Service Intervals: Are You Over-Maintaining Your Watch?

Introduction

Most watchmakers and brands give a service interval. That advice is useful, but it is not a one-size-fits-all rule. Watches age differently depending on movement type, materials, how you use them and the environment. Over-servicing — sending a watch to a shop too often — can cost you money, remove original material and lower value. This guide explains when a service is necessary, why intervals vary, what a proper service does, and how to avoid over-maintaining your watch.

What a full service actually does — and why it matters

A proper mechanical service usually includes: disassembly of the movement, ultrasonic cleaning of parts, inspection and replacement of worn wheels and pivots, relubrication with specially formulated oils in microliter quantities, reassembly, regulation, case gasket replacement and pressure testing for water resistance. The oils prevent metal-on-metal wear and reduce friction in bearings and the escapement. Gaskets keep water and dust out. Without these tasks, friction increases, parts wear faster and water damage can occur.

Common recommended intervals — and the reason behind each

• Quartz watches: Battery replacement every 1–3 years. If a battery dies, change it promptly. A leaking battery can corrode the movement. Full quartz movement servicing (cleaning/regreasing) is often only needed every 6–10 years, because quartz circuits and stepper motors wear more slowly.
• Everyday automatic/mechanical watches: 4–8 years is a realistic window for many modern movements. Oils oxidize and dry over several years. When oil thins or dries, wear increases and timekeeping suffers. Modern synthetic oils and coatings can push the interval longer than older oils.
• High-complication or vintage watches: 5–10+ years, depending on condition. Complications (chronograph, perpetual calendar) have more parts and delicate levers. Vintage movements often benefit from less frequent, more conservative intervention to preserve original parts and finish.
• Diving watches or watches used in harsh conditions: More frequent checks — especially pressure testing and gasket replacement every 1–2 years if exposed to water regularly. Water-resistance seals age and can fail even if the movement runs well.

Why the range? It depends on use and materials

If you wear a watch daily, the mainspring, bearings and winding mechanism see constant stress. Oils will be cycled and, over time, will migrate or oxidize. If your watch is stored and wound only occasionally, oils may dry in place and gaskets can harden — a different failure mode. Materials matter too: stainless steel cases (316L or 904L) resist corrosion better than softer gold alloys, but polishing gold removes material faster. Silicon escapements and ceramic components can need different servicing approaches; they often need less lubrication but require a watchmaker familiar with those materials.

Signs you need a service now — don’t wait for a calendar

• Timekeeping drift: losing or gaining significantly more than the movement’s spec (for example, an everyday automatic suddenly moves from ±10 s/day to ±60 s/day).
• Reduced power reserve: if a watch that used to run 40 hours now stops after 20–24 hours, it often indicates mainspring or lubrication problems.
• Condensation or water inside the crystal. This is an emergency — stop wearing it and see a watchmaker.
• Unusual noises, grinding, sticky winding or a crown that feels loose or rough.
• Magnetization — if it runs fast after exposure to speakers or tools. Demagnetization is quick, but repeated magnetization suggests you need a protective case or different habits.

How over-servicing can hurt

Frequent unnecessary opening and polishing removes metal. Polishing a steel case can change dimensions by tenths of a millimeter over several services. For collectors, replacing original screws, dials, or hands with later parts can reduce value. Some watchmakers replace parts that are still serviceable because it’s faster; that inflates costs and erodes originality. Also, every time a caseback is opened, the risk of dust or moisture entry increases if procedures are not perfect.

Practical decision rules — when to service and when to wait

• Follow symptoms, not only years: If the watch runs well, keeps time and has no moisture, you can often wait toward the longer end of the recommended range.
• Use context: A daily-beater diver worn in salt water needs gasket checks and pressure tests more often than a dress watch kept in a safe.
• For vintage or collectible pieces: Prioritize conservation. Ask a specialist for targeted maintenance — e.g., cleaning and partial servicing — rather than a full overhaul that replaces original parts.
• Keep records: Track services, gasket changes and pressure-test results. That history helps when deciding future work and preserves value.

Owner maintenance you can do safely

• Wipe case and bracelet regularly with a soft cloth to remove salt and sweat. That slows corrosion and gasket wear.
• Ensure crowns are screwed down and pushers are not used underwater unless rated for it.
• Avoid strong magnets. If the watch becomes magnetized, a watchmaker can demagnetize it in minutes.
• Change batteries promptly. After battery replacement, insist on a pressure test if the watch is rated for water resistance.

Costs and service choices

Costs vary widely. A battery change at a reputable shop might be $20–$100 depending on water-resistance testing. A standard mechanical service for a common automatic movement might run $200–$800. High complications or in-house movements from luxury brands can cost $800–$2,000 or more. Always ask what the service includes: cleaning, parts replacement policy, timing tolerance and water-resistance tests. Get a written estimate and a parts policy if originality matters to you.

Bottom line

Service watches when symptoms or use patterns demand it, not strictly by calendar. Aim for sensible intervals: battery checks every 1–3 years, pressure checks for divers annually if used in water, and mechanical overhauls typically every 4–8 years unless symptoms appear. Avoid routine polishing and unnecessary parts replacement. Keep good records and choose a watchmaker who can explain what they will change and why. That approach protects performance, cost and the long-term value of your watch.