How to Tell If Your Watch Needs a Service

Posted by Pilbrows Watchmakers | Christchurch & Taupo

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Your watch is one of the hardest working accessories you own. It's with you through every meeting, every adventure, and every quiet moment — quietly ticking away without complaint. But like any precision instrument, it needs regular attention to keep performing at its best.

The question is: how do you know when it's time to bring it in?

Here are the most common signs that your watch is due for a service.

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It's Running Fast or Slow

A well-serviced mechanical watch should keep time to within a few seconds per day. If yours is gaining or losing more than that, it's a strong indicator that the movement's oils have dried out or that a component needs attention. Quartz watches are generally more accurate, so if yours is noticeably off, a service — or at minimum a battery check — is worth having done.

The Second Hand is Jumping

On a quartz watch, if the second hand starts jumping every 3–5 seconds instead of ticking smoothly, this is the movement's way of telling you the battery is running low. Don't leave it too long — a dead battery left inside a watch can leak acid and cause serious damage to the movement. Bring it in sooner rather than later.

It's Been More Than Five Years

Even if your watch seems to be running perfectly, most manufacturers recommend a full service every five years. The oils inside a movement break down over time, and worn lubricants can cause damage that's invisible until it becomes expensive. Think of it like a car service — you don't wait for something to go wrong before you change the oil.

The Crown is Stiff or Loose

The crown — the small knob on the side used to set the time — should turn smoothly and click firmly into place. If it feels stiff, gritty, or wobbly, this can indicate worn components or debris inside the case. It's also worth having the water resistance checked at the same time, as a compromised crown can allow moisture in.

It's Been Exposed to Water

If your watch has been submerged — even briefly — and isn't rated for that depth, or if it's an older watch whose seals may have aged, it's worth having it pressure tested. Water inside a movement causes rust and corrosion quickly. Even a watch rated for water resistance should have its seals checked every two years if worn regularly while swimming.

The Crystal is Scratched or Cracked

A scratched crystal isn't just cosmetic — a cracked one can compromise the watch's water resistance and allow dust and moisture inside. We can replace crystals on most watches and have the case pressure tested afterwards.

It Feels or Sounds Different

You know your watch better than anyone. If it's developed a rattle, feels sluggish to wind, or just doesn't feel quite right, trust your instincts. Often the small things caught early are far less costly to fix than problems left to worsen.

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When in Doubt, Get It Checked

At Pilbrows Watchmakers, we're happy to take a look at your watch and give you an honest assessment — whether it needs a full service or just a battery replacement. With workshops in both Christchurch and Taupo, and a nationwide Repair Portal for those who can't visit us in store, we make it easy to keep your timepiece in top condition.

A well-maintained watch can last generations. Let's make sure yours does.

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Pilbrows Watchmakers — proudly caring for New Zealand's timepieces since 1947.