When to Service: Brand-by-Brand Guidelines
When Should You Service?
Different brands recommend different service intervals. Here is a practical guide to what those recommendations mean and when to actually act.
General Guidelines
| Movement Type | Recommended Interval | Reality |
|---|---|---|
| Seiko NH35/NH34 | Every 5-7 years | Many run 10+ years without issues |
| ETA 2824 | Every 3-5 years | Swiss brands often recommend shorter intervals |
| Patek Philippe | Every 3-5 years | Strict for warranty validity |
| Rolex | Every 10 years | Longer intervals by design |
Service vs Repair
Service: preventive maintenance — complete disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, regulation, gasket replacement. Done on schedule regardless of symptoms.
Repair: fixing a specific problem — accuracy drift, water ingress, broken hand. Done when something fails.
Signs Service Is Due
- Accuracy drifts beyond spec consistently
- Power reserve noticeably shrinks
- Hand-winding feels gritty or stiff
- Rotor makes unusual sounds
- Water resistance fails pressure test
What Service Costs
- Basic service (clean, oil, regulate): $80-200 for standard movements
- With parts (crystal, gaskets, crown): $120-300
- Grand complication service: $500-2,000+ depending on complexity
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip service if the watch runs fine?
You can — but oil degradation is invisible until accuracy suffers. Preventive service is cheaper than repair.
Does service affect value?
Regular service from authorized centers maintains value. Neglected watches lose value.
Where do our watches get serviced?
Our watches use Seiko NH35/NH34 — serviceable by any competent watchmaker worldwide. See our servicing guide.