How do you know when to service a watch?

SandwichStealer

The question just struck me, as almost all my life I’d had quartz which generally never needs a service.

Of course, there’s the obvious “when it’s broken” but aside from that, when?

Reply
CliveBarker1967
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Personally. When it's broken just about sums it up.

hbein2022
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I remember a watchmaker commenting on this one. His answer was: "If the watch is running slow/fast outside of the manufacturer's specs." Or in other words: When it needs service. 😂

phat_tony
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Depends on the movement and value of the watch. E.g. I wouldn’t service any of my Seikos but if I had a Grand Seiko I would consider it. I’ve got a Zenith el primero which is considered a complex movement so depending on how much I use it, my preference is within 5 years.

morningwatchmilwaukee
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I truly don't know. The last watch I had serviced I wore literally until it stopped. It was fully wound but dead, I tried the crown and it was tight and I immediately took it to the watchmaker! Otherwise I have no idea, sorry

LTTang
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This Teddy B video answers a lot of questions.

https://youtu.be/23JVzXqKWz4?si=Tz4F-Ruw-ghsMWml

SandwichStealer
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Thank all y’all so much! None of my mechanicals are worth it to service, fiscally speaking. They’re like $20 HMTs but I have a “pocket watch” that I received for my birthday that might need one eventually!