“How often should I service my Rolex?” is the question we are asked most \u2014 and the honest answer has changed. Modern lubricants and manufacturing have stretched intervals dramatically, and over-servicing a healthy watch costs money and removes metal unnecessarily. Here is how to think about it.<\/p>\n
For modern Rolex watches the general recommendation is roughly every 10 years<\/strong>, thanks to advances in synthetic oils and movement engineering. Older watches \u2014 vintage pieces and models from earlier decades \u2014 are usually better served every 4 to 5 years<\/strong>, because their lubricants and seals degrade faster. Our own certified master watchmaker recommends a complete overhaul roughly every 3 to 3.5 years<\/strong> for fine timepieces kept in heavy daily use or exposed to water, which is the conservative end of the range.<\/p>\n A calendar interval is a guide; the watch tells you the truth. Book a service if you notice:<\/p>\n A proper overhaul means complete disassembly of the movement, ultrasonic cleaning of every component, inspection for wear, replacement of worn parts, fresh lubrication, reassembly and regulation \u2014 then new gaskets and a pressure test<\/strong> to restore water resistance, and case and bracelet refinishing if requested.<\/p>\n Gaskets perish with time, heat and chemicals whether you swim or not. If you use your watch in water, have it pressure-tested annually<\/strong> \u2014 testing is inexpensive compared with the damage water causes. A watch that has not been tested in years should be treated as not water resistant.<\/p>\n Polishing is optional and permanently removes metal. On a vintage or collectible reference, refuse it: originality is worth more than shine. Ask explicitly that your watch is not<\/strong> polished unless you have requested it.<\/p>\n GrecoWatch is an Athens-based luxury watch specialist and a Chrono24 Trusted Seller. Our certified master watchmaker has over 50 years of experience, including years working for Rolex.<\/p>\n Every service we carry out is covered by a written two-year warranty<\/strong> and performed using original parts only<\/strong>. We provide a free written diagnostic and transparent quote before any work begins.<\/p>\n Spyrou Merkouri 4, Athens \u2014 appointments on +30 697 546 1445.<\/p>\n Modern watches are generally quoted at around 10 years, with older models better served every 4\u20135 years. Actual need depends on use, water exposure and how the watch is performing.<\/p>\n Often yes \u2014 good timekeeping is a healthy sign. But dried lubricant causes wear invisibly, so do not stretch a vintage watch indefinitely, and never ignore moisture.<\/p>\n Servicing helps; unnecessary polishing<\/em> and replaced original parts hurt. Request no polishing and ask that any removed original components be returned to you.<\/p>\n A recent service with documentation reassures buyers and supports the price, but it is not always cost-effective. Ask a dealer first \u2014 sometimes selling as-is is the better decision.<\/p>\n Explore GrecoWatch:<\/strong> Browse the collection<\/a> \u00b7 Watch service & repair<\/a> \u00b7 Sell or trade your watch<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" How often a Rolex really needs servicing \u2014 modern vs vintage intervals, the warning signs to act on, what a full overhaul includes and why polishing is optional.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3701],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13727","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-watch-guides"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/grecowatch.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13727","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/grecowatch.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/grecowatch.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grecowatch.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grecowatch.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13727"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/grecowatch.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13727\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13755,"href":"https:\/\/grecowatch.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13727\/revisions\/13755"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/grecowatch.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13727"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grecowatch.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13727"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grecowatch.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13727"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Service by symptom, not just by calendar<\/h2>\n
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What a full service actually includes<\/h2>\n
Water resistance is the hidden clock<\/h2>\n
A note on polishing<\/h2>\n
Servicing checklist<\/h2>\n
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How GrecoWatch can help<\/h2>\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
How often does Rolex say to service a watch?<\/h3>\n
Can I wait longer if the watch keeps good time?<\/h3>\n
Does servicing hurt the value of a vintage Rolex?<\/h3>\n
Should I service before selling?<\/h3>\n
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