every 5 years for servicing??

[jowie4]

is it that important to service a rolex every 5 years?? still a newbie! sorry if it's a dumb question.

[A. Jacobs]

That is what is suggested, but I 've heard from some of the other members here that they go longer than that. Personally, I would rather have my Rolex serviced every 4-5 years just to be safe.

[OysterDavid]

Originally Posted by jowie4

is it that important to service a rolex every 5 years?? still a newbie! sorry if it's a dumb question.

Us Rolex owners and keepers tend to fall into three camps on this issue. There are those who mark their calendars four to five years in advance and make a note to send off the watch for routine servicing on that schedule.

Then there are those of us who say 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it', and take the position that these tickers were meant to run, run, run and until it stops keeping time, then why send it in for a routine exam.

Somewhere in the middle are those who choose not to adhere to the rigid five year schedule recommended by Rolex and most of the Rolex watchmakers, and stretch it out to seven or 10 years.

You'll have to find your own comfort zone on this issue. For many, it's dictated by the pocketbook, because at Rolex, the current price for a routine service is upwards of US $450 and an independent who is Rolex trained will charge somewhere in the $350 range, not counting needed parts.

If it's important, you can rationalize the expense by saying you get a new looking watch back from an RSC or a very good independent, so you've invested far less than the retail price new for a new looking and renewed timepiece.

Good luck on your decision.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by jowie4

is it that important to service a rolex every 5 years?? still a newbie! sorry if it's a dumb question.

If you're NOT a flipper like me and can hold on to a Rolex long enough to reach FIVE years, then a service is recommended.

I'm on Rolex #18 over a quarter of a century of wheeling and dealing. Yet to have one ever serviced!!

[Mr. K]

Did my research and asked my question on this topic before.

Every 5 years, probably not. Can a watch go 20 years without a service, maybe.

The question for me was if it is not serviced after 5 years will it grind down parts that make if a more expensive repair. I was told not really. A little more maybe but no enough to keep to the 5 years plan.

I guess I fall into the camp of when it breaks fix it. (or when the guilt gets too much and I have the extra cash to do it.)

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Mr. K

Did my research and asked my question on this topic before.

Every 5 years, probably not. Can a watch go 20 years without a service, maybe.

The question for me was if it is not serviced after 5 years will it grind down parts that make if a more expensive repair. I was told not really. A little more maybe but no enough to keep to the 5 years plan.

I guess I fall into the camp of when it breaks fix it. (or when the guilt gets too much and I have the extra cash to do it.)

I guess if we apply this same analogy to our cars, we'd come up with completely different answers.

Would any of us drive our cars into the ground without any oil change, filter change, sparkplug change, etc.?

Well, there you go....I wouldn't go OVER seven years with a Rolex waiting for a service.

JJ

[Mr. K]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

I guess if we apply this same analogy to our cars, we'd come up with completely different answers.

Would any of us drive our cars into the ground without any oil change, filter change, sparkplug change, etc.?

Well, there you go....I wouldn't go OVER seven years with a Rolex waiting for a service.

JJ

JJ, you have a point. and the car analogy is a common one.

But if the oil goes out or does not do the job in your car. Very nasty things can and will happend.

If the oil goes dry in your watch, it will stop running. That is it.

If a rolex that went dry and were to catch on fire, or start causing major damage I would agree.

But I was told the parts that could at the very worse be destroyed in the watch for lack of lubrication are not that much to replace.

Now the parts in the car that could be detroyed, well... there is serious $.

Do you get your HD T.V., sourround sound system, frig, serviced every 5 years? If not why? They can also be high $ items.

Plus the car is a safety issue. Best case, you are just stranded if it beaks down. Worst case, you die or kill someone.

If your watch stops, worst case... you are late.

[padi56]

Well with the modern synthetic oils used today,and if the watch is not used for any water sports activities.Perhaps a service if everything is running OK at 7 years,but have a few thats gone longer.Rolex now recommend every 5 years at one time it was two years.

[henry2703]

Well Said.. Mr K....

i don't think i will service the watch until it stop moving or slow down terribly.

i can send the watch to a polising service if i need it looking brand new....

[astcell]

When one watch breaks, send it to the shop and wear your other Rolex.

GREAT reason to have more than one!

[Alcan]

I'm not sure how to post a link to a previous post, so here's a copy & paste of one of my previous posts. The math works for me:

"Rolex recommends services at about 5 year intervals. In Canada that's about $700.00 all in for a TT Sub overhaul. I had mine done last year, the watch was 15 years old and had never been serviced. Ended up costing about $1,000 including a couple of innards, a new crystal, and crown and tube.

So, a service every 5 years cost about $700 X 3 + $2,100 in 15 years.
My service cost $1,000 after 15 years.

I figure I saved about $1,100.00 and currently have an essentially brand new Rolex."

[ginzo]

Originally Posted by Alcan

I'm not sure how to post a link to a previous post, so here's a copy & paste of one of my previous posts. The math works for me:

"Rolex recommends services at about 5 year intervals. In Canada that's about $700.00 all in for a TT Sub overhaul. I had mine done last year, the watch was 15 years old and had never been serviced. Ended up costing about $1,000 including a couple of innards, a new crystal, and crown and tube.

So, a service every 5 years cost about $700 X 3 + $2,100 in 15 years.
My service cost $1,000 after 15 years.

I figure I saved about $1,100.00 and currently have an essentially brand new Rolex."

I agree. Every 4-5 years is just to often. Stretching out the service interval based on use and other issues will vary but for me 10 to 15 years seems more practical and could save alot of money with no noticeable loss of performance.

[nko51]

Yes, it is highly recommended!

[Rockrolex]

I generally have fallen into the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" camp. I just had my '83 DJ serviced since I didn't know when, if ever, it had last been serviced. Turns out it had been serviced in about '95, so it went 10+ years between servicing. I had it done by a Rolex certified tech, who said it was dry inside when he opened it. So it's probably a good thing I had it checked.

I can tell you that when it came back, it looked beautiful. So I'm glad I had it done. Now I've got two more, and '86 DD and a '91 DJ that I will probably take in to have worked on. I don't know if the DD has ever been serviced, but I'll bet the DJ has not. So it's time for a check up on both.

[montecristo]

If you do regular pressure test and your watch is running fine, you can do maybe 10-20 years before first service.

I have seen seiko with no service what so ever runs for more than 10-20 years (still running so not sure how much long they have on them), I'd like to think a rolex can do that also.

[mikey]

I am "if ain't broke don't try to fix it camp." $2,100 for 15 years?? I could buy another DJ for that money or 2-3 Rolex Oysterdates manual winds.....I am only getting an overhaul because the ebay seller told me the movement was trashed. I was able to purchase for pennies on the dollar. I am in air conditioned environment most of the year so I am not out there in 100 degree temps doing research with my Rolex. I agree on pressure testing. Besides, it is not like $350-500 for an overhaul service that you get your watch back in a few days. It could take 1-2 months before you get your watch back. Rolex are good for 20+ years. People do what makes them feel comfy though. As far as scratches and polishing then a good ole Cape Cod and Brasso for the crystal and its good as new.

[Solo118]

Better safe then sorry, In 2012 Rolex will see my watch in their service center

[sinbad]

I often think how soon I will need to send my Breitling & Rolex in for service. I am scared to send my watch in and have it return with more issues. I will probably wait 5-7 years mark and see how accurately time is being kept. If the watch exhibits being faster/slower than normal, I will send it in. Otherwise, I may decide to hold off on servicing longer. My dad gave me his Omega Seamaster Deville (purchased new around 1967 and worn by my grand father). He only serviced once a couple of years ago. Basically the watch had stopped many years ago and he left it in a drawer. When being serviced the watch only needed lubrication and exterior buffing - no parts needed. I will buying a new strap for it this weekend and start wearing it in rotation with my LV.

[nikhsub1]

I'm wondering if those of you that are in the "If it ain't broke don't fix it" camp are the same with your cars engine oil? Just curious.

[Rockrolex]

Originally Posted by nikhsub1

I'm wondering if those of you that are in the "If it ain't broke don't fix it" camp are the same with your cars engine oil? Just curious.

No. But I do find a difference between a $4,000 watch and a $70,000 car. Plus, the general recommendation for changing oil is every 3-4,000 miles. That would be equivalent to about every 6 mo. on a Rolex. Do you change the oil on your watch every 6 mo.?

[ohlins]

just do what u like.....:P

[padi56]

Originally Posted by nikhsub1

I'm wondering if those of you that are in the "If it ain't broke don't fix it" camp are the same with your cars engine oil? Just curious.

And the total amount to oil a watch correctly is just a few pin head drops in reality.Modern synthetic oils today used in watches including Rolex don't dry out like the old mineral based oils.

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by nikhsub1

I'm wondering if those of you that are in the "If it ain't broke don't fix it" camp are the same with your cars engine oil? Just curious.

No. As a professional auto repair technician I understand the concept of preventive maintenance. However, There is really no comparison between the two. A watch has few friction points, and the worst case scenario if they're ignored is that a few relatively inexpensive bearings and components will require replacement. The entire mechanism isn't degraded.

The same can't be said for an auto engine. First, there are many more friction points; main & rod bearings, crankshaft journals, cam lobes, journals, and followers, valve stems and guides, piston skirts and rings, cylinder walls, etc, etc. Second, engine parts tend to be more expensive than those for watches. Third, labour rates for engine repairs are usually considerably more than for watches.

[montecristo]

Originally Posted by Rockrolex

No. But I do find a difference between a $4,000 watch and a $70,000 car. Plus, the general recommendation for changing oil is every 3-4,000 miles. That would be equivalent to about every 6 mo. on a Rolex. Do you change the oil on your watch every 6 mo.?

What if the car is only worth 4k?

[jowie4]

Ok got it! Thanks tons! Just really excited to get my SS sub date my dad got me for graduation!!! its a K serial thats why I asked about the servicing

[tonelar]

Congrats on the new watch! Wear it and enjoy it... As it's a K I'd bring it in for just an inspection...

I go longer than 5 years because I let certain models rest for a month or so in a neutral environment so these get traded into the rolling stock of watches after their time off...

The exceptions are my diving watches which get a pressure check and inspection every year. I service these based on the results of the inspection.

Some of my watches are serviced in less than 5 years... more like between 3 and 5 for these trouble makers...

[mike]

Put me in the over 5 year camp. Especially on ones that don't see regular wear.

[christo]

I think a bigger concern than lubrication is the gaskets. My friend has a 10 year old gold Day Date and he never had it serviced. It ran great, keeping good time. He swam with it in his pool for years then one day it flooded when he went swimming. The gaskets were fubar. But really even then, if you can go 10 years and it costs you $1000 to repair a soaked watch, that's the same as $500 every 5 years and you might even go 15-20. It seems like the maintenance cost/repair cost ratio on a Rolex says you should NOT spend $500 every 5 years. I think the biggest benefit to maintenance is external appearance.

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by christo

But really even then, if you can go 10 years and it costs you $1000 to repair a soaked watch, that's the same as $500 every 5 years and you might even go 15-20. It seems like the maintenance cost/repair cost ratio on a Rolex says you should NOT spend $500 every 5 years. I think the biggest benefit to maintenance is external appearance.

Exactly, but there are forum members here who would argue that. I think it boils down to how much is your "warm, fuzzy factor" worth.

[mailman]

I'm with Ed here. If it ain't broke, don't fix it My Ad has a 16 year old 16613 that hasn't been serviced yet and still keeps great time.