Malaysia Watch Forum

Main Forums => General Discussion - Modern Watches => Topic started by: J.Tan on January 05, 2017, 10:24:05 AM

Title: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: J.Tan on January 05, 2017, 10:24:05 AM
This just pop out from my mind.
When to service our watch ?
Under what circumstances to service?
to AD or 3rd party service center? Reliable?
Prices differences between AD and 3rd party is a concern. Of course AD enhance value with extended warranty.
Feedback appreciated.
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: altee on January 06, 2017, 02:06:47 PM
Good question!!

Haven't had to send one for service yet. One PAM went in before warranty over ... they did a full service under warranty so should be good for another 5 years i'm guessing?

Friend just sent his Sub for service at Rolex after 9 years of daily use ... for RM1.8k. Watch started running slow.

*** I'd also like to find out if folks usually send their watches for preventive maintenance, or wait till the watch tells them it's time for a service ....

Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: Cocas on January 06, 2017, 02:47:50 PM
I have about 40 watches rotating and so far nothing abnormal happen yet.

I normally send them for full service when they get slower or faster too much or the power reserve is too low.
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: J.Tan on January 06, 2017, 05:23:37 PM
Good question!!

Haven't had to send one for service yet. One PAM went in before warranty over ... they did a full service under warranty so should be good for another 5 years i'm guessing?

Friend just sent his Sub for service at Rolex after 9 years of daily use ... for RM1.8k. Watch started running slow.

*** I'd also like to find out if folks usually send their watches for preventive maintenance, or wait till the watch tells them it's time for a service ....
sent mine SD to RSC for service after 12 years when time accuracy starts to slightly differ. I guess it depends on wear n tear how we wear our watches. Generally 8-9 years shld not be a prb.
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: J.Tan on January 06, 2017, 05:27:11 PM
I have about 40 watches rotating and so far nothing abnormal happen yet.

I normally send them for full service when they get slower or faster too much or the power reserve is too low.
I guess so. Depend on wear and tear. 40 over watches for a rotational wear of more than one month..:-) You are obviously an enthusiast..:-)
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: meoramri on January 06, 2017, 05:55:05 PM
I have about 40 watches rotating and so far nothing abnormal happen yet.

I normally send them for full service when they get slower or faster too much or the power reserve is too low.
I guess so. Depend on wear and tear. 40 over watches for a rotational wear of more than one month..:-) You are obviously an enthusiast..:-)

Generally speaking the recommended service interval assumes either the watch is worn normally (16 hours a day - wear & tear) or in stasis (no movement at all - deterioration of the lubricant). During warranty period you should follow the requirements but all other time send if you find a mark difference in performance.

On a side note, if any of you own a Rado with a small swinging anchor on the dial you will have the only (I may be wrong) service indicator for a mechanical watch. If the anchor starts swinging erratically, it's time for a service.


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Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: Cocas on January 06, 2017, 06:50:26 PM
I have about 40 watches rotating and so far nothing abnormal happen yet.

I normally send them for full service when they get slower or faster too much or the power reserve is too low.
I guess so. Depend on wear and tear. 40 over watches for a rotational wear of more than one month..:-) You are obviously an enthusiast..:-)

Generally speaking the recommended service interval assumes either the watch is worn normally (16 hours a day - wear & tear) or in stasis (no movement at all - deterioration of the lubricant). During warranty period you should follow the requirements but all other time send if you find a mark difference in performance.

On a side note, if any of you own a Rado with a small swinging anchor on the dial you will have the only (I may be wrong) service indicator for a mechanical watch. If the anchor starts swinging erratically, it's time for a service.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's a surprise that Rado has this special feature of service indicator! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: yehlai on January 06, 2017, 09:10:33 PM
Good question!!

Haven't had to send one for service yet. One PAM went in before warranty over ... they did a full service under warranty so should be good for another 5 years i'm guessing?

Friend just sent his Sub for service at Rolex after 9 years of daily use ... for RM1.8k. Watch started running slow.

*** I'd also like to find out if folks usually send their watches for preventive maintenance, or wait till the watch tells them it's time for a service ....
sent mine SD to RSC for service after 12 years when time accuracy starts to slightly differ. I guess it depends on wear n tear how we wear our watches. Generally 8-9 years shld not be a prb.
Problem is worry might to replace new parts due to  heavy worn out.. then might cost even more. Possible?
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: Timeless on January 09, 2017, 05:31:44 AM
Usually send in before warranty.
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: yehlai on January 09, 2017, 06:27:51 AM
Usually send in before warranty.
Bro, what does it means? within warranty have cover service? how to claim?
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: J.Tan on January 09, 2017, 10:33:16 AM
Good question!!

Haven't had to send one for service yet. One PAM went in before warranty over ... they did a full service under warranty so should be good for another 5 years i'm guessing?

Friend just sent his Sub for service at Rolex after 9 years of daily use ... for RM1.8k. Watch started running slow.

*** I'd also like to find out if folks usually send their watches for preventive maintenance, or wait till the watch tells them it's time for a service ....
sent mine SD to RSC for service after 12 years when time accuracy starts to slightly differ. I guess it depends on wear n tear how we wear our watches. Generally 8-9 years shld not be a prb.
Problem is worry might to replace new parts due to  heavy worn out.. then might cost even more. Possible?
I guess most service charges commensurate with the value of the watch. Sent my wife's Tag Hauer for a original battery replacement after 10 years, it cost RM 120. Reasonable for service centre charges.
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: psychokandy on January 09, 2017, 04:18:33 PM
Good question!!

Haven't had to send one for service yet. One PAM went in before warranty over ... they did a full service under warranty so should be good for another 5 years i'm guessing?

Friend just sent his Sub for service at Rolex after 9 years of daily use ... for RM1.8k. Watch started running slow.

*** I'd also like to find out if folks usually send their watches for preventive maintenance, or wait till the watch tells them it's time for a service ....
sent mine SD to RSC for service after 12 years when time accuracy starts to slightly differ. I guess it depends on wear n tear how we wear our watches. Generally 8-9 years shld not be a prb.
Problem is worry might to replace new parts due to  heavy worn out.. then might cost even more. Possible?
I guess most service charges commensurate with the value of the watch. Sent my wife's Tag Hauer for a original battery replacement after 10 years, it cost RM 120. Reasonable for service centre charges.
Does Quartz watch such as this include any polishing. 


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Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: adamjohari on January 10, 2017, 08:06:31 AM
I thought the rule of thumb was once every 5 years?
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: dualcarb on January 10, 2017, 09:21:58 AM
I thought the rule of thumb was once every 5 years?
That would be the manufacturing recommendation, but as a general rule of thumb, I would not touch my watches unless they vary erratically from normal timekeeping.
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: DannyDar on January 11, 2017, 01:57:18 PM
The SA told me service my watch every 3 years


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Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: yehlai on January 11, 2017, 03:41:19 PM
I thought the rule of thumb was once every 5 years?
That would be the manufacturing recommendation, but as a general rule of thumb, I would not touch my watches unless they vary erratically from normal timekeeping.
But that is risking to worn out the parts right? If that happened cost for parts replacing could be high
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: Cocas on January 11, 2017, 03:51:17 PM
I thought the rule of thumb was once every 5 years?
That would be the manufacturing recommendation, but as a general rule of thumb, I would not touch my watches unless they vary erratically from normal timekeeping.
But that is risking to worn out the parts right? If that happened cost for parts replacing could be high

The skill of service technician is very important too. I got few preowned pieces were serviced by incompetent technician that were arranged by previous owners , the more repair/service the more worse.....
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: dualcarb on January 11, 2017, 04:45:35 PM
I thought the rule of thumb was once every 5 years?
That would be the manufacturing recommendation, but as a general rule of thumb, I would not touch my watches unless they vary erratically from normal timekeeping.
But that is risking to worn out the parts right? If that happened cost for parts replacing could be high

There is bound to be wear and tear on the parts irregardless. Personally, I would just let it be till my watch runs too fast to too slow.
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: kamilnu on February 22, 2017, 04:14:01 PM
Not really unless its a Tag which the manual says needs servicing every 2 years.
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: artyca on February 22, 2017, 07:22:45 PM
Usually, you'll roughly know when it's time for service. Either accuracy or power reserve becomes irregular, or the simple task of winding the watch feels different. If everything feels fine, not necessary to send for service within a defined time frame.
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: Frogman on February 23, 2017, 05:56:43 AM
Till the watch running abnormal.
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: kygan711 on February 23, 2017, 07:07:27 PM
i service when watch becomes slow. So far no part replacement. Just full service for 2 of my watches. One was almost 8 or 9 years while the other around 5 years.

I did drop a watch once and got part replacement. So not necessarily because we don't service them regularly would mean higher chance or parts replacement.
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: B747-4H6 on February 24, 2017, 06:03:22 AM
How slow is slow and how fast is fast when it comes to servicing?
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: jmur3 on February 24, 2017, 06:12:41 AM
i have encountered a watch that ran too fast to the extent of 10 minutes +/- within  3-4 days.. :o >:(
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: kygan711 on February 24, 2017, 06:23:22 AM
Now your watch is new. If you need the timing run ( maybe 1-5 minutes )after 1 to 2 months of use then you use this as a base.
When you need to start winding every 2 week then it's already a sign.
Until you feel tired or its get to lesser than a week then you can send for service. if you happy to tune your time everyday then you can still hold on to the watch until it gets worse before sending in.
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: B747-4H6 on February 24, 2017, 06:31:05 AM
My daily beater is running +/- 1 minute a week, got the the watch in 2012. By right the watch is now due for servicing. Still contemplating it though. Mainly because I think it's still running well. Any idea how much would it cost to service an 8500 Planet Ocean? And roughly how long would it take to service the watch?
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: thickface on March 01, 2017, 08:38:29 AM
A watch smith once told me if your watch is not that expensive. No point servicing it until it runs off in keeping the time because the figure would not tally with your watch price. I guess this applies the same to cars. Older and cheaper cars will only fix when there is a problem, while newer and nicer car conduct preventive maintenance.
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: jetstrim on March 04, 2017, 07:32:42 PM
They say ' if it ain't broke don't fix it'... I send my watches to an independant watchmaker. Sometimes even if you send to the official SC, your watch mayy be passed to a  newbie .My watchmaker always delivers :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: B747-4H6 on March 04, 2017, 07:35:06 PM
Mind sharing contacts?
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: D'Andy on March 05, 2017, 05:50:14 AM
My daily beater is running +/- 1 minute a week, got the the watch in 2012. By right the watch is now due for servicing. Still contemplating it though. Mainly because I think it's still running well. Any idea how much would it cost to service an 8500 Planet Ocean? And roughly how long would it take to service the watch?

It would cost circa RM2,200 to have a non-chrono Category C (full service, in Omega language) done at Omega SC. Lubricating, regularising, and even change of hands (have sent a PO and Speedy for Cat C, both times the hands were changed as a package under the servicing). If the parts are there, you should be able to have your watch back within 2 weeks or so. Watches came back performing like new after servicing.
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: Cocas on April 26, 2018, 04:43:12 AM
i have encountered a watch that ran too fast to the extent of 10 minutes +/- within  3-4 days.. :o >:(

Yes, very possible. If that happens, better quickly send for service before it's too late.

Just last week , I found out that my Omega Speedmaster Mark 40 got moist inside the watch . It's a crazy +967 second/day!

Luckily root cause found, the moist is too severe and the escapement balance wheel spring sticking together.

After service, it's back to normal at +5 second/day.
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: ChrisChong on May 07, 2018, 06:37:39 PM
I dont think it is necessary until the time runs out of its specification
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: sidestreaker on May 09, 2018, 10:24:05 AM
i have encountered a watch that ran too fast to the extent of 10 minutes +/- within  3-4 days.. :o >:(

Yes, very possible. If that happens, better quickly send for service before it's too late.

Just last week , I found out that my Omega Speedmaster Mark 40 got moist inside the watch . It's a crazy +967 second/day!

Luckily root cause found, the moist is too severe and the escapement balance wheel spring sticking together.

After service, it's back to normal at +5 second/day.

Oh wow, that sounds crazy. I hope the repairs was not too costly as some of the internal parts of the movement may be damaged?

I've just sent my wife's Portuguese chrono (5yrs) and my Portuguese Auto(4 yrs) for a full service for the fear of humidity damage. Both are still keeping relatively good time but I was concern with the sealants and gasket may be compromised over the years of daily wear. The service-centre gave an offer and serviced one of them for free with a 2 years guarantee on both.
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: Cocas on May 09, 2018, 04:26:52 PM
i have encountered a watch that ran too fast to the extent of 10 minutes +/- within  3-4 days.. :o >:(

Yes, very possible. If that happens, better quickly send for service before it's too late.

Just last week , I found out that my Omega Speedmaster Mark 40 got moist inside the watch . It's a crazy +967 second/day!

Luckily root cause found, the moist is too severe and the escapement balance wheel spring sticking together.

After service, it's back to normal at +5 second/day.

Oh wow, that sounds crazy. I hope the repairs was not too costly as some of the internal parts of the movement may be damaged?

I've just sent my wife's Portuguese chrono (5yrs) and my Portuguese Auto(4 yrs) for a full service for the fear of humidity damage. Both are still keeping relatively good time but I was concern with the sealants and gasket may be compromised over the years of daily wear. The service-centre gave an offer and serviced one of them for free with a 2 years guarantee on both.

Should be quite reasonable because the shifu dry, clean, and oil it and I have had my PP did the same together. Total service cost for 2 watches only RM 450.
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: cubangang on May 11, 2018, 09:15:17 PM
necessary, to maintain the internal watch movement and to make sure the watch rubber seal is replace so that water doesn't seep in within the watch
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: summerdragon on May 16, 2018, 12:03:52 AM
My suggestion is never send your watch for servicing unless your watch starting to run inaccurate which in need of regulate.
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: craftedseries on May 27, 2018, 12:22:12 AM
Definitely necessary, not regularly though. Once an year I'd definitely get it serviced. Just in case if something is wrong  or so, need to be sure of it.
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: mattwee89 on June 17, 2018, 01:07:10 PM
Ya i also wonder for automatic watch when do we need to do servicing actually? And servicing is for what?
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: ebayer on June 20, 2018, 07:37:21 AM
Besides servicing the watch when it runs too slow or too fast, it is also a good idea to service the watch to change the gaskets if you regularly expose your watch to water e.g. swimming, diving, etc.
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: vrscse23 on June 25, 2018, 11:52:16 AM
Have a IWC double chrono. Currently about 4 years old. Time for a service?
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: realist on July 01, 2018, 03:58:18 PM
Watch servicing is necessary especially when the watch starts to lose time
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: vrscse23 on July 03, 2018, 09:02:10 PM
I usually send my watches for servicing before the warrnty ends or if theres anything malfunctioning. Hope this helps. Cheers!
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: tbgreen on July 04, 2018, 05:41:21 AM
I have quite a number of watches in my collection and I seldom wear them as I only wear my daily beater, the rest are only either weekend watch or special occasion/holiday watch. I will service the valuable / meaningful watch in about 5 years time, the rest I'll let it run till problem starting occur then send for service.
Title: Re: Servicing your watch. Necessary ?
Post by: dstudio10 on July 06, 2018, 04:16:48 PM
i have a tag n i have not sent in for service before... warranty expires in 3 months time... will the dealer service my watch even though i dun think it has any problem ?