Watches need to be serviced regularly - especially if you wear them on a daily basis. Typically, watches contain over 130 components, any of which could be damaged.

It’s the best move to get your watch serviced as soon as you notice signs that something is wrong - this is sure to save you money having to replace multiple parts as the issue worsens.

But how do you know when your watch needs servicing? What are the signs? Keep reading to learn more about watch servicing, including signs that your watch may need to be serviced.

What Does Watch Servicing Mean?

If you notice your watch is damaged or not working properly, then you should get it serviced. Getting your watch serviced involves taking your watch to a professional and usually leaving it with them whilst they perform maintenance on it.

You shouldn’t leave your watch longer than five years without taking it to be serviced. It’s generally recommended that you take it to be serviced whenever the battery needs changing, so any issues you may not even know about are identified and resolved.

Even the most luxury watches and affordable watches will need to be serviced, regardless of the manufacturer.

The person servicing your watch will take it apart bit by bit, which involves removing the strap and removing the movement. It’s important that only professionals do this, as it requires skill, knowledge, and an extremely delicate hand.

The watch will then be polished and cleaned with great care. If necessary, pieces will be replaced with manufacturer-approved parts. The watch will then be reassembled and finished, meaning any dents and scratches will be removed.

Finally, the watch will be tested that it works perfectly, and will have one final check over to ensure accuracy and that it looks as great as it should.

How Do I Know When My Watch Needs to Be Serviced?

You should service your watch every few years, with most watch manufacturers recommending that you service your watch every five years. Read on for some signs that it’s time to take your watch to be serviced.

The Second Hand Keeps Skipping

One of the main ways that you can tell it’s time for your watch to be serviced is if you notice that the second hand of your watch keeps skipping. However, this only applies to battery-powered watches with a quartz movement.

As the battery in your watch starts to die, the second hand will start to skip forward every couple of seconds. Jumpy movements in watches are a clear sign that the battery is dying - and needs to be changed. However, it can be difficult to change your watches battery - click here for some information on how you can change your watch battery.

Some quartz watches can detect that the battery is dying and will give you an indication. It’s not too expensive to replace your watches battery - and get it serviced at the same time! Most watch manufacturers recommend that you get your watch fully serviced whenever the battery dies, which is usually every 2-4 years.

You Notice Moisture in The Case

Moisture inside the watch case can cause serious damage to the watch pretty quickly, so if you notice any moisture or condensation on the dial or inside the crystal, take it to get serviced as soon as you can.

The movements of watches have countless (over 100) parts, so even a small droplet could corrode the parts and dry out the internal lubrication in just a couple of hours. Saltwater can be especially damaging, so be sure to get it serviced if you think you may have got salt water inside your watch.

The hands, movement, and dial may start to rust and corrode, which can be expensive to replace. Servicing your watch as soon as possible can prevent the need to replace expensive parts.

You’re Going on Holiday

If you plan on going on holiday, then you should get your watch serviced to ensure that it’s in perfect condition. Travelling can be risky for watches - especially when salt water is concerned.

Some of the reasons you should service your watch before travelling is to check its water-resistance levels, tighten any screws, clean it, and check for magnetisation. Airport security scanners can wreak havoc on watches, so checking the magnetisation is key before exposure.

If you’re going on a beach holiday, sand can be harmful to your watch, so be sure to take precautions to protect your watch from the sand.

The Watch Is Slower

The daily tolerance for your chronometer is minus four to plus six seconds a day - according to the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institutes of (COSC).

However, numerous brands will have a stricter tolerance. If you notice that your watch is ticking faster than usual, or falling behind, then it’s a clear sign that something is wrong and you need to get it taken in to be serviced.

The movement of the watch could have been magnetised. You may think you’re safe if you don’t have any magnets, but unfortunately, many things could do this to your watch. For example, your computer, your mobile phone, your speakers, as well as airport security scanners.

Watch parts need lubrication to function properly - if your watch is old or you haven’t had it serviced in a while, then the watch oil may have dried out. Getting it serviced involves relubricating your watch to ensure that the watch movements are smooth and timely.

Things Just Don’t Seem Right

If you notice anything ‘off’ with your watch, it’s best to take it in to be serviced as soon as you can. Typically, watches have over a hundred moving parts, and with chronographs, there are double that.

The gears and springs found inside your watch are sensitive - it may be okay surviving a drop to the floor, but a knock at a certain angle could leave a spring or screw out of place.

Pay attention to your watch, and regularly compare the time with another clock to ensure that your watch isn’t too fast or too slow.