I wouldn't worry about it for at least 10 years.
But everybody is different.
Especially in a big rotation, the need for service shouldn't be for a long time.

 

When issues arise.

 

I serviced my speedy when an issuer raise its head…,about every 10years..true

 

I look at modern Omega movements much like oil change intervals in modern engines with synthetic fluids: take what used to be common wisdom and double/triple it.

 

I've typically been a "service it when recommended by the OEM" person. My collection has grown to the point I'm reevaluating that practice. I've heard it explained like this. If you service it as recommended, parts that might wear out if you wait longer, shouldn't. So, you pay the basic cost of servicing (which can start at $500 - $800 for Omeag/Rolex watches). If you wait longer, say twice the recommended service time, you may pay for additional parts that wear out due to operation without proper lubrication; but if it doesn't double the cost, you come out ahead (on price).

Pitfalls of the second method are your watch(s) will start to run poorly as you keep running them past the recommended service duration. Also, you don't know what parts will wear out, so you may be surprised with a larger bill than anticipated. Water resistance becomes questionable. Also, if the watch is older, parts may become scarce.

I'll probably continue to service as recommended (or within a year or two).

 

I generally agree, so I should probably clarify: I service all my watches when factory recommended. It just so happens that the newer autos from Omega recommend servicing at double or triple the intervals of most of the other watches in my experience. These new Co-Axial movements really are amazing machines.

 

Search for replies by @Archer to similar WUS threads on this topic and read about his perspectives on service intervals and how to choose one that's right for the way you use your watches. He's an Omega-authorized watchmaker, and he's one of the few professionals who have taken the time to discuss technical matters at length in threads here. To summarize what I think you'll find by reading his advice in similar threads: modern synthetic oils might be good out to ~8 years before evaporation is a problem, but design/usage differences mean this varies. Advances in balance spring and escapement technology could allow movements to exhibit normal timekeeping after lubricants in other parts of the movement have evaporated, so waiting until "something goes wrong" may not be the best approach with some watches.

 

This. Archer has convinced me that ‘routine’ or ‘preventative’ maintenance is prudent. I would as a general ballpark think every 5-7 years or so, longer if co-axial.

Can you get away with ‘never until it starts running funky?’ Yeah sure probably. But that’s just not how I like to maintain my expensive/beloved mechanical stuff.

Actually it occurs to me now: my cars are MORE disposable than my watches are, seeing as how I don’t plan to keep a car more than 10-15 years…..

 

 

Simple. When it stops working. I posted a thread a few years ago regarding watch service and the overwhelming majority agreed. Sure it’s better to service regularly and before a problem but the majority does not and only services as needed - when something is going or gone wrong.

my speed master is from from the mid 90s and as far as I know has never been revived and keeps great time. I’ve had it for around 10 years now.

for reference none of my Rolex watches have been serviced. Al 10+ years. My sub ceramic is he only one that seems to need service. Keeps perfect time but the power reserve has greatly diminished

 

The newer movement (3235) Rolex Ceramic Subs have amplitude issues. There is no fix. Servicing temporarily fixes the problem but will arise again. Try googling 3235 issues for more info.

Back on topic. I service when issues arrived and except I may pay more due to extra wear on certain components.

 

I don't service until issues arise.

I sent in my Dad's Submariner last year, because he felt it was getting a bit to inaccurate. I didn't measure for myself, or question it - if it was bothering him enough, then that was all that mattered. (14 years of ownership before first service)

I sent my Speedmaster in 2 years ago because the crown stem pulled right out from the case - pretty sure it needed it at that point (I suspect that was a systemic failure stemming from a drop I let the watch take the year prior). (9 years of ownership before first service)

I had my Hamilton Khaki Field worked on because the second hand warped slight and kept catching the minute hand. (1 year of ownership)

 

Did you send the watches back to Rolex and Omega, respectively? If so, what were the costs if you don't mind me asking?

 

When they need it.....

 

Modern lubricants usually have a shelf life of 5-7 years. The assumption is service every 5 years for most manufacturers. 12 years with freshly refined lubricants is doable…but we use 4 different lubricants with respect to the train alone in the course of a service. What are the chances of buying these four lubricants within months of refining?…pretty much zero.
Lubricants change character with time whether you are using the watch daily or only on weekends.
Five years is still a good rule of thumb...and that only if the watch was professionally and correctly serviced to begin with. Service is only as good as its weakest link…I’ve seen going trains that were still in excellent condition wpith automatic modules with worn out reversing wheels 😳
Regards, BG

 

Thanks for the replies, folks. I wanted to quote some of you, but figure it's easier to reply here so the interface/layout is friendlier to read.

The Omega boutiques I've visited said they recommend every 5 years or so even if the watch keeps good time because the oils may dry out. I understand that servicing watches is a revenue stream for them, and makes OEM recommendations similar to car makers.

My AD said to service the watch when problems arise. This is the answer some of you gave..."when it needs it" or "when it has a problem". What would qualify as a problem? When the watch does not work at all? When the chronograph is out of wack? Date function does not work?

I brought the IWC I mentioned to the same AD (very reputable around here) and showed the peculiar moisture marks inside the bezel. They said it was keeping great time when put on the timegrapher. They said they can send it back to IWC if it bugged me enough, but I can also just keep wearing it because it kept great time and repairing it then vs when it really needs it would not make a difference. I eventually got it sent in to IWC because the moisture marks bothered me.

I don't have much experience with say, pushers just getting stuck so I'm not sure what other issues can go wrong, hah. Even my Swatch watches I got as a kid in the 90's are still working fine with new batteries.

 

This is the second wheel from an Accutron 214…running perfectly, despite the pivot that was about to fail. Just serviced a Cartier with an ETA2892A2…lower reversing wheel pivot almost completely worn through. Recent service of a Rolex 1556 which had not seen decent service in years. Lack of lubrication of the set wheel and absence of quickset feature led the round set wheel stud wearing to a lenticular shape and becoming completely non functional. It took the minute wheel sliding pinion and set wheel with it. As this post is incorporated into the mainplate (and the mai is no longer supplied by Rolex, we had to source a serviceable used mainplate ($750, without the lower balance jewel insetting).
Pay me now…or pay me mor later (and when parts are no longer available…

As for what constitutes a problem: there are minimum performance standards for watches. When it is outside of those standards, service is mandatory. That said, the 5 year rule of thumb will keep you out of more trouble than waiting until there is a problem.

Regards, BG

 

This is the second wheel from an Accutron 214…running perfectly, despite the pivot that was about to fail. Just serviced a Cartier with an ETA2892A2…lower reversing wheel pivot almost completely worn through. Recent service of a Rolex 1556 which had not seen decent service in years. Lack of lubrication of the set wheel and absence of quickset feature led the round set wheel stud wearing to a lenticular shape and becoming completely non functional. It took the minute wheel sliding pinion and set wheel with it. As this post is incorporated into the mail plate (and the mai is no longer supplied by Rolex, we had to source a serviceable used mail plate ($750, without the lower balance jewel insetting).
Pay me now…or pay me mor later (and when parts are no longer available…

As for what constitutes a problem: there are minimum performance standards for watches. When it is outside of those standards, service is mandatory. That said, the 5 year rule of thumb will keep you out of more trouble than waiting until there is a problem.

Regards, BG

Thanks for the reply! How did you know it was time to service the watch with the broken parts? Or was that part of your maintenance program of 5 years?

 

I emailed the SA at the local Omega boutique today. She replied "The minimum starts at about $600, for chronograph watches start at $900. If it's gold or vintage pieces, costs will be more. "

Is it a best practice then to have your watch look at before the warranty ends?

For anyone that really beat their watch, I am curious to know what is the upper limit for pricing?

Seeing these YouTube reviews of a full Omega servicing on their long time watches that needed multiple parts replaced is satisfying and appeared they got their money's worth.

 

The super-high price is another reason to stretch the service interval out to 10 years, imo.

 

Only when something goes wrong. The full service fixes and issue and replaces required parts.

 

Is that really the case? I posted the YouTube videos that had a lot of parts replaced and felt their money was worth the rehaul. My SA at the local Omega boutique said the price starts at $600 and $900 (for chronographs) and can go up depending on else has to be done. If it’s a set fee then I agree with you but it sounds like your mileage may vary.

 

service interval for co-axial omegas are at least 6 years, but if it isn't broken, I won't service it

 

For those that say servicing every 5 years is a good practice, it makes me wonder how many years you really have left on an older model sitting at an AD that’s been tried on for years, perhaps like the Planet Ocean that’s been out for quite some time? Random thought for the day. Hah.

 

My watches are not worn or wound daily. My rotation is something like 4 watches used for about 2 months and would not be back in rotation for maybe the next 6 months or more. My earliest Omega is a 2500 movement I got in 2015 and it’s still going strong, no issues whatsoever. Will only send for service once I notice an issue.

 

I have a De Ville on the 2500. It keeps perfect time. No gains or losses until the reserve dies out.

 

I've done three full service over the years and the price was fixed for full service including replacing any parts to get the watch up to spec and refinishing of the case and bracelet. The only extras were cosmetic like hands and dial which were optional.

I took my watch to a local watch guy and the price was cheaper but didn't include refinishing. When he added that on it was almost the same price as omega anyway and he couldn't even guarantee the exact finish. So I just went with swatch in Melbourne. Plus you get a full two year warranty to go with it.

 

Yep...I plan on going with Omega when the time comes. There are 3 boutiques in a 50 mile radius so it's easier to drop it off and pick up in several months. I don't mind paying a bit more knowing it'll be done to OEM specs. Good to see you got a flat rate.

 

While watches will often run well, seals also age. In theory, you should get a watch tested every year but I have yet to meet someone that does. While I would put off service as long as possible, I wouldn't go swimming in the ocean with an older, untested watch.

 

Being caught in the rain is as wet these watches will get. lol.

 

I have 13 watches that get worn regularly. Omegas, Rolex's, Longines, Balls. The service interval for me is "when they break". None are V8's making 475 HP and I ain't paying $850 for a tech to squirt a little lube on any of em, much less every 5 years.

 

when they stop working properly

 

I do wait until problems will arise.
No reason to service earlier, because Omega doesn’t add any cost like other manufactures.

 

You sure about this? I visited my local boutique yesterday to talk with the manager. She said she's seen a service job that went up to $5-6K. They do repair common parts, but there are add ons.