How Often Should You Service Your Automatic Watch? (Complete Maintenance Guide)

Learn how often you should service your automatic watch, what signs indicate it’s time for maintenance, and how proper care keeps your timepiece accurate and reliable for years.

⏳ Introduction: Why Servicing Matters

An automatic watch is a masterpiece of engineering — a delicate balance of gears, springs, and precision. If you’re new to automatic or quartz watches, you might want to read our Mechanical vs Quartz Watches: A Beginner’s Guide first.
That’s why regular servicing is essential — it keeps your watch accurate, prevents damage, and extends its lifespan.

But how often do you really need to service it? Let’s find out.

A close-up digital photograph shows a professional watchmaker servicing a luxury automatic watch. The image captures fine mechanical gears, precision tools, and soft workshop lighting, emphasizing craftsmanship and attention to detail.

⚙️ How Often Should You Service an Automatic Watch?

Most experts recommend servicing your automatic watch every 3 to 5 years, depending on how often you wear it and under what conditions.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

Usage Frequency	Recommended Servicing Interval	Notes
Daily wear	Every 3 years	More exposure to moisture, dust, and friction
Occasional wear	Every 4–5 years	Less wear, but oils can still dry out
Vintage watches	Every 2–3 years	Older parts need extra care and lubrication

Think of it like a car — even if it runs fine, the internal components need maintenance to keep performing at their best.

🪛 Signs That It’s Time for a Service

Even if it hasn’t been 3 years yet, look out for these warning signs:

⏱️ The watch is running fast or slow (beyond ±20 seconds/day) — this could also relate to natural movement differences explained in our guide on Watch Accuracy Explained.
🔋 The power reserve is shorter than usual
⚙️ You hear unusual sounds when winding or moving it
💧 There’s condensation under the crystal
🧭 Crown feels stiff when setting time or date

If any of these happen, it’s time to visit a certified watchmaker.

💧 What Happens During a Watch Service

A professional watch service typically includes:

Complete disassembly of the movement
Ultrasonic cleaning of all components
Lubrication of moving parts with special watch oils
Replacement of worn-out gaskets or parts
Reassembly and timing test (for precision)

The result: your watch will function like new, with restored accuracy and extended longevity.

🧴 How to Take Care of Your Watch Between Services

You don’t have to wait years to care for your timepiece.
Here are easy habits that help prolong its life:

Avoid magnetic fields (speakers, laptops, phone cases)
Keep it dry and clean after wear
Wind your watch regularly (even if not wearing)
Store it in a watch box or winder
Wipe the strap and case with a soft microfiber cloth

👉 Tip: Check out our guide on Water Resistance in Watches Explained to protect your timepiece from accidental damage.

🧠 Related Reading

If you’re new to mechanical watches, these guides can help you understand your watch better:

Mechanical vs Quartz Watches: A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Movement
Watch Accuracy Explained: Why Some Watches Are More Accurate Than Others

💬 Conclusion

Servicing your automatic watch every few years is not just maintenance — it’s preservation.
A well-maintained timepiece can last generations, continuing to tick with the same precision and charm as the day it was made.

So, whether it’s your first automatic watch or a treasured heirloom, remember:
consistent care equals lasting performance.

Curious how automatic watches compare to quartz models in terms of maintenance?
Read our latest guide — Automatic vs Quartz Watch Maintenance — to understand which one truly requires more care.