Thoughts on Preventative Service

[dafuture]

I'm more here to solicit opinions than argue for one side or another. I know there are those who service their watches with regularity as well as those who feel "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". I fall more in the camp of a relatively regular service interval, as I intend to keep this watch for the remainder of my lifetime.

I purchased my watch pre-owned, sans box and papers, in March 2017. As a result, I really don't know how old it is. Theoretically it could be as old as 2010, which would make it just about 9 years old. It runs and winds fine, about +2.5 seconds a day on my wrist. Given the unknowns, at what point would you send it in for service?

[Daveclock]

Only when it significantly changes from those numbers.

In the meantime put a $5 in a jar once a week and get saving for the service when needed!

[1WatchDawg]

x2

[bonovox]

I've never sent a watch in that wasn't "broke." Meaning it stopped altogether, had no power reserve, or was keeping very sloppy time. I've had service centers scratch dials and bracelets. If it's not broke, don't fix (service) it is my motto.

[RHIII]

Originally Posted by bonovox

I've never sent a watch in that wasn't "broke." Meaning it stopped altogether, had no power reserve, or was keeping very sloppy time. I've had service centers scratch dials and bracelets. If it's not broke, don't fix (service) it is my motto.

x2


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[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by bonovox

I've never sent a watch in that wasn't "broke." Meaning it stopped altogether, had no power reserve, or was keeping very sloppy time. I've had service centers scratch dials and bracelets. If it's not broke, don't fix (service) it is my motto.

This

[goodolejr]

Originally Posted by Daveclock

Only when it significantly changes from those numbers.

In the meantime put a $5 in a jar once a week and get saving for the service when needed!

Love this advice.

[sensui]

I believe in regular service intervals to keep less stress on original parts on the watch.

[envuks]

Originally Posted by sensui

I believe in regular service intervals to keep less stress on original parts on the watch.

If any parts are worn from stress they are replaced during service. Most times if these are internal movement pieces they’re simply included in service cost rather than itemized

[dkg1616]

Interesting opinions here. I have just been given a datejust that sat for 20+ years and is keeping excellent time, but I figured it needed a service...

I’m taking it into my AD tomorrow to assess the damage

[droptopman]

Only when needed not preventative. Generally with a used watch I will take it to my indy and have him pressure test and check the movement. Mainly to make sure it is water resistant.

[jestrada]

All the watches I bought pre-owned, whatever the age or condition, I sent to It in for servicing. After that, I’d send them back only when something’s not right. As for the bnew watches I’ve purchased, I generally don’t send them for servicing unless there’s something wrong.


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[Chadridv]

you're in NYC? Head into RSC and see what they say? Tell them the watch is functioning fine but you bought it preowned and want to make sure its ok to swim with.

They'll let you know straight away.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by sensui

I believe in regular service intervals to keep less stress on original parts on the watch.

Same here. A lot depends on how you use the watch too

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Daveclock

Only when it significantly changes from those numbers.

In the meantime put a $5 in a jar once a week and get saving for the service when needed!

Agreed

[joli160]

It makes no sense technically to service a watch if it is running fine.
You'll be without your watch for a few weeks and the only good it does is for the RSC's wallet.
A polish every 5 years or so is a nice thing, you get back a brand new looking watch.

The costs are the same 5 years, 10 years or 15 year because a Rolex service includes the exchange of wear parts even if they are not worn i.e. main spring, seals.

Nothing to gain

[jimcameron]

Bought my 16800 in 1985.

First service 2001

Second service 2018

Never a problem.

Have a buddy, bought his Sub in 1990, wears it every day, has not had it serviced as yet.

[Daveclock]

I've been a professional horologist for over 30 years, and often work on clocks that were made in the C17th.
Many of which have not been regularly serviced either.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by sensui

I believe in regular service intervals to keep less stress on original parts on the watch.

+1

im not waiting 10 years. If its working fine after maybe 8 i will have it serviced anyway or maybe less if i wear it more often. Makes me feel better to have a watch not about to break or that could at any moment.

I never let my car get to oil change recommendation either. I do it before im over due.

[peterpl]

Dont fix something when its not broke.

[Molnboman]

From my brief life with automatics ( 6 years plus ) I am of the opinion that I will run an automatic watch until there is a serious time keeping issue or major physical fault with the watch before sending it back for a service. Having had a few previous automatic watches serviced, and as mentioned previously, a good watch repairer will replace any parts that are worn anyway. Seals are not an issue for me, as I rarely take any watch for a shower or the pool. I’m more concerned about magnetism of the movement and trying to avoid that as much as possible. That has really screwed up the timing of a few of my watches.

[watchmaker]

Watch brands make it easy to apply the 'if it aint broke don't fix it' logic because they don't charge for parts that are replaced (restoration work is a bit different).

If you were paying £40 for every part that has to be replaced on top of the service price preventative servicing would seem like a good idea.

Worth remembering Rolex guarantee parts are available for 30 years after the calibre is discontinued so if you have a watch that is close to that mark then it's time to take better care of it - because next time it 'breaks' there is no guarantee it can be serviced with new parts.

[77T]

“Preventative Maintenance”

It matters more when the outcome of failure is so severe that the cost of routine maintenance is insignificant by comparison.

I think of aircraft engines, racing transmissions, locomotives - not a watch that is part of a multi-watch collection where it can be replaced by another while being serviced.

My thoughts on servicing watch movements are that fewer hands messing with the going train and other elements is better, and that you’ll have less chances of a damaged dial, midcase, bezel and bracelet.


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[77T]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

Worth remembering Rolex guarantee parts are available for 30 years after the calibre is discontinued so if you have a watch that is close to that mark then it's time to take better care of it - because next time it 'breaks' there is no guarantee it can be serviced with new parts.

I realize it is commonly accepted that Rolex has done this over time. But can you point us to a written guarantee?

I only know of government regulations (e.g. 10 years here in USA) - but have not seen a written guarantee by Rolex.


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[exador]

Parts are cheap, labour expensive. Only service when needed.

[Tony8959]

I’m from the camp of regular PM also, but after reading this forum regularly my opinion has changed a bit. Upon buying my first Rolex from my AD he recommended since the warranty is 5 years I send it in for service at 4.5 year mark. His thinking was that the service would be complimentary. I don’t necessarily agree with that now, knowing that sometimes when you get it back from RSC things aren’t always on point.

[dkg1616]

So I have some great intel to share.

I went into my local AD, who’s watchmaker has been to multiple Rolex watchmaking courses, schools, etc. (to be honest I don’t know exactly what). He looked at the datejust my father passed down to me which is 31 years old, and hasn’t been touched in 20 years. It is keeping great time and passed the pressure test. The watchmaker advises that there is NO reason to get a service and to let it run till it starts having problems!

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it...

[SLS]

Any pre-owned watch I buy, I get it serviced right away. I would rather know what I can expose it to versus having and oh crap moment. Of the new watches I have purchased starting in 2004, not one of them has been serviced yet. Although I do have several on rotation. My wife on the other hand, has had her DJ serviced twice and she has worn it everyday since 1999.

[junamuan]

I'm not comfortable having my watch touched, even by reputable AD as I heard horror stories, unless absolute necessary.

Of course cars are different.

[dafuture]

Glad I asked, this has certainly been informative. The Explorer is definitely staying with me until it stops doing its job.

Thanks all!