How To Tell If A Watch Needs Servicing
Owning a luxury watch isn’t just about telling the time, it’s about celebrating craftsmanship, heritage, and precision engineering. But even the finest timepieces need a little care from time to time. At Luxe Watches, we’ve spent years restoring, servicing and selling some of the most prestigious brands, and one of the most common questions we get asked is: how to tell if a watch needs servicing?
Let’s walk you through the tell-tale signs, what happens during a professional service, and why regular maintenance is key to keeping your watch performing at its best.
Do Watches Need Servicing?
In short, yes, they do. A luxury watch is made up of hundreds of tiny components all working together in harmony. Over time, lubricants dry out, seals degrade, and even small knocks can throw things off balance. Without regular servicing, accuracy and performance can be reduced, and what started as a small issue can quickly become a costly repair.
So, if you’ve ever wondered should you service your watch? The answer is yes, especially if you want to protect your investment and keep your timepiece in perfect working order for years to come.
How To Tell If A Watch Needs Servicing
After working with luxury watches for over a decade, we’ve seen just about every sign that a timepiece is due for a service. Here are the most common ones we come across in our accredited workshop:
- Losing or gaining time- If your watch isn’t keeping time as accurately as it used to, it’s likely due for a service.
- A short power reserve- When a mechanical watch stops sooner than expected, it could mean internal wear or old lubrication.
- Moisture or fog under the crystal- This is never a good sign. Even a little condensation can cause long-term damage.
- Unusual noises or stiffness- If you feel extra resistance when setting the time or hear grinding sounds, get it checked.
- It’s been more than 4-6 years since the last service- Even if it’s running fine, routine maintenance is key to preventing problems.
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to bring your watch in for an expert inspection.
What Happens During a Watch Service
When you bring your watch to Luxe Watches, it’s treated with the same level of care and attention we’d give our own timepieces. Our service process is thorough from start to finish:
- Assessment- We begin by examining your watch’s performance and condition.
- Disassembly & cleaning- The movement is carefully dismantled and ultrasonically cleaned to remove dirt and old oil.
- Inspection & replacement- We inspect every part for wear and replace any that don’t meet manufacturer standards.
- Lubrication & reassembly- Each component is lubricated and reassembled with precision.
- Testing & regulation of internal components- We adjust timing across multiple positions and test water resistance (if applicable).
- Finishing touches- We clean and polish the case and bracelet before returning your watch, ensuring it looks and functions beautifully.
The goal is simple: to return your watch as close as possible to its original performance.
How Often Should You Service Your Watch?
As a rule of thumb, most luxury watches benefit from professional servicing every 4-6 years to assess any potential internal damage. However, if your watch is frequently exposed to water, used during sport, or worn daily, we’d recommend checking it every 2-3 years to ensure timekeeping accuracy.
Vintage watches may also need more regular attention, even if they’re not worn often, as mechanical parts and seals naturally age over time.
| Regular servicing helps: Maintain accuracy and reliability.Preserve water resistance.Protect delicate movement components.Retain the value of your investment. |
Why Choose Luxe Watches For Servicing?
Here at Luxe Watches, we’re passionate about what we do. Every watch that comes through our doors, whether it’s a Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe or something equally special, gets the full attention of our experienced watchmakers.
We only use genuine or manufacturer-approved parts, provide detailed service reports, and all our work is covered by a service warranty. Whether you need a full overhaul, a simple pressure test, or a cosmetic refresh, we’ll tailor our approach to suit your timepiece and your needs.
When customers ask us, “How to tell if a watch needs servicing?” our answer is simple- trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel quite right, or it’s been a few years since your last check, it’s worth bringing it in. A little care now could save you a lot later.
Final Thoughts
A luxury watch is built to last a lifetime, but only if it’s cared for properly. Servicing isn’t just maintenance; it’s part of the ownership experience.
If you’re unsure whether your watch needs attention, our team at Luxe Watches would be happy to help. Pop into our boutique and professional service centre, give us a call, or book a full service through our website, including battery replacements. We’ll assess your watch, explain what’s needed and ensure it’s ticking perfectly once again.
After all, time is precious- and so is your watch!