If you want it to last, you should get your watch serviced regularly. The director of trading at WatchBox, a global leader in pre-owned luxury timepieces, tells us everything we need to know
How often should we get our watches serviced?
This depends on the type of watch and how it is being used, but the general rule of thumb is every four to six years. A watch should undergo a complete overhaul to ensure the accuracy and water resistance of its case. For those who use their watches for their purpose-built intentions, such as deep-sea diving, I would recommend having at least the water resistance tested by a certified watchmaker every one to two years.
What should we look for?
Servicing a high-end timepiece is much like servicing a high-end automobile: you wouldn’t want parts from a generic manufacturer put into your Ferrari. For watches it is the same. When you bring your watch to an authorised service centre, you can rest easy knowing that only original manufacture parts (OEM) are used in maintaining your watch. The use of non-OEM parts can lead to poor timekeeping, meaning you will have to get your watch serviced more often.
Why is it important to ask questions?
Expensive timepieces are likely to have higher repair costs. When purchasing a timepiece, be sure to ask the sales associate how to properly operate the watch, and what its capabilities are in terms of water exposure and durability. Depending on the nature of one’s profession, the daily use of very delicate timepieces may not be ideal.
What’s the biggest myth of watch repair?
The biggest misunderstanding that we must address is the length of time that a maintenance service takes. Normally a basic servicing for a non-complicated watch will take six to eight weeks at an authorised service centre. For highly complicated timepieces, it is not uncommon for repairs to take six to nine months and even longer.
What can we do to maintain our watches at home?
When you’re not wearing your watch, the easiest thing you can do is keep it resting on a soft, non-abrasive and non-metallic surface. This will help to prevent any scratches to the case and bracelet. I also recommend putting on and taking off your watch over a soft surface like a bed, just in case you lose your grip and drop the watch in the process. It may seem unlikely, but it’s very common for watches to be dropped during this process and a timepiece will fair much better landing on a mattress rather than the hard floor.