What Does a Watch Service Actually Include?

Not All Watch Services Are the Same

When people say a watch needs servicing, they usually mean one of several distinct things: a battery replacement, a gasket change, a cleaning and adjustment, or a full movement overhaul. These are not the same procedure, they do not cost the same, and they are not all appropriate for every situation.

Understanding which service your watch actually needs saves money and ensures the work done is relevant. Here is what each level involves.

Level 1: Battery Replacement

A quartz watch runs on a battery. When the battery depletes, the watch stops or begins losing time significantly. Battery replacement is the most common service request and takes minutes.

At our workshop, a battery change includes opening the caseback, removing the depleted battery, fitting the correct replacement, testing the movement before closing, and resealing the caseback. The gasket is inspected at this point; if it shows cracking or degradation, we replace it at the same time.

Most quartz batteries last 18 to 24 months. Some high-drain movements with additional complications (date, chronograph) deplete batteries faster.

Level 2: Gasket Replacement and Pressure Test

Gaskets are the rubber seals that keep moisture out of the watch case. They degrade over time, especially with UV exposure, high temperatures, and chemical contact (perfumes, cleaning products). A degraded gasket means a watch rated at 100m water resistance may let in water after a single swim.

Gasket replacement is recommended every two to three years for watches used near water, and any time the caseback is opened for a battery change on a dive-rated piece. After replacement, a pressure test confirms the new seal is holding to the watch's rated depth.

Level 3: Case and Bracelet Cleaning

Dirt, skin oils, and residue accumulate between bracelet links and around the case over time. We use an ultrasonic cleaner to remove this without abrading the case. The result is a watch that looks noticeably newer without polishing or refinishing the metal.

This is typically done alongside a battery change or gasket service, not as a standalone procedure. Most customers are surprised by the difference it makes.

Level 4: Full Movement Overhaul (Mechanical Watches)

A mechanical watch movement is made of hundreds of small parts that operate in continuous contact. Over years of use, lubricants dry out, fine particles accumulate, and worn components begin to affect accuracy. A full service corrects this.

How to Know Which Service Your Watch Needs

If the watch has stopped: battery or movement fault. Bring it in. If the watch runs but gains or loses more than a minute per day: regulation or movement service needed. If the watch has been near water and you are uncertain about the gasket integrity: pressure test recommended. If the watch is mechanical and has not been serviced in five or more years: full overhaul due.

Service Pricing and Turnaround

Pricing at Iglisi Watch is based on the work required, not on the brand of the watch. Below are the approximate ranges for the service levels described above.

Prices for manufacturer calibres (Rolex, Omega, TAG Heuer) are assessed individually and are typically higher due to proprietary parts and longer service times. We give a written estimate before starting any work above €20.

How Often to Service Your Watch

Quartz watches are low maintenance. The main service item is the battery every 2–3 years, with a gasket inspection at the same time. Beyond that, a case and bracelet clean every few years keeps the watch looking well. A full overhaul on a quartz movement is rarely necessary unless the movement is flooding with moisture or has sustained shock damage.

Mechanical watches (automatic and manual-wind) require more regular service because they use oil to lubricate the movement. That oil degrades over time. Most manufacturers recommend a full overhaul every 5–7 years for a standard mechanical movement, though watches stored unworn for long periods may need servicing sooner. A watch that is running more than 30 seconds per day fast or slow is likely due for service.

Vintage movements - anything more than 25–30 years old - may need servicing more frequently, especially if they have been stored dry for years. If a vintage piece has not been serviced in over a decade, assume it needs a full overhaul before daily use.

What Happens If You Skip Service

For quartz watches: mostly nothing in the short term. A battery runs down and the watch stops. Leaving a depleted battery in the case too long can cause the battery to leak, which damages the movement and is expensive to fix. Beyond that, a drying gasket eventually means a watch rated 50m may let water in. These problems develop slowly and are easy to prevent with a basic battery service every 2–3 years.

For mechanical watches: the consequences are more serious. Dried lubricants cause metal parts to grind against each other. Wear in the escapement and gear train accumulates and eventually requires more extensive (and expensive) repair than a routine overhaul would have been. A mechanical watch that has not been serviced in 15 years is not simply overdue for service - it may need parts replaced that a routine service would not have required.

Published by Iglisi Watch · Durrës, Albania · May 2026.