I mean, dont take my word for it, like im making it up….
“Like a high-performance sports car, your mechanical watch needs to be serviced now and then. In timepiece argot such treatment is called a “complete overhaul,” and although that’s mostly accurate, it’s also a little misleading. It refers, in essence, to a tune-up, but what does it really mean? For some answers, we turned to a panel of industry leaders:
Florin Niculescu, vice president of product development at Parmigiani Fleurier;
Maximilian Büsser,
founder and CEO of MB&F, who spent time at Harry Winston Rare Timepieces and Jaeger-LeCoultr…
It depends on how much and how often the watch is worn, and how it is stored when off the wrist. The more the watch is worn the better. As a rule of thumb, a watch should be overhauled approximately every four to five years. If it is worn regularly and stored properly, one could wait longer.”
Büsser is more circumspect, recommending every three to five years “maximum.” Boutros concurs. “For modern watches, we recommend a complete movement service every three to five years if the watch is worn frequently,” he says, a sentiment echoed by Sberro, who observes that “fine watches are like fine automobiles and require care and maintenance to keep their performance. We suggest servicing every three to five years.”
“If a watch is worn sparingly, such as a few times per month or less, servicing can take place less often,” Boutros adds. “However, when worn infrequently, it’s important to wind and run the watch at least once a month to keep the movement’s parts lubricated. To prevent rusting and ensure oils do not completely dry, a service should take place within 10 years.”
