Questions on servicing watches

[lowengen]

This may be a dumb question, but just wondering, the typical 5 years and then service, does it apply to USAGE of 5 years or MANUFACTURED of 5 years?

Like eg : if a watch is manufactured in 2008, but only bought (fresh from AD) and used in 2012, should it be sent for servicing in 2013?

[Everdying]

should only be sent for service once you notice issues with time-keeping.

[lowengen]

should only be sent for service once you notice issues with time-keeping.

I c... coz i THINK one of my watches d power reserve seems like having a lil problem.. not sure though.. neva really test it out..
I wind (about 20 - 30 rounds on crown) and wear for 2 days (weekends)... but after I stop wearing it, it only lasts for bout 30 hours (1 day + few hours)... its a ETA2892-a2 movement... aint sure isit problem or not..

How do I test a power reserve of a watch anyway? lol...

[davidtth]

what i usually do is do another few more wind on the watch let say 10pm 27 Aug (today), if the watch should have power reserve of 42hour, it should stop somewhere 4pm 29 Aug, usually should be slightly more than 40 hour (about 42 hour plus for my BR03 running on eta 2892)

if you think it bother you, you may send in for service, if the time accuracy is not as bad as 1 min per day or more, shouldnt be an issue to last u another 1 year or two

5 year watch service interval is just a guide line, u can have ur watch without service even tho after 10 year as long it doesnt really bother the timing

[lowengen]

what i usually do is do another few more wind on the watch let say 10pm 27 Aug (today), if the watch should have power reserve of 42hour, it should stop somewhere 4pm 29 Aug, usually should be slightly more than 40 hour (about 42 hour plus for my BR03 running on eta 2892)

if you think it bother you, you may send in for service, if the time accuracy is not as bad as 1 min per day or more, shouldnt be an issue to last u another 1 year or two

5 year watch service interval is just a guide line, u can have ur watch without service even tho after 10 year as long it doesnt really bother the timing

I c..
Timing wise is still awesome, still within COSC... but waz juz wondering bout d power reserve.. lol... lets c how long it lasts...
my last time wearing it is 8.30pm yesterday...

[sidestreaker]

This may be a dumb question, but just wondering, the typical 5 years and then service, does it apply to USAGE of 5 years or MANUFACTURED of 5 years?

Like eg : if a watch is manufactured in 2008, but only bought (fresh from AD) and used in 2012, should it be sent for servicing in 2013?

Answer to the question: 5 years of Manufacture date. Even if the watch is not being used and sitting on the shelf, the oil of the watch may dried up over time, if other problems do not occur first.

Even if you're not facing any issues, a 2 year checkup would be good, just to ensure waterproofing is still ok, as a preventive measure. Spend a bit to save a lot.

However, the above is just a guideline. and as mentioned, only send in for an overhaul when you face a problem after that many years. Some mechanical watches still runs well onto 10 years. Again the same rule applies, preventive rather than corrective. It is generally more expensive to replace parts. This is at your discretion.

On your time reserve, if you wear it everyday, shouldn't be an issue. But if you're losing sleep over it, its worthwhile to send it for a checkup.

[ASIAM]

Since is still under warranty by the manufacturer, no harm send to the AD. Just inform them power reserve is a suspect.

I have send mine before with no service charge cause not need to do anything since after checking, it was ok.

Note that, I have no issue on the power reserve but just to let them check before warranty expiry.

[timenut]

How do I test a power reserve of a watch anyway? lol...

Give it a full wind. 40-50 winds should be plenty enough. You can't over wind an automatic, and then time it until the power reserve runs out. I believe the power reserve on the ETA 2892-a2 is about 40-42 hours.

[Sailorbozz]

I assume your questIon Is referrIng to servIcIng whIch I normally term It as overhaulIng. My experience tells me that the period of overhaulIng depends on the frequency of wearing. Most collectors rotate their watches for  either daily or weekly wear. Some watches in their collection may not even have wrist time from the owner for a few months depending on the amount of watches the collector has. Hence, new watches whIch are hardly worn do not necessary requIre overhaul even though they are more than 5 years old. The best way to check whether a watch is due for overhaul Is to check theIr amplitude by sending it to any watch repairer. In layman terms, checkIng the amplitude of a watch is sImIlar like checking the mileage of a car.

[el118]

My dad's datejust has been going strong for 30 years without service. and he wears it daily.

[Sunriver]

My brother sends his Submariner every 5 years for servicing, as for me, I've just send my datejust for servicing last June after 13 years of wearing. Now looking as good as new... 

As for the power reserve, both my Seiko and Rolex only have 36 hours i.e. 1.5 days.

Have to invest for a watch winder once me and the mrs gets another auto...

Peace

[ndtaan]

I think servicing for watches is over rated.
I've had a patek since 1995,rolex since 1990,santos since 1991 and a few other which are over 10years plus a few recent ones.
I've never send any one of those for any suggested periodic serving and all of them ticks just fine since the day I got them.
But then again,I could be lucky so far.

[chrisyen]

Servicing your watches is better

Seal n gasket need to be changed for watch resistant... May not not as frequent as recommended yearly.... But 3-5 yrs it's a must, you gonna lost big one day

As for servicing... I do recommend to service your watch after 4-5 yrs
Bcoz all mechanical parts will hv more friction when oil drying and oxidized

If 15 yrs only it broke, u may need to overhaul it likely, many part would hv worn...