When Do You Need to Service Your Mechanical Watch? Everything You Need to Know

Servicing is one of the most misunderstood parts of mechanical watch ownership. Some people service too often. Others never service at all until something goes wrong. The truth sits comfortably in the middle.

Traditionally, the advice was to service a mechanical watch every three to five years. That guidance came from a time when oils were less stable and tolerances were looser. Modern movements, with improved lubricants and manufacturing precision, can comfortably run longer.

For most modern mechanical watches, a sensible service interval is five to seven years, assuming the watch is running well and is not exposed to extreme conditions. If the watch is worn daily, frequently exposed to moisture, or used for sport, closer to five years is wise. If it is worn occasionally and stored properly, seven years or more is often fine.

There are signs that a service may be needed sooner. These include noticeable timekeeping issues, reduced power reserve, difficulty winding, or moisture under the crystal. If your watch starts gaining or losing minutes rather than seconds, it is time to have it checked.

Servicing is not just about accuracy. Over time, oils dry out and metal parts begin to wear. Running a watch too long without service can cause unnecessary damage, increasing repair costs later. A routine service is preventative maintenance, not a luxury.

It is also worth understanding what a service includes. A proper mechanical service involves full disassembly of the movement, ultrasonic cleaning of components, replacement of worn parts, re lubrication, reassembly, regulation, and water resistance testing. It is skilled work and should be priced accordingly.

One final point. Not all watches need factory servicing. Many independent watchmakers can service common movements like ETA, Sellita, Miyota, or Seiko calibres to an excellent standard, often at lower cost and with shorter turnaround times.

A mechanical watch is not fragile, but it is a machine. Look after it, service it sensibly, and it will outlast trends, batteries, and most of the things we buy today.