How Often Should You Service a Rolex Watch?

Owning a Rolex is about more than just owning a luxury watch, it is about maintaining the precision, longevity and performance of your timepiece. Whether you wear your Rolex daily or keep it as part of a collection, regular servicing is essential to preserve both function and value.

At Trotters Jewellers, we work with hundreds of Rolex owners each year who trust us to inspect, service and maintain their watches. The question we are asked most often is simple: how often should a Rolex be serviced? The answer depends on how the watch is used, stored and cared for, but understanding the key principles makes all the difference.

Rolex Service Recommendations

Rolex recommends a full service approximately every five to ten years, depending on the model and usage. This interval allows for the oils within the movement to be replaced before they degrade and ensures that seals, gaskets and components are still functioning as intended.

However, this is only a guideline. A watch worn daily in varied environments may need servicing sooner than one that is carefully stored and worn occasionally.

Trotters Top Tip: “Do not wait for something to go wrong before booking a service. Regular maintenance is always cheaper and safer than repair work after the fact.”

Signs That Your Rolex May Need Servicing

Even though Rolex movements are built to last, small performance changes can indicate that a service is due. Look out for:

• Loss of accuracy: The watch gains or loses more than a few seconds per day.
• Reduced power reserve: The watch stops running earlier than usual when unworn.
• Moisture or condensation: Fogging under the crystal suggests failing seals.
• Stiff winding or setting: The crown feels tight or less responsive when used.

Any of these signs should be checked by a professional technician. Catching them early can prevent more serious internal wear.

Trotters Top Tip: “If your Rolex has not been serviced for more than seven years, it is sensible to book an inspection. Even if it appears to run fine, lubricants may have dried out and water resistance may be compromised.”

What Happens During a Rolex Service

A professional Rolex service involves far more than cleaning or lubrication. At Trotters Jewellers, each service follows a detailed process designed to restore both mechanical performance and appearance.

1. Full Inspection – The case and bracelet are examined for wear, damage or non-original parts.
2. Disassembly – The movement is carefully dismantled and every component ultrasonically cleaned.
3. Replacement – Any worn or damaged parts are replaced with genuine Rolex components.
4. Lubrication and Reassembly – The movement is reassembled, lubricated and adjusted for accuracy.
5. Testing – Each watch is tested for timekeeping precision, power reserve and water resistance.

This process ensures that the watch is returned to optimal performance while maintaining authenticity and long-term value.

Why Regular Servicing Protects Value

For many owners, a pre-owned Rolex is both a timepiece and an investment. Regular servicing not only keeps the watch running correctly but also protects its resale value.

A documented service history reassures future buyers that the watch has been properly maintained. Watches without service records or with unclear histories often sell for less, even if they appear visually sound.

Expert Insight from the Trotters Team: “Collectors always look for service documentation. It proves the watch has been maintained by professionals, which directly influences both demand and resale value.”

Servicing Intervals for Different Usage Types

Every Rolex is designed for durability, but usage affects servicing intervals. Here’s a simple guide:

• Daily wearers: Service every 5–7 years, as exposure to moisture, sweat and varying temperatures increases wear.
• Occasional wear: Service every 7–10 years, as less frequent use reduces mechanical strain but oils still degrade.
• Stored collection pieces: Service approximately every 10 years, as lubricants dry out even when unworn.

If your Rolex is used for diving or regular water exposure, schedule annual pressure testing to ensure the seals remain watertight.

What a Trotters Rolex Service Includes

When a Rolex is serviced at Trotters Jewellers, it undergoes a meticulous, fully documented process carried out by experienced technicians. Each service includes:

• Full mechanical overhaul and testing
• Replacement of gaskets and seals
• Cleaning and refinishing (if requested)

Our technicians have extensive experience with both vintage and modern Rolex models, ensuring every watch is handled correctly, with genuine parts used at every stage.

Find out more about Trotters’s Rolex Watch Servicing.

Why Trust Trotters with Your Rolex

With over three decades of experience, Trotters Jewellers is one of London’s most trusted names for pre-owned Rolex watches and professional servicing. Every watch we handle is inspected, serviced and guaranteed to meet the standards expected from the brand.

Servicing your Rolex is not just about maintenance, it is about preserving craftsmanship, accuracy and value for the years ahead. When you choose Trotters, you can rely on transparent pricing, genuine parts and skilled technicians who understand exactly how your watch should perform.

Whether you purchased your watch from us or elsewhere, our team is here to provide ongoing care and guidance. Explore our current range of pre-owned Rolex watches or contact our team to arrange a service appointment.

 

About the Author

Written by the Trotters Jewellers team, trusted specialists in pre-owned luxury watches since 1991. Based in the City of London, Trotters is recognised for expertise, authenticity and exceptional service in the global watch market.