When Should I Service My Rolex?

[MinutesKing]

Hi
I bought a second hand datejust 2019 at May 2022
I don't know which services the watch got before
Since buying it I'm wearing it with no problems at all
I just wonder:
1. When should I take my watch to a first service (let's assume the previous owner did not care it very well and never serviced it)

2. After the first service, once in how much time should I service my watch?


Thanks

[Tools]

There are a number of schools of thought on this.

Some will say that if it's running fine, you don't need a service.

Others may like to service it when they get it, and essentially have a like-new watch to start with.

There is no real answer. Rolex says that, on average, folks seem to get their watches serviced about every 10 years.

[daveo5]

Rolex used to say every 5-7 years. The watch should be pressure tested every year, particularly if you are around water. Personally I finally sent my Sub,
a 14060M to RSC Dallas several months ago for its first service. I bought it new around 2009. As has been said, you will read many different thoughts on when to service. A lot will depend on what you physically do while wearing it.


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[Jack T]

Assuming it’s not showing outward signs of hard living, and if it’s running within spec, a 2019 DateJust shouldn’t need a service. My 2012 DJ is running spot on.

Get to know a reliable watchmaker or two, in a few years you may want to consult with them.

[MinutesKing]

So if I understand correctly - the most strict rule is 5-7 years? and the least strict rule is "service it when there's a problem"

Regarding pressure check - I never did one. and I'm never letting my watch into water, but I do take showers with it from time to time cause it cleans it...

Nothing more than that...

Do I still need a pressure check every year?

[77T]

I would do a pressure check annually and not worry about a service unless:
1) it fails that test, or
2) if it begins to lose accuracy, or
3) makes funny noises from rotor, or
4) the power reserve drops markedly, or
5) it stops


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[Tools]

Originally Posted by MinutesKing

So if I understand correctly - the most strict rule is 5-7 years? and the least strict rule is "service it when there's a problem"
. . .

Do I still need a pressure check every year?

Not really. Rolex manuals used to say "... every 5 to 7 years "depending on conditions" (quotes mine), there is no strict rule. So likely to mean a safe queen probably goes longer than one worn daily on the Serengeti.

It's up to you on pressure checks. Annual pressure checks are recommended for Diver Watches because of their use.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Jack T

Assuming it’s not showing outward signs of hard living, and if it’s running within spec, a 2019 DateJust shouldn’t need a service. My 2012 DJ is running spot on.

Get to know a reliable watchmaker or two, in a few years you may want to consult with them.

A 2012 Rolex is a different animal to a 2019.
Having said that, if timekeeping is within expectations then I wouldn't be concerned.
I might be inclined to have a look into its health with a reputable watchmaker before the 5 year warranty is expired.

[alexlt730512]

Originally Posted by daveo5

Rolex used to say every 5-7 years. The watch should be pressure tested every year, particularly if you are around water. Personally I finally sent my Sub,
a 14060M to RSC Dallas several months ago for its first service. I bought it new around 2009. As has been said, you will read many different thoughts on when to service. A lot will depend on what you physically do while wearing it.


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Just curious if you had the watch polished or not?
since some said don't polish and some said of course to do it.

[Partners]

Originally Posted by alexlt730512

Just curious if you had the watch polished or not?
since some said don't polish and some said of course to do it.

The whole polishing do or don’t on stainless steel still boggles me. If you want a new looking watch then polish. The whole decreasing value thing is bizarre but something to consider.

[joli160]

When it stops, had some running more than two decades.

[mikkey]

Originally Posted by daveo5

Rolex used to say every 5-7 years. The watch should be pressure tested every year, particularly if you are around water. Personally I finally sent my Sub,
a 14060M to RSC Dallas several months ago for its first service. I bought it new around 2009. As has been said, you will read many different thoughts on when to service. A lot will depend on what you physically do while wearing it.


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He said it all.

[HogwldFLTR]

Pressure check routinely and wear to failure!!!!

[brandrea]

I’m in the, “if it runs fine, leave it alone camp”.

Pressure test if you dare get your watch wet

[jimcameron]

Service only when it looses time.

[fishingbear]

Service a watch when it stops doing what a mechanical watch is supposed to do, keep accurate time.

[NorthernPike]

My 16610 LV is losing 7 seconds a day. It's been 13 years since service. I think it may be time. My conundrum is: To polish, or not to polish?

[amphr1]

Don't service it until you feel something is off about it. Either losing or gaining more time than before or feels funny when you wind etc. Doing service early is just throwing money away imho.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by amphora001

Don't service it until you feel something is off about it. Either losing or gaining more time than before or feels funny when you wind etc. Doing service early is just throwing money away imho.

It depends.
On a vintage piece that has a movement where parts are difficult to come by, it may be prudent to service more frequently to preserve it and keep it running.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by NorthernPike

My 16610 LV is losing 7 seconds a day. It's been 13 years since service. I think it may be time. My conundrum is: To polish, or not to polish?

My DSSD is coming up to 12 years now with 2 services under its belt and never polished. Perhaps next time or the time after that?
It is rather scratched up, gouged and nunga-chunged but it's part and parcel of it's daily life and never an issue when it comes to puting it in for service when I stipulate "no polishing required, Thank you".
I suppose when it's able to be laser welded I shall have it addressed, as a standard polishing job now would remove far too much material in key places for my liking.

[Calatrava r]

I would follow the recommendations of Rolex as to service. It is now about ten years on average. We hear turnaround is like 4 weeks and $800 so it makes sense to do it after 10 years. Some other brands are up to 30 weeks and much more and 2.5K or more. Makes sense on those to hold off if it is running fine.

[Watcheroo]

Originally Posted by Partners

The whole polishing do or don’t on stainless steel still boggles me. If you want a new looking watch then polish. The whole decreasing value thing is bizarre but something to consider.

It’s from the vintage world. The premise is that the more original the watch is to how it was manufactured, the better. Original hands and dial are better than service ones. Similarly, original wear and patina is more desirable. This isn’t only the case with watches, it applies to coins, furniture, cars, etc.

Also doesn’t really apply to run of the mill datejusts, which are great watches, but not as high on collector lists as sports models.

[AF_Rob]

If it's running fine, I would get a pressure test for peace of mind and call it good.

[Ski Dummy]

New Rolex owner as of today. My father just gifted me his 31 year old GMT Master II (R16710A30B6251) which is near perfect, along with all original box and documents. Been sitting unused in his safe for years. No idea what it’s worth but I could never sell it. He never had it serviced. I want to wear it and treat it well, which means i want to get it serviced.

How much am I looking to spend?

[daveo5]

Originally Posted by alexlt730512

Just curious if you had the watch polished or not?
since some said don't polish and some said of course to do it.

Yes I had Rolex do a polish, free of course.


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[Ollie1982]

I believe in preventative maintenance, as opposed to fix on failure as some allude to in this thread. A failure will likely result in a larger service cost as more parts will likely need replacing.

Monitor performance (timekeeping and power reserve) as they are good indicators of a poorly performing watch and easy to keep an eye on.

If you know your watch then you will realise something is wrong with it. I’d prefer to have it serviced just before things start going wrong, but that’s easier said than done.


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[Kenny G]

Originally Posted by Tools

There are a number of schools of thought on this.

Some will say that if it's running fine, you don't need a service.

Others may like to service it when they get it, and essentially have a like-new watch to start with.

There is no real answer. Rolex says that, on average, folks seem to get their watches serviced about every 10 years.

This is spot on.

A 2019 Rolex DJ has a recommended 10yr service interval but everything else said above also applies and water resistance, if needed based on your situation, may need to be tested more frequently.

[Jefferyasher]

I purchased my 14060m in 2004 from an AD and wore it regularly for almost 19 years to the day.....until this morning. I went to wind it and the second hand didn't move....wound it more and noting. I assume it is the mainspring. I will have it serviced and then let you know if the price is worth 2-3 services (i.e. $1800+). It has never been serviced.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Kenny G

This is spot on.

A 2019 Rolex DJ has a recommended 10yr service interval but everything else said above also applies and water resistance, if needed based on your situation, may need to be tested more frequently.

Not wishing to derail the thread, but a 2019 Rolex with a 3235 movement may well have more issues going on inside that would eclipse any concerns around waterproofing.
Only puting it on a timegrapher and having the figures analysed by a suitably experienced watchmaker and having a simple pressure test would provide more clarity.
Of course, we all must keep in mind that a timegrapher test doesn't necessarily determine whether a watch needs a service in a timely fashion, but in the case of a 32xx movement it may well be a good indicator.

[Timetaker34]

Originally Posted by Ollie1982

I believe in preventative maintenance, as opposed to fix on failure as some allude to in this thread. A failure will likely result in a larger service cost as more parts will likely need replacing.

Monitor performance (timekeeping and power reserve) as they are good indicators of a poorly performing watch and easy to keep an eye on.

If you know your watch then you will realise something is wrong with it. I’d prefer to have it serviced just before things start going wrong, but that’s easier said than done.

That’s not how it works though. If something is mechanically broken or about to break it’s going to get replaced, so cost wise you‘re wasting money by sending in a watch that runs just fine. If you get a full service after 20 years you’ll save a lot of money compared to someone who pays up every 5 years for general servicing costs.

Plus why would anyone want their watch to become overpolished after a few services… of course Rolex and other watch manufacturers scare people into sending in their watches. They earn a silly amount off of their customers insecurities and lack of knowledge.