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!

[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.

[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

[ROLEXster]

Originally Posted by joli160

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

Not true anymore
(At least in Vancouver, don't know if this is true elsewhere)

I took my 16610 to my AD for service last April.
They said watches from 0-10 yrs old = $800 for service
10+ yrs old is $1250

There was a 3rd tier as well, but I don't remember what the price was.

So, I'll bring in my Daytona for service at 9 yrs-11m-30days
I think the price for Daytona less than 10 yrs old is $1200 cad
More than 10 yrs was about $1600 if I remembered correctly.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by ROLEXster

Not true anymore
(At least in Vancouver, don't know if this is true elsewhere)

I took my 16610 to my AD for service last April.
They said watches from 0-10 yrs old = $800 for service
10+ yrs old is $1250

There was a 3rd tier as well, but I don't remember what the price was.

So, I'll bring in my Daytona for service at 9 yrs-11m-30days
I think the price for Daytona less than 10 yrs old is $1200 cad
More than 10 yrs was about $1600 if I remembered correctly.

You are talking about your local AD, which is not to be confused with an official RSC. They just pull you for an additional 800 on an older watch. Skip those guys

[OysterBracelet]

Originally Posted by ROLEXster

Not true anymore
(At least in Vancouver, don't know if this is true elsewhere)

I took my 16610 to my AD for service last April.
They said watches from 0-10 yrs old = $800 for service
10+ yrs old is $1250

There was a 3rd tier as well, but I don't remember what the price was.

So, I'll bring in my Daytona for service at 9 yrs-11m-30days
I think the price for Daytona less than 10 yrs old is $1200 cad
More than 10 yrs was about $1600 if I remembered correctly.

Rolex pricing is all dependent on calibre. Speaking broadly on gents watches, any watch fitted with a 31xx or 30xx movement should fall into the same 'level' of servicing, give or take an additional day/date complication. 15xx will cost more, but obviously we are going far further into the past than 10 years ago for these.

Find a new AD or visit RSC direct would be my tip...

[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

[Rolex fan 61]

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.

Fully agree

[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

[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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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]

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.

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by 77T

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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Short answer is no I can’t.

I have seen/heard it during presentations while at Rolex and as you say it is commonly accepted as well.

But it’s fair to say the ‘guarantee’ is little more than their word. Parts will run out when they run out. That could be sooner or a little later. But I don’t doubt that they mean what they tell their watchmaker network.