Your automatic watches is powered by hundreds of tiny mechanical components working in perfect harmony. Over time, the oils that lubricate these parts degrade, and friction starts to wear them down. Without routine maintenance, the performance of your timepiece suffers—and the risk of permanent damage increases. Regular servicing ensures:

• Lubrication stays effective, reducing wear
  
• Gaskets are replaced, keeping water and dust out
• Proper lubricating oil and smooth running of movement parts
• Timekeeping remains accurate and reliable
• The value of your watch is preserved over time

Need a refresher on how automatic watch movements? Explore our article: How Do Automatic Watches Work? The Complete Guide.

While some signs are obvious, others may be subtle and easily missed. The five issues below are the most common indicators that your watch is overdue for service—and catching them early could save your timepiece from more serious damage.

1.  It’s Losing or Gaining Significant Time: While a few seconds of variation per day is normal, consistent deviation of over one minute per day signals an issue. This could stem from worn parts, dried lubricants, or magnetization.

2.  It Stops Even When Worn Daily: Automatic watches are designed to stay powered through wrist movement. If your watch stops after regular wear, the power reserve may not be functioning properly or the rotor may be misaligned.

3.  The Crown Feels Stiff or Sticky: Difficulty in winding your watch or setting the time suggests internal friction or dust buildup. A clean and lubricated movement ensures smooth crown operation.

4.  You Hear Unusual Sounds: Clicks, rattles, or grinding noises aren’t normal. These could mean loose parts or debris in the movement—both of which can cause damage if ignored.

5.  It Hasn’t Been Serviced in 3–5 Years: Even if everything seems fine, professional servicing every 3 to 5 years is recommended to prevent long-term wear and tear. It’s like an oil change for your car—preventative care is key..

Not sure if your watch needs servicing yet? These simple tests can help assess its health before sending it in. They won’t replace professional diagnostics, but they’re a great way to identify problems early.

• Timekeeping Test: Track your watch’s accuracy over 24 hours using an app or atomic clock.
• Power Reserve Test: Fully wind your watch and let it sit to check if it meets its expected reserve (typically 38–42 hours).
• Magnetism Test: Move a compass around your watch. If the needle jumps, your watch may need demagnetizing.

Every 3–5 years is the general rule for most high-quality Swiss automatic watches. However, if your watch experiences frequent use, exposure to moisture, extreme temperatures, or shock, you may want to schedule service more frequently.

For an in-depth exploration, discover our article: How Often Should You Service an Automatic Watch.

You may be unknowingly damaging your timepiece through daily routines. These common habits can speed up wear and reduce lifespan.

a)  Setting the Time Backwards: Winding the watch movement in the opposite direction can cause the mainspring to become misaligned.

a)  Setting the Date During Mechanism Changes: Changing the date during the mechanism changing window between 9pm and 3am can damage the calendar mechanism.

b)  Exposing to Strong Magnets: Electronics like phones, tablets, and speakers can magnetize the movement, affecting timekeeping.

c)  Letting It Sit for Too Long: Unused watches can suffer from oil coagulation, leading to increased friction.

d)  Getting It Wet Without Testing: Water resistance fades over time. Always check seals annually if your watch comes into contact with moisture.

Learn more tips in: Essential Dos and Don’ts for Automatic Watch Care.

With a few proactive steps, you can extend the lifespan of your watch and reduce how often it needs professional servicing. These habits support long-term performance and preserve the internal movement.

✓  Wind it regularly—even if not worn daily

✓  Avoid strong magnetic fields (phones, speakers, laptops)

✓  Store in a watch box or watch winder when not in use

✓  Keep it away from water unless rated for waterproofing

✓  Clean the case and bracelet gently with a microfiber cloth

For everyday maintenance tips, read our guide: How To Care For Your Luxury Automatic Watch: 10 Essential Tips.

Even with regular care, accidents happen, and sometimes your watch needs more than a routine service. Professional watch repair differs from standard servicing in that it addresses specific damage or mechanical failures. If your automatic watch suddenly stops, runs unusually fast or slow, or experiences mechanical issues despite recent servicing, it may need diagnostic repair by a certified watchmaker. Early detection saves you from more expensive complications down the line. Common reasons for watch repair include:

• Impact damage from drops or hard knocks
• Water intrusion after gasket failure
• Magnetized movement causing erratic timekeeping
• Broken rotor or worn gears
• Power reserve no longer holding a charge