How Often Should You Service an Automatic Watch? Intervals, Costs, Warning Signs & What to Expect

Automatic watches can run for years, but they’re still precision machines. Servicing keeps lubrication fresh, friction low, and timekeeping stable. The right interval depends on the movement, how you use it, and whether it’s showing warning signs.

New to automatics? Start here: What Is an Automatic Watch? Pros, Cons & Who Should Buy One
https://www.globalwatchfair.com/blogs/What-Is-an-Automatic-Watch-Pros,-Cons-Who-Should-Buy-One

Quick Answer: Service Interval for Most Automatic Watches

For many modern automatic watches, a reasonable guideline is:

Every 5–7 years for typical daily wear
Sooner if the watch shows signs of trouble (accuracy shifts, low power reserve, moisture, odd sounds)
Possibly longer if the watch is lightly worn and remains stable (but don’t ignore warning signs)

Daily care matters a lot—this guide helps reduce avoidable wear:
How to Maintain an Automatic Watch: Daily Wear, Storage & Servicing
https://www.globalwatchfair.com/blogs/How-to-Maintain-an-Automatic-Watch:-Daily-Wear,-Storage-Servicing

What “Servicing” Actually Means

A proper service is not just “cleaning.” It usually includes:

Disassembly of the movement
Cleaning parts (removing old oils and debris)
Re-lubrication at specific friction points
Reassembly and regulation (timekeeping adjustment)
Gasket checks (and often replacement)
Testing accuracy and power reserve

If you want the mechanical basics first, read:
How Does an Automatic Watch Work? Simple Beginner Guide
https://www.globalwatchfair.com/blogs/How-Does-an-Automatic-Watch-Work-Simple-Beginner-Guide-Meta-Description（≤155）

Warning Signs You Should Service Sooner

If you see any of these, don’t wait years:

1) Accuracy suddenly changes

If your watch goes from “pretty stable” to gaining/losing much more than before, it can signal lubrication or regulation issues.

Accuracy guide: Are Automatic Watches Accurate?
https://www.globalwatchfair.com/blogs/are-automatic-watches-accurate

2) Power reserve drops noticeably

If your watch used to run longer off-wrist and now stops quickly—even with normal wear—that’s a common service signal.

Related: Do Automatic Watches Stop If Not Worn?
https://www.globalwatchfair.com/blogs/do-automatic-watches-stop-if-not-worn

3) Crown feels rough or stiff

Grinding, uneven resistance, or crown “slip” can mean dirt, wear, or gasket issues.

4) Moisture/fog under the crystal

This is urgent—water + movement = damage risk.

5) Rotor noise or rattling

Some rotor sound is normal, but sudden loud grinding or a change in sound can indicate wear or loosening.

6) Date change becomes inconsistent

If the date struggles to jump, changes at the wrong time, or skips, it’s worth a check.

If you’re setting the watch often, do it safely:
How to Set an Automatic Watch Safely
https://www.globalwatchfair.com/blogs/how-to-set-an-automatic-watch-safely

Typical Service Costs (What to Expect)

Costs vary widely depending on:

Brand and movement complexity
Whether parts need replacement
Whether it’s a full overhaul vs regulation-only
Water resistance testing and gasket work

A helpful way to think about it:

Regulation / minor adjustment: lower cost (if the movement is healthy)
Full service / overhaul: higher cost (clean, oil, replace worn parts, test)

Tip: If the watch only runs consistently fast/slow but everything else seems normal, ask about regulation before committing to a full overhaul.

Service Interval Guide by Usage (Practical)

How You Use Your Watch	Suggested Check/Service Mindset
Daily wear, active lifestyle	Be proactive; don’t ignore changes
Rotating multiple watches	Service based on condition, not calendar alone
Rarely worn / stored long periods	Ensure proper storage; consider service if age is unknown
Water exposure (swimming, humidity)	Pressure test regularly; gaskets matter

For care and storage rules:
How to Maintain an Automatic Watch: Daily Wear, Storage & Servicing
https://www.globalwatchfair.com/blogs/How-to-Maintain-an-Automatic-Watch:-Daily-Wear,-Storage-Servicing

What Happens During a Service (Simple Timeline)

Watchmaker inspects and tests baseline timekeeping
Movement is disassembled and cleaned
Worn parts are replaced (if needed)
Movement is reassembled and lubricated
Regulation and multi-position testing
Case/gaskets checked and pressure tested (if applicable)
Final accuracy + power reserve checks

Can You Skip Service If It “Seems Fine”?

Sometimes a watch keeps decent time even as oils age—until it doesn’t. Old oil can increase friction and wear. If your watch has:

unknown service history
inconsistent behavior
moisture risk
…it’s safer to check it earlier.

Mechanical vs Quartz Maintenance

Quartz generally needs less mechanical servicing, but it’s not maintenance-free (battery changes, seals, etc.). If you’re choosing based on ownership effort, compare here:
Automatic Watch vs Quartz: Differences, Pros & Which to Choose
https://www.globalwatchfair.com/blogs/Automatic-Watch-vs-Quartz:-Differences,-Pros-Which-to-Choose

FAQ: Servicing Automatic Watches

How often should I service my automatic watch?

A common guideline is every 5–7 years, sooner if warning signs appear.

Will servicing improve accuracy?

Often yes—fresh lubrication and regulation can improve stability. See:
https://www.globalwatchfair.com/blogs/are-automatic-watches-accurate

My watch stops quickly—does it need service?

Not always. It may just be low power reserve due to wear pattern. But if it used to last longer, it’s a service signal:
https://www.globalwatchfair.com/blogs/do-automatic-watches-stop-if-not-worn

Do I need service if I never wear the watch?

If it’s stored long-term, proper storage matters. Eventually lubrication still ages. Use:
https://www.globalwatchfair.com/blogs/How-to-Maintain-an-Automatic-Watch:-Daily-Wear,-Storage-Servicing

Can I damage my watch by setting it wrong?

Yes, especially the date mechanism near midnight. Follow:
https://www.globalwatchfair.com/blogs/how-to-set-an-automatic-watch-safely