If readings on a timegrapher looks good, is there any reason for a "routine service"?

[irate.alien]

My Milgauss 116400 was last serviced about 6 years ago. According to "the book," I should be bringing it in for a routine service. But, I wear it about 20% of the time, and when it's not on my wrist, it's sitting in a box and I let it wind down (I have a 8 or nine watch rotation).

Out of curiosity, I had it put on a timegrapher today and it read +2 s/d, 297° amplitude, .1 ms beat error. So pretty much dead on. (After manually winding it fully.)

With readings like that, is there any reason to bring it in for its routine service? My thinking right now is no, but everything I know comes from watching YouTube.

[Tools]

There are two schools of thought on servicing.

One, if it isn't broken, no need to do anything.

Two, machines wear out and seals degrade, so periodic maintenance ensures that it will be at it's best.

Pick one school and enjoy your time piece.

[shaunylw]

Originally Posted by Tools

There are two schools of thought on servicing.



One, if it isn't broken, no need to do anything.



Two, machines wear out and seals degrade, so periodic maintenance ensures that it will be at it's best.



Pick one school and enjoy your time piece.

For watches i buy for myself, I’m in the second school. Vintage...that’s another story. I might service vintage so i can wear it in water. But something modern that i bought new, I’m not servicing it at 6 years. IMO, there is no reason for it.


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[Fredrik]

I would have it pressure tested too, to check the seals.

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by irate.alien

...I had it put on a timegrapher today and it read +2 s/d, 297° amplitude, .1 ms beat error. So pretty much dead on. (After manually winding it fully.)

With readings like that, is there any reason to bring it in for its routine service? ...

Testing it in one position tells you nothing about the performance of a watch.

You want to test it in at least five (ideally six) positions. That gives you a better overview but it's still not the whole picture.

We also have to test the watch after 24 hours running and there are minimums that it needs to be above. Then there's an automatic winding and power reserve test.

[Ron P]

Always service vintage, parts are getting more and more difficult to source. So make sure parts do not wear much more due to dried out oil or grease.
Modern watch leave it till it breaks. Parts ate no issue.
Only concern is waterproof. I have seen watches which after a heavy rain trip on the bicycle (yes, this is Holland) who got flooded. So, if possible, get a service every 5 years where they will replace all seals including the glass gasket and tested.