Why Do Luxury Watches Need To Be Serviced

The pre-owned luxury watch market has exploded in recent years, with more and more people seeking out iconic timepieces from brands like Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe. However, these intricate mechanical devices require proper care and maintenance to keep them running accurately over decades of use. Unlike a $10 quartz watch from the department store that can simply be tossed when it stops working, an investment-grade mechanical watch like a Rolex Submariner or Patek Philippe Nautilus needs to be serviced regularly by a professional watchmaker. 

In this article, we will explore why basic watch maintenance like cleaning, lubrication, and calibration are necessary approximately every 3-5 years in order to preserve both the functionality and collectibility of a fine luxury timepiece from brands preferred by discerning collectors and enthusiasts. Proper servicing can help prevent mechanical issues, maintain optimal timekeeping performance, and protect the market value of an expensive pre-owned watch so that a cherished piece passed down from grandfather to grandson may continue ticking proudly through generations of family ownership.

Rolex Submariner "Smurf" in 18k White Gold Blue dial 40mm

When investing substantial money into a pre-owned luxury watch, whether an heirloom piece or recent acquisition, it is important to factor the cost of recommended service into long-term ownership. While prices vary based on the complexity, brand, age and model, expect to budget $500-1500+ for complete service at 5 year intervals. This may seem significant, but is minimal compared to the financial as well as emotional and nostalgic value of a luxury watch.

Proper servicing is crucial for both rare vintage models as well as modern pieces to optimize their longevity and performance. Just as regular oil changes and tune ups are essential to maximize a car's lifespan and reliability, the intricate mechanical movements inside fine Swiss and German watches need cleaning, lubrication, adjustment and worn parts replacement. No amount of babying a watch will prevent internal lubricants from drying up over 5 years or guard against introduction of micro-dust particles which can slowly impede precision or eventually grind gears to a halt. As most pre-owned luxury watches lack a formal service warranty or history, bringing them unserviced for too long is risky. An owner faces expensive repairs or even a seized-up and unsalvageable “parts watch” if they allow 10+ years to pass between professional maintenance sessions.

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Stainless Steel Black dial 46mm

In the end, servicing a pre-owned luxury watch according to manufacturer recommendations allows for its inner beauty to be restored while providing assurance that outside appearances match the smooth-running performance inside expected from a high-end timepiece. Committing to regular upkeep means your watch may one day be passed down and enjoyed for generations instead of sitting forgotten in a dresser drawer.

Franck Muller Master Banker 5850 MB 18k rose gold

Gray & Sons - Leading Service Center

At Gray and Sons Jewelers, servicing a pre-owned luxury timepiece is a careful process done with the care and expertise expected for one of watchmaking’s most esteemed creations. Upon intake, our master watchmaker conducts a thorough assessment - inspecting the watch under high magnification for any signs of damage while testing for timing accuracy, power reserve, water resistance and authenticity.

Gaining access inside the iconic case starts with skillfully removing the bezel with a case wrench and then unscrewing the caseback. The movement condition is closely inspected, with every component assessed and any worn parts like the mainspring or balance carefully earmarked for replacement. We maintain an extensive inventory of genuine parts for sourcing high-quality components that meet strict specifications.

Cartier Tank Francaise

Methodical disassembly progresses under the watchmaker’s expert hand, retaining and refurbishing as many of the original parts as possible to preserve the watch’s provenance. The strap, case and crystal undergo a professional ultrasonic cleaning and hand-polishing until they regain that coveted “like-new” luster. Any oils, residues or moisture trapped within the movement are eliminated through a deep cleaning regimen.

Our watchmaker skillfully reassembles the movement piece by piece, adjusting the timing and beat to bring the intricate caliber back as close as possible to original specifications. The crystal is replaced with a brand new scratch-resistant sapphire glass for enhanced durability. Pressure and water resistance testing ensues to guarantee the case integrity before final calibrations, verifying chronometer-grade accuracy once again.

Rolex Datejust in Everose and Stainless Steel

With over 43 years of expertise in the pre-owned luxury watch trade, Gray and Sons has become one of the most trusted destinations for pre-owned timepieces. We maintain extensive inventories of iconic references for discerning clientele to browse online, all meticulously inspected, authenticated and restored to like-new condition by our team of master watchmakers.

Get to Know More About Gray and Sons Jewelers - Luxury Watch and Estate Jewelry Specialists. 

For over 43 years, Gray and Sons have specialized in the dealing of pre owned luxury watches like Jaeger LeCoultre and many different watches and estate jewelry like Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Ulysse Nardin, Bvlgari, Roberto Coin, Van Cleef and Arpels, Chimento and many other high end jewelry brands. Also, most of the items in our inventory have been repaired or restored and polished to like-new condition unless keeping the original condition serves the desired outcome of preserving uniqueness or antiquity of the item.

Customers from all over the world  sell us their used watches and jewelry  so our inventory is ever-growing. We update the website daily so many things come in every day! Customers can request a free monthly catalog that includes our top of the line eclectic updated inventory.

For those looking to sell your jewelry, watches, diamonds, or sterling silver, Sellusyourjewlry.com can provide straightforward guidance to make the process smooth and rewarding. The step-by-step instructions will walk you through professional evaluation, secure shipping, and obtaining fair payment for your valuables. We aim to keep sellers informed and confident when selling their cherished pieces.