Here is another video about how to know when your watch needs a service: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gMp_ipmfxrKWcmQ.html

You covered the practical aspects well, but there is also the emotional aspect: How much does the watch mean to you, if anything? I was searching the house for a watch my father once wore but which went missing sometime during the last 20 years. I found a Seiko box, opened it, and inside was a watch I had no memory of - a 1970 Gruen. I realized it was most likely given to me by a dear, departed relative. It's a cool vintage watch, and probably a flea market find. It works. It cost me nothing, but because of who gave it to me, I'm going to have it serviced and wear it in memory of a person I loved. My father's watch eventually turned up as well, and I'll have that serviced along with the Gruen and give it to my brother to wear.

You don’t need to learn anymore you just get really good information on KZfaq I know so much about watches just for watching the video

It's where to go that worries me. My Speedmaster is years overdue a service but I've heard some of the big companies just swap the movements for pre serviced one's already on the shelf. They do this to save time. I don't want a movement from someone else's watch. I want the one that mine came with, which is why I'm hesitant Edit As the video went on I see you confirmed my fears 😞

I found this to be very informative advice. I usually have my watches serviced when I notice they are loosing time or the amplitude is not what it should be; this is realistically because I simply can not afford to have all the watches in my collection serviced as often as the manufacturers recommend. This is done for me by a very experienced watch maker, who's rates are reasonable, but still not cheap. Each time the watch comes back it works better than it did when new, which is a bonus. Secondly, because I have a large collection (60+ varying in worth from $50 to around $1500) I rotate my watches and so they are not worn too often; therefore, that 3-10 year service period is effectively extended a little. I also try and focus servicing on the vintage watches and the more expensive ones, but I also feel that by not servicing there is always a possibility of causing wear, so its a delicate balance of taking care of my collection, versus having limited funds.

I have several watches I rotate in use. The mechanical ones are usually worn and wound every couple of months and the Quartz get a new battery when needed. Consequently my 5 year service is extended to a 25 or 30 year service. Just my method.

You are being very conservative on how long a watch could possibly run without problems, I have watches that are still running reasonably well after 30 years that have never been serviced 😊

It is not only the years, but the time that the watch has been on your wrist, and they "treatment" they´ve received. Most unserviced watches don´t just break, they give you signs such as gaining or losing time, or even come to a stop.

Good video and thought sharing, I am inclined towards 3-rd option wear till watch breaks or battery dies

Some watchmakers seem to think that the longer you go without a service its possible to cause wear problems on some of the moving parts. Costing more maybe in the long run? Not sure. Thanks for the vid!

Thanks a lot for the video. It does align with my thinking. I have had watches go for over 20 years without a service and still run reasonably well. So it makes me want to wait at minimum 10 years to service. And even then, only if the watch costs $2k or more. For my watches that are under $1k, not sure what I would do if one stopped working. Maybe purchase a movement and attempt to install myself.

Nice video thanks. I am looking for a replacement seconds hand with a cracked tube. Any good sites to search for? I already tried eBay.

good video

What is that blue winder thing called at 7.16 in the video? Thanks

I only buy Chinese clone watches. Or, NHxx or 82xx movements. Watchmakers in Western countries dont want my business. They want to charge me more than the watch is worth for the service. Therefore I try to service the movement myself. Or, when that fails I buy a replacement movement and keep on going.

Well, you make a lot of sense :). I only buy modern watches, and am one of those who will never have the watches serviced. If they break down, then I get them repaired. If I don't like the cost, then forget it, I will buy another one.

I like quartz watches for some of these reasons. They have never let me down and all I do is replace the battery. My collection is about 14 watches one is a self wind and the balance is quartz.

If the maintenance cost occupied a substantial percentage of the value of the watch, then I don't service it, unless that piece has a very special meaning to me. At what percentage depends on your own comfort zone. For me, 50% is the level of acceptance. For premium time pieces, I will carry out preventive maintenance. There are two rules of thumbs for me as a reference when to get the piece to service: 1. On a timegrapher, when the amplitude of oscillation below 240°, or; 2. When the power reserve drops 20% or more than it should have.

Well if you own an under 100 dollar Russian Vostok or an over 10 000 Rolex the factory says it only needs servicing every ten years and not even that if you don't mind your Vostok being a little inaccurate or Your Rolex stopping!

If it ain't broke don't mess with it.

My watch is Japanese. It’ll last a lifetime.

Do not delay ,take your watch for a $ervice $$$

Strange dichotomy comparing a car to watch. Assume you follow the manufacture service interval of ever 5 years or wait 15-20 years for a full overhaul either way it will cost less if serviced when needed. Oh by the way if you don’t service your car it leaves you or your family stranded at a cost that is many multiples over proper maintenance. After 15-20 years if my watch starts to run slow I simply look at my phone for the correct time, use the same phone to schedule a time to drop off the watch at my local AD for service, use the same phone to accept a full service to like new conditions, and then use my same phone to count down the 6 months it will take to receive my like new watch back. In the interim I have a chance to enjoy my other 9 neglected watches.

If the watch keeps time like usual... there is no need to touch it. Watch itself will tell you when the time is for a service. 25 year old watch that still keeps -5 or +10 seconds a day... is in a perfect condition.