How long will you wear your watch until service?

[Hslim888]

Hello,

I just wonder how often should we service watches.

I read on the internet the common practice is 5-7 years for AP and Rolex up to 10 years.

But I have watches that are old because given to me by relatives who passed away and have no immediate family.

I expect these are not serviced for at least 12 years and above but they are still keeping time well, and the power reserve is good only cosmetic-wise (the rotor seems like has stains and scratches, beat up cases, etc.).

Overall the functionality is still exceptional. I saw one youtube said you don't need to service watch until it's not functioning well. otherwise, keep wearing it.


I want to get everyone's opinion.

[~JJ]

For Rolex, I lean towards servicing when timekeeping becomes an issue. Since the wearable parts are, relatively, cheap to replace during longer interval service (+10yr). However, I can’t believe this to be true with HH level pieces since their maintenance and parts are significantly more expensive. I’m going with 5-7 with my AP. Curious to other replies.

[whiterabbit66]

I am not sure if a service is really needed if the watch has been looked after and is running fine? My RO is about 5 years old, rarely worn and I seen no point in service until there is an issue. My Rolex Sub is about 10 years old and still perfect too without a service. Its not like a car where they will you leave you stranded by the road so what's the risk? Will no service cause more costs down the road, seems unlikely.

[ExplorerI]

I’m of the school of thought with Rolex don’t fix it if it ain’t broke. Most parts that are likely to wear are included in the service price anyway. Now I have heard on higher end watches it makes sense to service them more regularly since the parts can be very expensive.

[Hslim888]

Originally Posted by ~JJ

For Rolex, I lean towards servicing when timekeeping becomes an issue. Since the wearable parts are, relatively, cheap to replace during longer interval service (+10yr). However, I can’t believe this to be true with HH level pieces since their maintenance and parts are significantly more expensive. I’m going with 5-7 with my AP. Curious to other replies.

Interesting Yesterday I went to AP and ask the SA to take a look at my watch and he said my royal oka seems very good for its age and if the time keeping and the power reserve is very well then no immediate service is required.

[Hslim888]

Originally Posted by whiterabbit66

I am not sure if a service is really needed if the watch has been looked after and is running fine? My RO is about 5 years old, rarely worn and I seen no point in service until there is an issue. My Rolex Sub is about 10 years old and still perfect too without a service. Its not like a car where they will you leave you stranded by the road so what's the risk? Will no service cause more costs down the road, seems unlikely.

Yes, I watch a Youtube channel that mentions whether you service your watch at 5 years mark for maintenance or 20 years because it breaks the cost will be relatively the same.

[Hslim888]

Originally Posted by ExplorerI

I’m of the school of thought with Rolex don’t fix it if it ain’t broke. Most parts that are likely to wear are included in the service price anyway. Now I have heard on higher end watches it makes sense to service them more regularly since the parts can be very expensive.

Kinda my principle to0, I think with AP should be the same. if the time keeping is still well and the power reserve is still good why bother?