How Often To Service A Rolex

Rolex watches are one of the most valued and expensive brands in the watch industry. Thus, it only makes sense to maintain them. We’ve got you covered if you’re curious about how often to service a Rolex watch. 

Keep reading until the end as we share the nine phases of the serving process – from disassembly to final quality control. 

But first, let’s determine the significance of servicing your Rolex.

The Importance of Servicing Your Rolex

Rolex recommends that you periodically have your watch serviced by their Official Rolex Retailer or Service Center to guarantee continued waterproofness and accuracy.

Doing this is most important for chronometer watches as they need to run with an average daily deviation rate of -4/+6 seconds per day. 

Although, in 2016, Rolex introduced its in-house Superlative Chronometer. Such a certification adheres to the more stringent tolerances, guaranteeing a time accuracy of 2/+2 seconds per day.

Don’t worry, though, because servicing your Rolex is rare. Remember that Rolexes are built to last. However, servicing them will extend their lifespan.

Moreover, watch specialists from the Rolex Service Center are well-trained to restore a timepiece to its original magnificence and prevent permanent damage. But before every watch service, you should know precisely how much the cost is.

The Cost to Service a Rolex at the Rolex Service Center

It ranges between US$800 to $1,200 for most Rolex service centers. They will also give you an estimate of the service once you submit your watch. 

The amount varies, depending on the movement used, the watch’s condition and age, and if any part needs replacement. For a less complicated timepiece, Rolex charges around $650.

Related: Will Rolex Service A Watch Without Papers?

What Determines if Your Watch Is in Need of Service?

Aside from the recommended period of Rolex to have your watch serviced, there are other ways to determine if your Rolex requires service.

If it feels like something is moving, has condensation or moisture inside or has a rattle, it needs a service. If it isn’t working correctly, get one too. Remember that everyone with a Rolex wears or stores it differently.

Some Rolex may need a service every three years, while others need longer. The rougher you use it, the sooner it needs serving. 

This explains why some people don’t wear their Rolex every day but every other day. That way, the movement doesn’t take as much damage, but you still maintain its condition. 

Additionally, some Rolex owners further advise others to avoid wearing the same watch every day so the movement doesn’t take as much damage.

How Often to Service Your Rolex [Your Complete Guide]

Rolex recommends the need for watch service only every 10 years, depending on real-life usage and model. For vintage models, it depends on how their movement works. Beyond the 10-year recommendation, we also recommend checking your watch’s waterproofness every two years.

However, you don’t need to wait ten years to elapse if you’ve been in humid areas to have your wristwatch serviced. There’s a risk of water seeping into your watch and causing a problem in its parts. 

In addition, this applies if you need help to turn your watch to the suitable date and time because there may be a severe problem with the components. Of course, that’s a rare case because Rolex’s crown and stem are meant to be easy to turn, so adjustments are easy too.

When servicing it, please leave it to an official Rolex dealer or the local Rolex service center to keep your warranty on the function. No matter how old your Rolex timepiece is, when you give it to them, it will work like a brand new watch after service.

Related: How Much Is A Rolex Worth Without Papers?

The 8 Steps of Servicing: What Does the Rolex Servicing Process Consist Of

1. Disassembly

First, the watchmaker will remove the bracelet from the case. Next, they will separate each link and screw it to clean it properly. They will also open the case and remove the movement. To do that, they will have to remove the hands and the dial, down to the most miniature screws, to see what needs replacement and to clean the parts.

2. Cleaning

After disassembling the watch, they’ll clean the movement using a specially formulated solution for each component. They make sure that each part is ultrasonically cleaned.

3. Replacement of Components

Step three examines each component and determines which parts need replacement. If they ever replace parts of the watch, they will still use the original Rolex parts. These components are directly from the Rolex Switzerland headquarters.

3. Lubrication

The watchmaker will use their specially-formulated lubricants to prevent wear and minimize friction. A simple movement uses around five to six oils. This shows how much attention Rolex provides to their timepieces. A Rolex mechanical watch functions increase as lubricant technology improves.

4. Timing Calibrations

Then, they will put the movements together to time calibrations. At the heart of the timepiece is a balance wheel with a frequency of over 690,000 beats daily.

The assigned watchmaker will meticulously adjust the balance wheel. Then, he will electronically test the accuracy of the watch. It may take several days for the Rolex to be tested in this process because they need to carefully observe and verify its performance.

5. Refinishing

The next step is refinishing the bracelet and the case. Rolex will provide the same attention to detail as they did with the movement. After cleaning the bracelet and case, they will closely examine the watch. 

Rolex takes this process seriously, requiring a three-year apprenticeship and five year to master their polishing techniques. It means that the person handling your watch during refinishing knows their job.

6. Reassembly

They will then reassemble the case and bracelet. All the seals are replaced to ensure waterproofness, which is the next part of the servicing process.

7. Waterproof Testing

In this step, the Rolex watch undergoes a vacuum, condensation, and compression test. These three-step waterproof testing will show even the slightest moisture within the case.

8. Quality Control

The last part of the process is the final quality control. The watchmaker checks at each part of the servicing process, but this part is where they check the power reserve. They will also check the appearance of the watch and the accuracy of time. All of these are done to ensure the highest possible quality standard.

People Also Ask: FAQs About Servicing Rolex Watches

Where can I have my Rolex serviced?

It would be best if you should service your Rolex watch regularly (every 10 years) at the Official Rolex Service Centers and affiliates. They cover over a hundred countries worldwide and employ highly skilled watchmakers trained by Rolex.

How long does the average Rolex last?

It will last from one generation to the next, mainly when serviced when needed. However, there’s no limit on how long Rolex watches will keep on working because they are designed to be durable in the first place.

Is Rolex service worth it?

Yes, it’s worth it. Even if you don’t see anything visibly wrong with your Rolex, servicing it within the recommended period (every 10 years) ensures that it will continue functioning properly for many years.

It also ensures that features, such as waterproofing, still work. It will also keep your watch looking great. That way, you can get the maximum value from your investment piece when you want to sell it for an upgrade, its value has soared, your taste evolved, or you find yourself needing funds.

How often should I overhaul my Rolex watch?

Although some Swiss watch manufacturers recommend a complete overhaul of their timepiece once every five years to seven years, it does not apply to Rolex. Instead, they recommend servicing it every 10 years to keep it running smoothly. 

Vintage Rolex watches and older models may need frequent servicing. More so if they are your everyday watch and you want them to exactly run as initially designed.

If you’re planning to have your vintage Rolex watch serviced, choose a facility that is an expert working on vintage-grade timepieces. Full servicing of a wristwatch entails removing the case back, cleaning the components, disassembling the movement, and applying new lubricants.

Do Rolex mechanical watches still need servicing?

Yes, they do. Mechanical watches (Rolex or otherwise) need service because their lubricants have been breaking down over the years. 

Reducing friction is the main objective of the watchmaker. Therefore, they apply specialized lubricants in the service center of Rolex to ensure it runs smoothly.

Related: How to Open a Rolex Watch

The Bottom line

Having your Rolex watch regularly serviced every 10 years, as Rolex suggested, can maintain it for years to come. Whether a mechanical or quartz watch, its movement needs service once in a while.

Not only will you have a beautiful watch to enjoy and wear for years, but it will keep the value of the Rolex high. 

Lastly, speak to horological experts at the Rolex Service Center to avoid damaging the parts.

TL;DR: Rolex Revision

  • Service Network – There are approximately 900 after-sales service workshops for your watch. They also employ highly skilled watchmakers to handle it.
  • Service Intervals – The brand’s recommendation is at least every ten years, depending on the operation and use of the watch. If you have a vintage or antique Rolex watch, you may need to schedule its maintenance more frequently than newer models.
  • Service Costs – The full servicing costs around US$800 to $1,200, depending on the condition and model of Rolex luxury watches.
  • Service Guarantee – Two-year warranty on labor and parts.
If you like this guide on how often you should service a Rolex, please read our other reviews at EvesWatch.com.