Is Done During A Watch Service?
• This generally includes:
• Complete stripping the watch down.
• Cleaning parts
• Replacing worn-out parts
• Oiling the movement
• Testing water resistance
• Polishing the case and bracelet

Think of it as a spa day for the watch.

A Well-Serviced Watch Lasts a Lifetime

Servicing your watch protects it from not looking good and functioning for decades. Whenever worn or kept away, regular servicing protects your investment and maintains its value.

Are you in need of expert guidance? Haute Horologe doesn't just deal in pre-owned luxury watches; we also ensure that they are thoroughly serviced and cared for. Be sure to check out our collection for service assistance!