How often should Swiss watches be serviced?

　　Do not assume that an expensive Swiss watch is necessarily more durable, more accurate, or maintenance-free than a cheaper watch. Some people can afford to buy a Swiss watch but cannot afford the cost of servicing it, or they are afraid that the watch might lose its seal when opened or that components might be swapped by someone. How many years is it best to service a Swiss watch?

　　Swiss watch service interval

　　First, for a Swiss watch worn every day, which can be said to be 365 days without leaving the wrist, if you notice a significant timekeeping error or water ingress, it is best to send it for servicing.

　　If your Swiss watch is functioning normally, it is best to service it every three to five years.

　　Some people wear their Swiss watch continuously for 10 years or more, which is not recommended. Due to prolonged use, the lubricating oil in a Swiss watch will still deplete or dry up, and in an unlubricated state, pivot wear is accelerated. There are microscopic particles in the air invisible to the naked eye that adhere to the oil; if left unserviced for a long time while the Swiss watch continues to run, this will only accelerate the wear of the pivots.

　　Some people wear theirs for 10 or 20 years, keeping the Swiss watch running without ever thinking of servicing it. By the time a fault occurs, many components are already severely worn, and after a service, its accuracy will be significantly reduced compared to a new watch. Quartz watches will naturally stop when the battery needs replacing, so you are forced to send them for servicing.

　　Second, if the Swiss watch is not worn frequently, averaging less than twice a month, it is recommended to send it for servicing every 5 or 10 years. However, it is best to let the Swiss watch run for a bit each month to ensure your cherished timepiece is working properly.

　　Many people use a watch winder to keep a Swiss watch running continuously, which is not necessarily good for the watch. Placed in a winder, a Swiss watch keeps running, which similarly accelerates its wear.

　　Any mechanical watch in motion has a lifespan. If it is a complication watch that is worn on rotation—such as a perpetual calendar, or day, month, date, and moon phase—keeping it in a winder offers convenience. Unless it is your regular Swiss watch, there is no need to keep an unused Swiss watch running constantly.