A mechanical watch is so much more than a way to tell the time, it’s a little work of art on your wrist. Every tick and sweep are powered by dozens of tiny components, all moving in harmony to keep things running smoothly. But just like a car needs its MOT, your watch also needs a bit of care and attention if it’s going to stay in top shape.
Servicing isn’t just about keeping it accurate. It helps protect the value of your watch, prevents small niggles turning into big (and often costly) problems, and may even save you extra steps with warranties or watch insurance down the line. In short, a little TLC goes a long way.
How often should you service your watch?
This is the question most owners ask and the answer isn’t always straightforward. It depends on the brand, the type of movement, and how often (and where) you wear it. But here’s a rough guide:
- Rolex suggests a full service roughly every 10 years, though if you wear your watch daily or in tougher conditions, it may need attention sooner.
- Omega recommends a service every 5 to 8 years, with annual water-resistance checks in between.
- TAG Heuer advises a 5 to 6-year service cycle and recommends having water-resistant models tested every two years.
- Patek Philippe suggests servicing every 3 to 5 years, which is especially important for watches with complicated movements.
These aren’t hard and fast rules. If you only wear a watch occasionally, you might stretch the intervals a bit. On the other hand, if you swim with it, expose it to dust, or wear it every day, you’ll probably need to service it sooner.
Signs your watch needs attention
Even if your watch isn’t technically “due” a service, it will often give you little nudges when something’s wrong. Common signs include:
- It’s suddenly losing or gaining time beyond a few seconds a day.
- You spot fogging or condensation under the crystal.
- It makes unusual grinding or scraping sounds when winding.
- The power reserve runs out far quicker than expected.
- You notice physical damage, a loose crown, worn strap or cracked crystal.
Ignoring these symptoms can make things worse. A simple seal replacement for example, might be all that’s needed now but left too long, it could turn into a much more expensive repair.
Why servicing matters for resale value
Think of service records like a car’s logbook. A watch with a neat history of care is always going to appeal more to buyers than one with a blank record.
Watch collectors and buyers love to see official receipts and stamps. It shows the watch has been properly maintained.
And while a watch that hasn’t been touched in 10–15 years may look fine on the outside, it could be hiding internal wear that drags its value down.
With vintage pieces, sympathetic servicing is especially important. Collectors often prefer original parts, so using an authorised or trusted independent specialist really matters.
If selling is even a possibility in the future, a paper trail of careful servicing is a simple way to protect your investment.
Performance and longevity
Skipping services doesn’t just potentially hurt its resale value it affects how your watch behaves on your wrist. The oils that keep the gears turning don’t last forever. Over time, they dry out, leaving parts rubbing against each other and wearing down.
It is like driving your car without ever changing the oil. While it might keep going for a while, eventually things will seize up. A watch is the same small, regular services keep it working at its best.
Why servicing matters for watch warranties
Here’s something people may overlook warranties often hinge on proper care. If something goes wrong because the seals weren’t replaced or the movement was left too long without lubrication, the manufacturer may argue the warranty no longer applies.
Most brands also want you to stick with their authorised service centres. Using an unapproved watchmaker can sometimes invalidate cover. It may feel restrictive, but it’s usually worth following the rules if you want your warranty to stay intact.
How watch insurance ties in
Insurance for watches is there to protect you against the unexpected theft, loss, or accidental damage. But the care of your watch still plays a role.
Some policies, especially those covering high value or vintage watches, expect that you’ll take “reasonable care” of your timepiece. If a watch fails because it hasn’t been serviced in 15 years, an insurer might not be too sympathetic.
At Assetsure, we encourage clients to keep hold of their service records. While these are not generally required for a straightforward claim, they can be useful in supporting your position should any questions arise. Keeping these documents also helps demonstrate the care you’ve taken with your watch, which is not only reassuring for insurers but also adds to its long-term value as an owner.
Keeping a simple watch record
A little organisation goes a long way. Keep a folder with your purchase receipt, warranty card, and all your service paperwork. It helps in three ways:
- It protects your warranty.
- It strengthens your watch insurance cover.
- It potentially boosts your watch’s future resale value.
A sensible approach
A fine watch is built to last a lifetime but only if you look after it. Servicing may not be glamorous, and yes, it costs money and time, but it’s potentially one of the best ways to protect your watch’s accuracy, value, and long term performance.
It could also make life easier if you ever need to rely on your warranty or your insurance. In short: caring for your watch means caring for your investment.
A balanced approach is best: follow your brand’s guidance, check water-resistant watches every year, and never ignore those early warning signs.
If you own a high value or sentimental timepiece, specialist watch insurance adds another layer of peace of mind. Servicing looks after the movement, insurance looks after everything else together, they’re the perfect partnership.
Call us today on 0208 0033 190 to find out how Assetsure can help give you peace of mind that your watch is financially protected. Alternatively, please get a no-obligation watch insurance quote here.
Further reading: Taking care of your watch.
Disclaimer
This blog is for general information only. While we have researched the manufacturers’ service recommendations, we accept no responsibility for their accuracy or for how they may change over time. Servicing intervals can vary depending on the brand and model, and warranty or insurance terms may differ. Always check your manufacturer’s official guidance and your policy wording to confirm what applies to your own watch.
