Maintenance
How often should a watch be serviced?
A mechanical watch typically needs a full service — disassembly, cleaning, re-oiling, and regulation — roughly every 5–7 years under common manufacturer guidance. A quartz watch mainly needs a fresh battery every 2–5 years, plus a seal check when the case is opened.
Mechanical service intervals
The 5–7 year figure is manufacturer guidance, and many watches run reliably far longer between services. The reason to service is lubrication: the oils that keep tiny pivots turning slowly dry out and migrate, and once they do, metal-on-metal wear accelerates and an affordable service becomes an expensive repair.
A full mechanical service commonly costs from about $150 for a simple three-hand movement to several hundred dollars or more for an in-house chronograph, depending on brand and complication.
Quartz and water-resistance
Quartz watches are lower-maintenance: the main task is replacing the battery every 2–5 years, ideally promptly, because a leaking cell can damage the movement. Light-powered watches (Citizen Eco-Drive, Seiko solar) never need a battery change at all.
Any water-resistant watch should have its gaskets pressure-tested at service and whenever the case has been opened, since the seal cannot be trusted once disturbed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you never service a mechanical watch?
The lubricants dry out and metal parts begin wearing directly against each other, which can turn a routine service into a costly repair or replacement of worn components. Accuracy also drifts as friction increases.
How long do quartz watch batteries last?
Typically 2–5 years, depending on the movement and how many functions it drives. Replace a dead battery promptly, because a leaking cell can corrode and damage the movement.
Does a watch need servicing if I never wear it?
Yes, eventually. Oils can congeal over years even in a stationary movement, so long-stored mechanical watches benefit from being run periodically and still need occasional service.
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