Watch Servicing Explained: When It's Due and What It Should Cost
"Does My Watch Really Need Servicing?"
Mechanical watches are often advertised as "servicing every 5 years." Reality is more nuanced — and less expensive. Here is when service is actually due, what happens inside, and what it should cost.
Servicing Is Condition-Based, Not Calendar-Based
Modern watch oils last longer than the old five-year rule assumes. Service when symptoms appear:
- Accuracy drifts beyond ±30 sec/day consistently
- Power reserve visibly shrinks (dies overnight after full wear-days)
- Hand-winding or setting feels gritty or stiff
- Rotor makes new noises, or you hear rattling
A healthy NH35 worn regularly can run beautifully for many years before its first service. Our accuracy troubleshooting guide helps distinguish service needs from fixable issues like magnetism.
What Happens During a Full Service
- Complete teardown — movement disassembled part by part
- Ultrasonic cleaning — old oil, dirt and metal particles removed
- Wear inspection — jewels, pivots and gaskets checked under magnification
- Reassembly with fresh lubricants — each pivot gets the correct oil type
- Regulation — rate adjusted in multiple positions
- Pressure testing — water resistance restored and verified
Between services, the habits in our maintenance guide meaningfully extend intervals.
What It Should Cost
| Service Type | Typical Range | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (clean, oil, regulate) | $80–150 | Full teardown of standard automatics like NH35 |
| With parts (crystal, gaskets, crown) | $120–250 | Plus replacement components |
| Battery change (quartz/VK63) | $10–25 | Cell swap + gasket check + pressure test |
Be suspicious of quotes far above these ranges for standard movements — the NH35 family was designed for affordable worldwide servicing, which is precisely why we build on it.
DIY-Friendly Platform
Part of the NH35's appeal: parts availability and documentation make even owner-performed basics realistic. Start with safe jobs from our tool kit guide, and leave full tear-downs to a watchmaker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip servicing forever?
The watch will keep running as oils degrade — until accuracy and reserve suffer. Think of it like an oil change: skippable, unwise.
Does opening the case void anything?
Funny Items watches are built for modding; opening affects water resistance only if gaskets are disturbed — always pressure test after.
How long does a service take?
Typically 1–3 weeks at a shop including testing.