How often should you service an automatic watch?
Full service, water-resistance checks, batteries: how often to service a mechanical or quartz watch, and the warning signs you shouldn't ignore.
A mechanical watch is a tiny machine: dozens of parts turning non-stop, lubricated by a few drops of oil. Over time those oils dry out and parts wear. A service puts everything back in shape before wear turns into real damage.
The short answer: every 5 to 10 years
There’s no single interval. Each manufacturer gives its own recommendation, and it ranges from roughly 5 to 10 years depending on the brand, the movement and when the watch was made. Recent watches, with more modern oils and materials, generally go longer between services than older ones.
The right habit: check the brand’s recommendation in the warranty booklet or on its website, then log the date of every service.
What happens during a full service?
The watchmaker fully strips the movement, cleans every part, replaces worn components, re-lubricates, reassembles and regulates the timekeeping. Gaskets are replaced and water resistance is tested. Depending on the workshop, the case and bracelet may be cleaned or polished: say so if you do not want polishing, because it softens the case edges and can reduce the value of a collector’s piece.
Expect a few weeks without your watch, sometimes several months at a major brand’s service centre.
Maintenance between services
- Water resistance. Gaskets age even if the watch never sees water. If you swim with it, a pressure test every one to two years is a simple, inexpensive precaution.
- The battery, for quartz watches. It usually lasts several years. Replace it as soon as the watch stops: a dead battery left inside can leak and damage the movement.
- Strap or bracelet. A steel bracelet can be cleaned with lukewarm water and a soft brush (if the watch is water-resistant and the crown is screwed down). Replace a leather strap as soon as it starts to crack.
Warning signs you shouldn’t ignore
Don’t wait for the scheduled date if you notice any of these:
- The watch gains or loses far more time than before, consistently.
- The power reserve drops: the watch stops sooner than usual when you take it off.
- Condensation under the crystal: moisture got in, act quickly.
- An unusual noise or grinding when you move your wrist.
- A stiff crown that catches or won’t screw down properly.
Why keep a record of every service
A complete service history reassures buyers and supports the resale price: it shows the watch has been looked after. Keep the invoices and note the date, the workshop, what was done and the cost for each job.
In Arcora, every watch has a Service tab: log full services, pressure tests and battery changes, and the app reminds you when the next service is due (Premium feature). When the day comes to sell, the whole history is ready to share.
In short
- Full service every 5 to 10 years, following the brand’s recommendation.
- Water-resistance check every 1 to 2 years if you wear the watch in water.
- A watch that drifts, stops early or fogs up should be seen right away.
- Keep a record of every service: it’s value for later.
