A full mechanical-watch service is not simply “add oil and adjust the time.” A qualified service typically involves diagnosis, movement disassembly, cleaning, inspection, lubrication, reassembly, adjustment and final testing—but the exact scope depends on the movement, case, complications, condition and manufacturer procedure.
This guide explains what commonly happens during a mechanical watch service. For when service may be due, read Mechanical Watch Service: When Does a Watch Need Maintenance?. For everyday-use precautions, see Mechanical Watch Care: 5 Mistakes to Avoid.
1. Intake and Diagnosis
Before disassembly, the service provider records the watch's condition and the customer's complaint. Useful checks can include:
- current gain or loss;
- amplitude or beat-related measurements where appropriate;
- power-reserve behavior;
- winding and setting feel;
- calendar, GMT, chronograph or other functions;
- visible moisture, corrosion or impact damage;
- case, crown, crystal, bracelet and clasp condition.
The purpose is to identify the work actually needed rather than assume every watch requires the same service package.
2. Movement Removal and Disassembly
For a complete movement service, the movement is removed from the case and disassembled according to its technical procedure. Hands, dial, automatic winding parts, gear train, escapement and other components are handled in the sequence appropriate to that calibre.
A movement with a date, GMT, chronograph or other complication requires additional parts and procedures. This is one reason service scope and cost vary significantly between watches.
3. Cleaning the Movement Components
Old lubricant, contamination and debris must be removed before the movement is lubricated again. Professional watch servicing typically uses purpose-built cleaning methods and solutions designed for movement components.
This is not the same as placing an assembled watch or movement into a household ultrasonic cleaner. Sensitive watch components require the correct disassembly, cleaning chemistry and handling process.
4. Inspecting Components for Wear or Damage
After cleaning, components are inspected for wear, corrosion, deformation or damage. Depending on the movement, the service provider may examine pivots, jewels, gears, mainspring, barrel, escapement, automatic-winding system and setting/calendar components.
Parts are replaced when the manufacturer procedure or condition requires it. A full service should not be described as automatically replacing every spring, jewel or gear.
5. Lubrication and Reassembly
The cleaned movement is reassembled and lubricated at the points specified for that movement. Different locations can require different lubricants and quantities.
More oil is not better. Too much lubricant can migrate or contaminate adjacent surfaces; too little can increase friction and wear. Correct lubrication is movement-specific work.
6. Regulation and Functional Checks
After reassembly, the movement is adjusted and tested according to the watchmaker's or manufacturer's procedure. Timekeeping may be checked in multiple positions, but the number of positions and acceptance limits depend on the movement and service standard.
A service provider may also check:
- power reserve;
- automatic winding efficiency;
- calendar operation;
- GMT hand or chronograph function;
- hand clearance and alignment;
- crown and setting operation.
Do not assume “five-position adjustment” applies to every watch or that one timing-machine screenshot proves long-term wrist accuracy.
7. Case, Crown, Crystal and Gasket Work
Movement service and case service are related but separate. The case may be cleaned and inspected while crowns, pushers, tubes, crystal seals and case-back gaskets are checked according to the work required.
Gaskets are replaced when the service procedure or their condition requires it. If the watch is intended for water use, sealing components and water-resistance testing are especially important after the case has been opened.
8. Is Polishing Always Part of a Service?
No. Case and bracelet refinishing is not automatically the same thing as movement servicing.
Polishing removes material and changes surface geometry. Some owners prefer to preserve original scratches, sharp edges and factory finishing. Ask whether refinishing is included and whether you want it before authorizing the work.
9. Water-Resistance Testing
Where applicable, the case is tested using the procedure suitable for the watch and service provider. The exact pressure, dry/wet method and test sequence depend on the watch's specification and the equipment being used.
A generic statement such as “every serviced watch is tested underwater” is not accurate for every service center or every watch. What matters is that water resistance is addressed according to the model when the watch is meant to rely on it.
For post-water care, see our Dive Watch Aftercare.
10. Final Observation and Quality Control
After the watch is reassembled, a service provider may observe timekeeping, functions, power reserve and case integrity for a period appropriate to the watch.
The final check should confirm that the watch performs according to the agreed service standard—not simply that it runs when returned.
What Is the Difference Between a Full Service and a Small Repair?
Full movement service usually means disassembly, cleaning, inspection, lubrication, reassembly and testing of the movement.
Targeted repair may address a specific issue such as a crown, crystal, clasp, hand, battery, gasket or other component without fully servicing the movement.
Regulation adjusts timekeeping. It does not replace movement cleaning and lubrication when those are actually required.
Demagnetization removes magnetism where present. It does not repair worn or damaged movement parts.
What Should You Ask Before Approving a Service?
- Is this a full movement service or a targeted repair?
- Which parts are expected to be replaced?
- Is case or bracelet refinishing included?
- Will water resistance be tested, and to what model-specific standard?
- What timekeeping or functional standard will be used after service?
- What is the estimate, and will you be contacted before additional work?
- What warranty applies to the service work?
Can You Service a Mechanical Watch at Home?
Basic ownership tasks such as external cleaning, strap changes or following the correct winding procedure are different from movement servicing.
Movement disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, regulation and water-resistance restoration require appropriate tools, technical information, skill and a controlled workspace. An unsuccessful DIY service can create more damage than the original fault.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every full service include polishing?
No. Refinishing is separate from movement work and should be agreed in advance.
Does a service always include new gaskets?
Not universally. Sealing components should be inspected and replaced according to condition and the service procedure, especially where water resistance is important.
Is regulation the same as a full service?
No. Regulation adjusts rate. A full service addresses cleaning, lubrication, wear inspection and broader function.
Will a full service make any mechanical watch perfectly accurate?
No. The achievable rate depends on the movement design, condition, adjustment standard and wearing conditions. Mechanical watches naturally vary with position, temperature and winding state.
Where should I send a Watchdives order for service?
Contact Watchdives before sending the watch. Our Warranty & Repair Guide explains the information to prepare and the current after-sales process.
This article describes a general professional-service workflow. Exact procedures vary by movement, manufacturer and service provider.
