Rolex "10 year service intervals"

[W44NEG]

I've heard from a few sources now that Rolex suggest 10 year service intervals on all watches after July 2015. Firstly, can anyone state categorically that a genuine Rolex-linked person has confirmed this?

Secondly, surely it's totally dependant on the usage of the watch. In my Daytona review, I stated that if a watch was worn in the water every day, vs. a watch that desk dives every day, there must be at the very least, a need for the seals to be maintained?

Also, my 2016 Baselworld press release confirms the -2/+2 seconds certification, and also the 5 year guarantee, but it doesn't mention 10 year servicing at all.

I'd still follow the 3-5 year routine anyway personally but it's just bugging me whether it's dealer BS, or a genuine thing?

[watchwatcher]

It's a genuine thing. And you're right, if you wear the watch in water frequently, a more regular pressure check is in order.

[qadhi]

this was previously posted by mailman

[W44NEG]

Wow I'm surprised and impressed at the same time. Were there changes made to the movements, or have they been like this all along without the official line from Rolex themselves?

[Hollister]

Wear it till it stops keeping good time, then send it in.

[japenney]

we discussed this last month. It seems they do not "suggest" a 10 year service interval but they state in the letter that the typical service interval "has grown to" 10 years. Meaning that the average person is going 10 years before sending in their watch for service. Your watch may benefit from an earlier service if it is having issues. However if all is running well I would not wait longer than 10 years.

[Annan]

Originally Posted by japenney

we discussed this last month. It seems they do not "suggest" a 10 year service interval but they state in the letter that the typical service interval "has grown to" 10 years. Meaning that the average person is going 10 years before sending in their watch for service. Your watch may benefit from an earlier service if it is having issues. However if all is running well I would not wait longer than 10 years.

Exactly!! Between my wife and me we have three new Rolexes. As a long time Rolex wearer I have always had my watches serviced at 5-year intervals and will continue with that.

[kunlun]

Having the seals checked each year is a good idea if you go swimming/diving with the watch

[busytimmy]

Originally Posted by kunlun

Having the seals checked each year is a good idea if you go swimming/diving with the watch

Yep

[ref1655]

Originally Posted by Annan

As a long time Rolex wearer I have always had my watches serviced at 5-year intervals and will continue with that.

sounds about right as the other alternative is to pay far more later down the road.

if someone can afford to spend $8K+ on a Rolex, then a $750.00 servicing interval every 5-6 years shouldn't even be an issue.

[77T]

I think with the newer various lubricant formulae along with improved parts tolerances of the new movements, it can withstand a longer service interval.

Any of the modern movements since 2000-ish could likely go into the 10-year cycle with new lubes, too.

Now if you have a vintage movement, and maybe older organic lube (which should not be in there anymore), then get thee to a servicery...

[PatrickJ]

Does this mean my 2014 Explorer one will need a service every 5 years or 10 years?

P

[Valkyrie]

Originally Posted by PatrickJ

Does this mean my 2014 Explorer one will need a service every 5 years or 10 years?

P

Neither. It says nothing at all about when your watch will need servicing.

As best I can gather based on the recent threads on this subject, Rolex makes no recommendation at all on what the service interval should be. Rather, as stated above, the typical Rolex owner decides that his/her watch should be serviced every 10 years (or so) and this 10 year interval is longer than what Rolex has observed in the past.

You will have to decide when your watch needs service. In general, there are two reasons to get your watch serviced: (1) it no longer functions satisfactorily, or (2) you believe that servicing at some regular interval will be cheaper than the alternative of waiting until the watch no longer keeps good time. Given that the typical service interval is getting longer, this suggests to me that on average Rolex owners are finding it cheaper to simply wait until their watch no longer keeps good time before getting it serviced, otherwise they would be choosing to get them serviced sooner rather than later. But it's your money and the choice is yours.

[OooSnap]

Originally Posted by Hollister

Wear it till it stops keeping good time, then send it in.

Agree 1000%

[dominic.warren]

My father in laws 16613 went 22yrs before its first service. But he rarely wore it. My fathers Datejust is at about 21years but he doesn't swim or anything but he does wear it every day.

[PatrickJ]

Originally Posted by Valkyrie

Neither. It says nothing at all about when your watch will need servicing.

As best I can gather based on the recent threads on this subject, Rolex makes no recommendation at all on what the service interval should be. Rather, as stated above, the typical Rolex owner decides that his/her watch should be serviced every 10 years (or so) and this 10 year interval is longer than what Rolex has observed in the past.

You will have to decide when your watch needs service. In general, there are two reasons to get your watch serviced: (1) it no longer functions satisfactorily, or (2) you believe that servicing at some regular interval will be cheaper than the alternative of waiting until the watch no longer keeps good time. Given that the typical service interval is getting longer, this suggests to me that on average Rolex owners are finding it cheaper to simply wait until their watch no longer keeps good time before getting it serviced, otherwise they would be choosing to get them serviced sooner rather than later. But it's your money and the choice is yours.

To be fair the green tags are relating to a quality standard that took place after 2015 on all models. It may relate to new oils developed, new time regulating or testing etc.. Some movements had not been technically changed between 2014 and 2015, so there could be an element of marketing in there as well. The 2+ or 2- time keeping and the new 5 year warranty as mentioned on the Rolex site in text next to the green tags. However, I have found no mention of the 10 year service interval on anyplace on the Rolex site also. Perhaps Rolex are not sure what is meant by the service interval yet.

[japenney]

I think I covered it well in my post from 2 months ago in here. Don't wait longer than 10 years to service any mechanical watch imo.

[PJ S]

We covered this here, and on TZ, Wayne, over a year ago – I’m surprised you managed to miss it.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showpost....5&postcount=25

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Valkyrie

Neither. It says nothing at all about when your watch will need servicing.

As best I can gather based on the recent threads on this subject, Rolex makes no recommendation at all on what the service interval should be. Rather, as stated above, the typical Rolex owner decides that his/her watch should be serviced every 10 years (or so) and this 10 year interval is longer than what Rolex has observed in the past.

You will have to decide when your watch needs service. In general, there are two reasons to get your watch serviced: (1) it no longer functions satisfactorily, or (2) you believe that servicing at some regular interval will be cheaper than the alternative of waiting until the watch no longer keeps good time. Given that the typical service interval is getting longer, this suggests to me that on average Rolex owners are finding it cheaper to simply wait until their watch no longer keeps good time before getting it serviced, otherwise they would be choosing to get them serviced sooner rather than later. But it's your money and the choice is yours.

This is right.

Personally I have typically serviced watches in the 5-7 year timeframe.
On watches worn for the vast bulk of the day I have had them serviced due to them stopping randomly or in total.
The most recent service was triggered due to the timekeeping becoming a little inconsistent and randomly stopping at night whilst off the wrist.

[PatrickJ]

Originally Posted by qadhi

this was previously posted by mailman

It says typical frame is ten years, it does not say recommended. There is no place on the Rolex website or literature that states service is recommended at 10 years. I will service mine at 5-7 years red tags or green.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by PatrickJ

Perhaps Rolex are not sure what is meant by the service interval yet.

It's a rubbery figure. Always has been and always will be.

Just like how long should my Watch bracelet last?, or how long is a piece of string? and when should I change my Diff oil?.

[GradyPhilpott]

I don't understand how a letter so simply composed can yield so many interpretations.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

I don't understand how a letter so simply composed can yield so many interpretations.

Agreed.
I think it's a sign of the times where comprehension and common sense is questionable on so many levels throughout society.

Modern marketing techniques come into play here.
Not that Mr Wilsdorf didn't give a good go either

More difficult to fathom are the things the marketing men "are not saying" rather than what they are saying or the way they're not saying it.

[Trailblazer]

Sale warranty to 5years, but service warranty remains at 2 years? What does this mean?

[mtgjr]

Originally Posted by Trailblazer

Sale warranty to 5years, but service warranty remains at 2 years? What does this mean?

Just what it says. Warranty is 5 years for the sale of a new watch, 2 years for a watch sent to RSC for a movement service.

[PatrickJ]

I spoke to a Rolex service centre watchmaker in St James Square London. He said the 10 year interval is correct. However, if you use the watch in water etc it is better to get it done sooner. Also if you purchase a watch in 2014 (red tag) or a watch in 2015 (green tag) on most models there have been no technical update. The new +2 or -2 is due to regulation only and Rolex have improved lubricants. He said most modern Rolex should be ok with longer service. He mentioned sometimes technical and marketing departments can cross over.

In my opinion green or red tag it is best every 5 years to go to the service centre. Rolex will give you a free service estimate. The estimate will tell you what is needed, best not to leave it 10 years.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Let's break this down. I'm tired, been up 36 hours...please correct if wrong

Let's say you wanna wait 7 years for a service and there's been no issues so far with the watch, which is surely plausible and perhaps predictable. I mean it's a Rolex, right ?

Let's say Service cost is US 900.00
That's .35 cents a day you should save up for service over 7 years.

Plenty of variables you could add to change time frame of service though

Lots of water use
Climate..heat cold humidity
Wearing it everyday
Wearing it in rotation
Keeping it on a winder like Peter does
Sports activities, golf or anything with sudden shock to the arm, climbing Mt. Everest every week
Type of job, jack hammer, loud concussion, any type of vibrations, if your a pilot or if you fly a lot that pressure changes happen

[padi56]

Originally Posted by PatrickJ

To be fair the green tags are relating to a quality standard that took place after 2015 on all models. It may relate to new oils developed, new time regulating or testing etc.. Some movements had not been technically changed between 2014 and 2015, so there could be an element of marketing in there as well. The 2+ or 2- time keeping and the new 5 year warranty as mentioned on the Rolex site in text next to the green tags. However, I have found no mention of the 10 year service interval on anyplace on the Rolex site also. Perhaps Rolex are not sure what is meant by the service interval yet.

Lets get things perfectly straight the bare uncased movements are still tested at the COSC to -4+6 seconds to get the chronometer certification. When movement is returned to Rolex then matched to a case,its further tested on timing machine to this new spec a AVERAGE of -2+2.All this means at time of testing it passed said test on machine,but this dont mean it will perform exactly the same every day for life on wrist.Truth be told all movements since the 15 series with proper regulation could meet this new spec. And movements like say the cal 3135 are the same as they were 5-10 years except for now all have the in-house escapement parts but no big deal there any way.With today's mainly pampered Rolex watches the 10 year service interval is quite realistic.But common sense should prevail with its owner regarding pressure checking if used in water and how the watch is running regarding service needed..

[Rolex fan 61]

Thanks Peter for the information

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

I don't understand how a letter so simply composed can yield so many interpretations.