Alright, here’s the thing—mechanical watches?They’re way more than just fancy alarms for your 11 a.m. avocado toast. Honestly, these things are like mini masterpieces strapped to your arm—full of insane little gears and springs that some watch nerd probably spent half a year fussing over.Doesn’t matter if you’ve splurged on a shiny new Rolex or you’re rocking Grandpa’s old Omega—these beauties need some TLC if you want ‘em ticking for the long haul.
So, what’s the deal with watch servicing? We’re diving into why it actually matters (hint: ignoring it is a bad plan), how often you should drag your watch in for a checkup, and those telltale signs that it’s crying out for a spa day. Stick around, especially if you don’t want your wrist candy tapping out on you mid-meeting.
Why Do Mechanical Watches Need Servicing?
Unlike quartz watches, mechanical watches use very complex gears, springs, and jewels - all of which wear over time. These parts will need cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment.
Here’s what servicing helps with:
1. Prevent Wear & Tear
Movements natural oil dries out with time. Metal parts can touch, creating irreparable damage without lubrication.
2. Timekeeping Accuracy.
A properly serviced mechanical watch will keep accurate time (-4 to +6 seconds/day on chronometer level) without service the watch can gain or lose minutes.
3. Preserve Water Resistance
Rubber gaskets or seals—sure! Those things aren’t designed to last forever—they crack, they dry out, and ultimately—there comes a day when they just give up on life, you know?! So, if you have your watch serviced, someone should actually inspect those little guys and replace them if they are well and truly expired. That is really the only way to confirm that your watch doesn't end up full of water or dust!
4. Extend Life
A properly maintained quality mechanical watch can last generations. Therefore, it will be helpful investment that makes a meaningful family heirloom.
5. Protect Resale Value
With a service history from certified professionals, resale value or trade-in value is higher, especially for collectors.
How Often Should You Service Your Mechanical Watch? Most allow for a full service every three to five years, but again, this varies depending on:
The brand and movement type
How frequently you wear it
Exposure to water, dust, or magnetic fields
If you’ve dropped your watch or banged it up—yeah, you probably wanna get it checked sooner rather than later. Brands like Rolex or Omega? They’ll tell you every 10 years is fine for the newer stuff. But those old-school or more fragile watches? They’re kinda needy, so you’ll be seeing your watchmaker more often.
Signs Your Watch Needs Servicing
You don’t always need to wait years — some signs tell you it’s time for a check-up now:
Sign | What It Means |
Watch is running fast or slow | Possible issue with the balance wheel or lubrication |
Stops randomly | The mainspring may be weak or damaged |
Unusual ticking noises | Gears may be out of alignment |
Condensation inside the dial | Compromised water resistance |
Crown feels stiff | Dirt or dried lubricants in the movement |
What Happens During a Mechanical Watch Service?
A full service typically includes:
Disassembly of the movement
Ultrasonic cleaning of each part
Inspection and replacement of worn components
Lubrication with high-grade oils
Reassembly and regulation for accuracy
Pressure testing (for water-resistant models)
If you're considering a touch-up for your watch case and bracelet, you can either not do it or do it--whatever your style. Just a tip: don't hand a polishing job off to your random local guy if you are asking for any polishing. Only do it at an official service center or a certified watchmaker. You are just protecting your warranty and keeping your watch from being a scratched-up piece of junk.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Your mechanical watch is a trusted instrument: treat it like one. Routine service keeps it accurate while also safeguarding all the skill and craftsmanship that made it possible, and its value
When you think of a routine service, do not think of it as an expense; rather, it is an upfront cost for something that can last a lifetime (or more).
