Luxury timepieces are more than accessories—they're investments, heirlooms, and functional works of art. But just like a high-performance car, your watch needs regular maintenance to stay in prime condition. Whether it’s a vintage Omega or a modern Rolex, knowing when to service your automatic watch can mean the difference between flawless performance and costly repairs.
At WatchWorks, with nearly 30 years of horological expertise, we’ve seen it all—from worn gaskets to full overhauls. This guide demystifies servicing schedules across top brands and helps you understand when your watch needs attention.
TLDR – Quick Guide
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Rolex: Every 10 years (official), but 5–7 years is smarter.
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Omega: Every 5–8 years, depending on the movement.
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Cartier: Every 5 years or when accuracy slips.
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TAG Heuer: Every 6 years or as needed with water resistance checks every 2.
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IWC: Full service every 5–7 years; intermediate service every 2.
Detailed Breakdown
Why Should You Service Your Automatic Watch?
Automatic watches have dozens, even hundreds, of intricate moving parts. Over time, oils dry out, gaskets degrade, and accuracy can drift. Routine servicing ensures:
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Longevity: Proper lubrication and part replacement reduce long-term damage.
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Accuracy: A well-serviced watch keeps better time.
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Water Resistance: Seals and gaskets must be intact to prevent moisture damage.
Think of it as preventative healthcare—for your wrist.
Brand-by-Brand Service Intervals
Rolex
Rolex officially recommends service every 10 years, but seasoned collectors and repair pros suggest every 5 to 7 years, especially for older models. With Rolex’s robust build quality, it’s tempting to delay, but remember: deferred maintenance can shorten lifespan and increase costs later.
Omega
Omega’s Co-Axial movements are built for durability, but 5–8 years is the sweet spot for optimal performance. Vintage Speedmasters may need more frequent checks. Water resistance for models like the Seamaster should be tested annually if you’re diving regularly.
Cartier
With its elegant, jewelry-like designs, Cartier recommends a full service every 5 years. For models like the Santos or Tank, dust and debris can quickly affect movement precision. Quick fixes like battery changes (for quartz models) shouldn’t be confused with real service.
TAG Heuer
Known for its sporty chronographs, TAG Heuer advises a complete overhaul every 6 years. If you’re regularly swimming or diving, get water resistance tested every 2 years. Chronograph complications are delicate, so don't ignore erratic behavior.
IWC
For these precision German-engineered timepieces, plan for a full service every 5–7 years. IWC also suggests intermediate servicing every 2 years, especially for pilot and dive models exposed to extreme conditions.
Signs Your Watch Needs Servicing Sooner
Even if your timepiece hasn’t hit its official service date, watch for:
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Noticeable time loss or gain (+/- 30 seconds/day)
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Moisture under the crystal
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A grinding or loose crown
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Unusual sounds or erratic movement
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Power reserve dropping drastically
Why Choose WatchWorks?
At WatchWorks, we specialize in full-service luxury watch care, offering:
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Certified pre-owned inspections for buyers and sellers
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Complete overhauls by experienced horologists
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Ultrasonic cleaning and pressure testing
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Local convenience across four SoCal locations and national mail-in options
Whether you're bringing in a vintage Omega or a modern IWC, you're in expert hands.
Key Takeaways
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Service intervals vary by brand, but a good rule of thumb is every 5–7 years.
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Regular maintenance preserves accuracy, aesthetics, and resale value.
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Don’t wait for issues—preventive service saves money long-term.
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Water resistance testing should be done more frequently for active wearers.
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Trust certified specialists like WatchWorks for all luxury timepiece services.
FAQs
1. Is it bad to wear my automatic watch every day?
Nope! In fact, regular wear keeps the movement lubricated. Just make sure to follow the brand’s service schedule and avoid hard impacts.
2. What happens if I don’t service my watch?
Skipping service can lead to dried-out oils, worn parts, and eventually, total movement failure—which can cost hundreds to thousands in repairs.
3. How long does a typical service take?
At WatchWorks, a full service typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on the watch model and complexity. We'll keep you updated every step of the way.
4. Do pre-owned watches need service sooner?
It depends. If the watch came with a recent service history, you're good. Otherwise, we recommend having it evaluated right away—especially if it’s vintage.
5. Can I get my water resistance tested without full service?
Absolutely. We offer standalone pressure testing to ensure your watch is swim-safe. Great for divers or beach-goers who want peace of mind.