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.
Disassembly
The movement is removed from the case and fully disassembled. Every component is separated, catalogued, and inspected for wear.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Disassembled parts are cleaned in an ultrasonic bath to remove old lubricants, debris, and oxidation. This is done in multiple cleaning solutions appropriate to each part type.
Relubrication
Each part requiring lubrication is oiled with the correct grade of watchmaker's oil for its function. Using the wrong oil, or too much, causes as many problems as dry parts.
Timing and Regulation
After reassembly, the movement is tested on a timing machine and regulated to minimise daily rate deviation. A well-regulated movement should run within a few seconds per day.
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.
We assess before we quote. When you bring a watch into the workshop, we diagnose the issue before confirming a price. You are never committed to a service you have not approved. If the diagnosis reveals something unexpected, we tell you the options before proceeding.
Not in Durrës? Message us on WhatsApp before travelling to the workshop. Describe what the watch is doing (or not doing) and we will confirm whether it is worth the trip or whether it can be handled quickly on the day.
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.
| Service | Price | Typical Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Battery replacement (quartz) | €2–€6 (200–600 Lek) | While you wait |
| Battery + gasket replacement | €2–€6 (200–600 Lek) | While you wait |
| Case and bracelet ultrasonic clean | Quoted before we start | Same day |
| Full movement overhaul (simple movement) | Quoted before we start | 3–7 days |
| Full movement overhaul (complex / vintage) | Quoted before we start | 1–3 weeks |
| Crystal replacement (mineral) | Quoted before we start | Same day or next day |
| Crown and stem replacement | Quoted before we start | 1–3 days |
| Strap/bracelet replacement | Quoted before we start | While you wait |
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a quartz watch be serviced?
A quartz watch needs a battery replacement every 18 to 24 months. At that point, the gaskets should also be checked and replaced if degraded, and the crown seal inspected. A full movement clean is not usually required for a quartz watch unless there is a specific fault.
How often should a mechanical watch be serviced?
Mechanical watches benefit from a full service every 3 to 5 years. The service involves disassembly, ultrasonic cleaning of all movement parts, replacement of worn components, relubrication, and reassembly. This keeps the movement running accurately and prevents wear-related damage.
What is a pressure test and do I need one?
A pressure test (also called a water resistance test) checks that the watch case seals are intact and the watch is protected from moisture ingress to its rated depth. It is recommended any time the gaskets are replaced, after any case opening, and periodically for watches used near water. We include a pressure test in our standard service for watches with a water resistance rating.
How much does a watch service cost?
At Iglisi Watch a battery replacement is €2 to €6, which is 200 to 600 Lek depending on the battery, with a gasket check included. Crystal replacement and a full movement overhaul depend on the part and the movement, so we price them at the counter rather than from a list. Complex or vintage movements are assessed individually. We provide a written estimate before starting any work above €20.
How often should you service a watch?
Quartz watches: battery replacement every 2–3 years, with a gasket check at the same time. Mechanical watches: full overhaul every 5–7 years under normal use. Vintage movements may need more frequent service. A mechanical watch losing or gaining more than 30 seconds per day is likely due for service.
What is included in a full watch service?
A full mechanical watch service includes disassembly, cleaning of all components, replacement of worn parts, lubrication with appropriate watchmaker's oils, reassembly, regulation to manufacturer tolerance, and a pressure test on water-resistant cases. The caseback gasket is replaced as standard. The process takes 3–7 days for standard movements.
Do I need an appointment for a watch service in Durrës?
No appointment is needed for battery replacement, strap changes, or quick assessments. For full movement overhauls, walk-in is fine but calling ahead on WhatsApp lets us confirm turnaround time based on current workload.
Book a Service
Bring your watch to the workshop in Durrës or send us a WhatsApp message describing the issue. We assess and quote before any work begins.
Rruga Aleksander Goga · Durrës 2001 · Albania · +355 67 571 6090
We also sell watches. Brand-new men’s and women’s watches from €50, each with a 1-year guarantee. Order on WhatsApp with cash on delivery anywhere in Albania, or try them on at the workshop in Durrës. See what you get at each price.
Published by Iglisi Watch · Durrës, Albania · May 2026.