Servicing - or not
Discussion
Just wondering what people's approach to watch servicing is - do you get a watch serviced based on the manufacturer's recommendations, or based on some sort of time schedule (every ten years?) or just ignore it until something goes wrong?
Presumably higher-end stuff is easier to sell if it's been serviced on time, but with cheaper brands is it worth the cost?
My two Seikos are 12 years old and 25 years old - neither have ever been opened and both run well - should I just leave well alone?
Presumably higher-end stuff is easier to sell if it's been serviced on time, but with cheaper brands is it worth the cost?
My two Seikos are 12 years old and 25 years old - neither have ever been opened and both run well - should I just leave well alone?
The general rule that I advise customers, is that the first service of your watch should be completed when the watch stops working.
Then after it’s first service, every year for Water Resistance checks and servicing every 5 years is recommended.
Generally, customers with Rolex sports models that are worn every day find that they can go 15 years without a service. Then once they have a service, they need to be serviced every 5 years.
Then after it’s first service, every year for Water Resistance checks and servicing every 5 years is recommended.
Generally, customers with Rolex sports models that are worn every day find that they can go 15 years without a service. Then once they have a service, they need to be serviced every 5 years.
RiggaTheMighty said:
The general rule that I advise customers, is that the first service of your watch should be completed when the watch stops working.
Then after it’s first service, every year for Water Resistance checks and servicing every 5 years is recommended.
Generally, customers with Rolex sports models that are worn every day find that they can go 15 years without a service. Then once they have a service, they need to be serviced every 5 years.
Yes, I have a rolex 116523 which is now knocking on 17 years old, which I was advised to get serviced every 5 by the AD. Still works fine, apart from gaining a little. (BTW Rigga - I still need to send in the Tag Kirium !)Then after it’s first service, every year for Water Resistance checks and servicing every 5 years is recommended.
Generally, customers with Rolex sports models that are worn every day find that they can go 15 years without a service. Then once they have a service, they need to be serviced every 5 years.
RiggaTheMighty said:
customers with Rolex sports models that are worn every day find that they can go 15 years without a service. Then once they have a service, they need to be serviced every 5 years.
Why is that ? Not doubting you - genuinely curious.Edited by Seight_Returns on Thursday 28th February 12:52
Spumfry said:
Just wondering what people's approach to watch servicing is - do you get a watch serviced based on the manufacturer's recommendations, or based on some sort of time schedule (every ten years?) or just ignore it until something goes wrong?
Given that the higher end stuff - Patek, Breguet etc - cost such a huge amount to service, and they seem to replace a lot of parts too - I am of the view that you service it only when it stops. The cost to repair is the same as a service.I had a JLC (now sold) that stopped every 3 years (I'm told it was because it had a small movement) and cost around £800 to service.... and yet others I have go on and on.
bristolbaron said:
Every 5 years.
My cars get serviced annually, times the cost of that by 5 and the totals higher.. there’s a lot less done in car servicing too!
I wouldn’t wait until an engine failed, why would I wait for a watch that’s running 24/7?
Not a useful analogy, a car engine and a watch have moving parts and are made of metal, but from there they differ in just about all ways.My cars get serviced annually, times the cost of that by 5 and the totals higher.. there’s a lot less done in car servicing too!
I wouldn’t wait until an engine failed, why would I wait for a watch that’s running 24/7?
fausTVR said:
Not a useful analogy, a car engine and a watch have moving parts and are made of metal, but from there they differ in just about all ways.
Watches require lubrication and lack of servicing dries oils, potentially damaging components. Watch servicing involves a complete strip down of the movement, a very specialist task (akin to an engine rebuild). The comparison was predominantly to reflect costs involved. Some might not see value in annual car maintenance either, but £500 every 5 years to keep a quality timepiece up together isn’t a huge expense.
Use it until it shows signs of poor time keeping (or lack of operation) and then service. Servicing them regularly every 3-5 years is a bit daft really. IMHO.
When I had mine serviced 3 years ago they change a whole list of things which was all covered under the fixed service price so the car analogy doesnt really transport.
When I had mine serviced 3 years ago they change a whole list of things which was all covered under the fixed service price so the car analogy doesnt really transport.
Edited by thebraketester on Saturday 2nd March 23:52
Patch1875 said:
My Tag Carrera auto seems to need a service every 3 years or so it usually starts running slow.
My Omega Speedmaster moon has never been serviced it’s 13yo now still keeps perfect time.
That sounds so remarkably familiar, Carrera is going to be de-magnetised first to see if that helps timekeeping, laptops, iPads, and even mobile phones can cause this, i'm going that route first mainly because dealer is doing it a s a freebie.My Omega Speedmaster moon has never been serviced it’s 13yo now still keeps perfect time.
Seight_Returns said:
Why is that ? Not doubting you - genuinely curious.
Straight out of the factory, with brand new parts, brand new oils & greases, brand new jewels and bridges, brand new winding work and hand setting mechanism. Edited by Seight_Returns on Thursday 28th February 12:52
At that point, the parts in the watch are not worn, not subject to burrs on the wheels, worn teeth, damaged pivots, etc.
Therefore the watch can run and run, until something stops.
After that, when serviced, the train bridges, the winding work, the balance, the setting mechanisms.......they are all worn slightly, so will not run as perfectly as straight out of the factory.
So with that being the case, something like a Rolex, which is very well made could last 15-20 years without ever having an intervention. While a rotary automatic could suffer a breakdown within 12 months of purchase and need a full overhaul, because its all Chinese rubbish.
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