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Don't Own A Watch Without Watching This! Before It's Too Late, 9 Signs Your Watch Needs Service

The Urban Gentry

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Today's video is essential viewing for every watch owner, no matter if you are just getting into the hobby or you're a seasoned collector. Following a recent repair on my Tudor Submariner (after noticing some alarming rust on the dial) I was inspired to share my list of 9 fundamental signs your watch needs servicing before it's too late. We'll take a look at the most common reasons why a watch stops functioning correctly, including tell-tale signs that it needs some professional attention. I also share helpful advice on how not to get overcharged when sending your watch for service or repairs, along with tips for how often a watch should be serviced in its lifetime, gathered from years of experience and watch collecting. Whether your watch is digital, quartz, automatic, or manual wind, this is a must-see video for every watch enthusiast.

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20 Comments

@Ashfielder 4 years ago (edited)

I’ve been quite lucky with my watches’ mechanical reliabilities, I have a Seiko 5 which after a knock stopped working. I then accidentally knocked it again trying to get the case back off for an inspection and it started running again, and still does to this day. I suppose I’m a certified watchmaker now.

@brunors1595 4 years ago

Watchmakers are charging insane prices to service vintage watches, the other day I asked for a quote to service my UG Polerouter, and the watchmaker told me it would start at $1k without even seeing the watch. It was the same thing with my Rolex OP, they wanted to charge me $1450 just to change the crown tube and do the movement cleaning. The feeling I have is that many watchmakers are trying to take advantage of the hype that is going on with watches, which makes it hard to find a trustworthy watchmaker.

@BiffTannenBTTF 4 years ago (edited)

First world problems = "A piece of cashmere got lodged in my Navitimer bezel." LOL

@acideauxrivarda3352 4 years ago

Watchmakers back in the mid-20th Century used animal fats to lubricate certain parts of watches. Today, lubricants are synthetic and can easily last 15-20 years of moderate usage. If your watch is keeping time and no issues, don't waste money servicing it.

@AndyHullMcPenguin 4 years ago

Running fast is probably the first obvious clue that the watch needs servicing. As lubricants dry up, they become more sticky, and this causes the amplitude of the balance swing to lessen.
This (counter-intuitively) almost always causes the rate to increase, rather than decrease. So if your watch is starting to gain, that is a sure sign that it is time to get it serviced.
Another thing you might like to make a video about is storage. Simply flinging your expensive watch in the safe and expecting it to be happy is not a good idea. At the minimum, store it with a small desiccant pack, and make sure the storage space has a reasonably stable temperature and humidity level.

@rcrdofjrdo 4 years ago

Two great experiences to share: I own a SKX009 since the early 2000s. At the time I really liked watches, but didn't have a collection or knew too much about them, so I bought it thinking that automatic watches wouldn't need anything until they simply stopped working. 20 or so years later I know better and have other watches that go to get serviced, have warranties and so on. The SKX continues to run accurately without ever been opened. It's true I wear it less than I did at the start as I have other watches, but it's a testament to a great watch icon. Given its sentimental value, I will get its movement replaced when the time comes...

The other great experience for me is Tissot. My dad gave me a Touch-II in early 2018 and it needed battery replacement earlier this year. I paid 50 GBP (I'm in the UK) for that. Sure it's expensive for a battery change, but the watch has special sensors so I didn't want to risk it. I was super happy as they did that, replaced all gaskets, buttons and crown and sent me a little note explaining that the watch has been on basic tests and passed ok so they assessed as the watch didn't need any other servicing or parts. They even send you a carrier pouch (now I use it for other watches on holiday) so that the watch is protected during the journey! Great service in my opinion, given that we're not talking about a super expensive watch or service itself.

@ExpeditedProductions 4 years ago

Absolutely fantastic topic, TGV. Everyone considers how much a service will cost and everyone thinks about how well a watch is keeping time, but there is far more to it than just that! Looking forward to hearing your thought and getting your advice. Thanks much! Onward and upward, my friend! Be well.

@ronbond6259 4 years ago

My AD sent my Calatrava back to Patek Phillipe in Switzerland, and they said it would take 8 years and $8000 to service. This was 1984. It cost $64 to ship, evaluate , and send back; but it was running now. Ha! Too funny! 😄

@alexlilano1931 4 years ago

Quartz is probably the way to go. Just replace the battery and maybe in 40 years get the Quartz serviced. It also way more accurate, cheaper, and wont die after a few days.

@jesusgarcia9351 4 years ago

Why I'm watching this video when I only use a square G-SHOCK everyday? Not sure, but I enjoy a lot your videos. Nice job.

@papricep6248 4 years ago

Most badass intro on youtube.

@danielday7033 3 years ago

A wee bit late for the comment. Let me just say that your intro before you begin to critique and evaluate a watch is nothing but pure art. 👌 🤙

@George_Washington0855 4 years ago

Love to see the mighty flighty out again. Quite a useful video as well. My local jewelers have been notoriously unreliable with getting things serviced, and doing any major operation includes either shipping my watch off or leaving my small town for a more reputable jeweler. Very posh!

@greencondoresq 4 years ago

That Tudor looks SHARP on that nato strap. Great color scheme!

@simonhodgetts6530 4 years ago

I think perhaps it’s time I had my Seiko 5 beater watch serviced……I’ve only had it 18 years and worn it through 2 house refurbs and various landscaping jobs. It’s never missed a beat in that time…….but nevertheless - I’d like to get another 18 years out of it!

@conorwhitworth5182 4 years ago

Water will always find a way. Having also owned a rusty vintage vehicle it also applies! If a vintage watch has any metal pitting between the case back and the case you will never obtain an airtight fit. You need it to be squeaky clean connection between metal and gaskets. I would just add getting it pressure tested (and gaskets checked and greased) annually if used in water regularly and of course rinse in fresh water after going into salt water. Bezels will trap in salt crystals and all sorts of other nasties. Personally? I would use a G Shock for anything heavy duty and keep my vintage watches well away from water, but each to their own.

@claudiodasilvahorta1761 4 years ago

The bloopers reminds me of that Key and Peele "Responsibillitranse" skit 😂

@thegirthquake8574 4 years ago

Be weary of "watchmakers" though. I had a "watchmaker" try to charge me $600 to service a seiko 5's 4r36 that was running slow. I brought it to the gentleman who sold it to me, he gave it to a mechanic and boom, $100 later it's right as rain.

@ashleysmith89 4 years ago

Besides the cost, an important consideration is the time certain manufacturers take to service a watch. I've had a few sent back to Switzerland for repairs, and it usually takes many long months before they are back on my wrist.

@daneconnelly 4 years ago

asking for service history is important, however, the answer to "has the watch been serviced" is not the most important. If a seller lets you know that they bought a watch 10 or 15 years ago and never had that watch serviced it would be a worthy consideration to buy that watch. At the right price of course. Buying an un-serviced watch from he original owner can ensure that the watch has not been polished, or hacked into by an amateur watch enthusiast. It all depends on condition. An un-serviced movement can always be serviced. Just be careful of broken movements, missing parts, and water damage in the case.