WATCH RITUAL
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Care and ownership · 2 min read

Watch servicing: how often, what happens and what it costs.

Most brands suggest servicing a mechanical watch every five to ten years, or sooner if it starts losing reserve, running erratically or fogging up. A full service strips, cleans, oils and regulates the movement and replaces the seals. For affordable automatics, replacing the whole movement can cost less than servicing it.

By Sebastian Bassolino, Editor · Updated October 17, 2026

How often.

There is no universal interval. Brands generally recommend somewhere between five and ten years for mechanical watches; follow your manufacturer’s guidance and the watch’s behaviour. Oils thicken over time, and a watch run on dry oil wears faster. A quartz watch needs a new battery every few years and a seal check at the same time; its movement can run for many years beyond that.

Signs it needs attention.

  • Power reserve noticeably shorter than when new.
  • Timekeeping suddenly outside its specification (check for magnetism first).
  • Rough or gritty winding, or a crown that will not engage properly.
  • Condensation under the crystal: have it seen promptly, as moisture damages movements.
  • Date changing at the wrong time or sticking.

What a full service includes.

  1. The movement is removed and fully disassembled.
  2. Parts are cleaned and inspected; worn parts are replaced.
  3. The movement is reassembled, lubricated and regulated.
  4. Case and bracelet are cleaned, and often refinished on request.
  5. Gaskets are replaced and water resistance is pressure-tested.

Affordable watches: service or replace?

Many affordable watches use mass-produced movements such as the Seiko NH35 or Miyota 8215. A replacement movement can cost less than a full service on one, so a good watchmaker may suggest swapping it. On Swiss and higher-end watches, a proper service is the right route, and using the brand or an authorised service centre preserves the warranty.

Look after it between services.

  • Rinse after salt water or chlorine.
  • Avoid shocks: a hard knock can damage the balance staff even on watches with shock protection.
  • Keep it away from magnets.
  • Have water resistance tested regularly if you swim with it.

A few good questions.

How often should an automatic watch be serviced?

Most brands suggest every five to ten years. Follow your manufacturer’s recommendation, and service sooner if performance changes.

How much does a watch service cost?

It varies widely by movement and brand. Simple automatics cost far less than chronographs or luxury Swiss watches; ask for a quote first.

Do quartz watches need servicing?

Mainly battery changes and seal checks. Movements can need cleaning after many years, but much less often than mechanical watches.

How we write guides: we explain watchmaking from manufacturer documentation and published standards, and say plainly where numbers vary by brand or movement. Our approach.