How Often Should You Service Your Automatic Watch?

Manufacturer service intervals (typically 5–7 years) are conservative defaults. Real-world intervals depend on three factors.

1. Movement type

• ETA 2824 / SW200 — robust, can comfortably go 7–8 years.
• In-house Rolex / Omega — official 10-year intervals, realistic.
• Vintage column-wheel chronos — service every 4–5 years.

2. Daily wear pattern

A daily-worn watch self-lubricates better than one that sits for months.

3. Water exposure

Every dive, shower, or pool session pushes water past the gaskets micro-amounts.

Signs you need a service now

• Timekeeping has drifted beyond ±30 sec/day.
• Crown feels gritty or sticky.
• Power reserve has dropped significantly.
• Visible moisture under the crystal — service today.

What a service costs

• Entry Swiss (Tissot/Hamilton): ₹6,000–₹10,000.
• Premium Swiss (Omega/Tag): ₹20,000–₹40,000.
• Rolex via service centre: ₹40,000–₹80,000.