Rolex Service: Costs + How Often And Where To Service Your Rolex • The Slender Wrist

Your Rolex watch will last you a lifetime if you take good care of it. That includes caring for it daily, making sure you use it as it’s initially intended. But that also means servicing your Rolex when the time comes. It’s something to certainly consider if you’re shopping for new Rolex watches (or vintage Rolex watches). Here is everything you need to know about servicing your Rolex.

How much does it cost to service a Rolex? The average Rolex repair cost or service cost is around $800. A normal Rolex refurbishment cost ranges from $600 to $1000 and will vary depending on your model, its condition and the type of service needed.

Many factors affect the maintenance cost of Rolex timepieces. So, you can’t be sure of the exact price until you leave your watch with your local authorized dealer (AD).

The Main Factors Influencing A Rolex Service Cost

Movement, model, case type and condition all have an impact on the average cost of Rolex watch maintenance.

Related : Rolex Explorer I vs. Explorer II

You should know exactly how much every service will cost before it begins. After you leave your watch with a Rolex-certified watchmaker, they will evaluate its condition.

Afterward, they should give an estimate based on what needs to be done to maintain your timepiece. The price varies because they may have to replace parts, which is not part of the minimum fee. You’ll have to approve the cost before the service procedure is initiated.

Some independent watchmakers have a Rolex service price list readily available, that will give you right away the exact amount that you will have to pay for regular service. Notice that you should go this route only if you know the watchmaker and have a good reason not to go through an authorized RSC (Rolex Service Center).

The best thing to do is contact your Rolex authorized dealer or Service Center to find out exactly what to expect for your watch.

Also, don’t forget that if your watch needs to be sent to Switzerland (because your local Rolex Service Center cannot take care of it, for whatever reason), you’ll have to factor in shipping costs, too.

Movement

While some Rolexes have simple movements, some have much more complex ones. Obviously, the more complex the movement, the higher the service price.

Rolex watches with the simplest movements include:

Rolex Oyster Perpetual
Rolex Explorer
Rolex Submariner
Rolex Air-King
Rolex Milgauss
Rolex Cellini Time

These are all three-handers: movements that take care only of the hour, minute and second hands.

Rolex models with regular movements include:

Rolex Submariner Date
Rolex Sea-Dweller
Rolex Datejust
Rolex Cellini Date

Rolex watches with more complicated movements include:

Rolex GMT-Master II
Rolex Explorer II
Rolex Day-Date
Rolex Cellini Dual Time

The most complicated Rolex movements are found in:

Rolex Daytona
Rolex Cellini Moonphase
Rolex Sky-Dweller
Rolex Yacht-Master II

Model And Case Material

The model and case of the watch also can play a role in the servicing cost of your Rolex.

Even if they share the same kind of movement, a Submariner or an Air-King are likely to be more expensive to service than an Oyster Perpetual. In general, professional Rolex watches are more expensive to service than simpler classic watches.

Also, Rolex watches with cases made from precious metals will also be more expensive to service. Rolesor, Everose, and white gold cases will increase the price of maintenance, as the watchmakers will have to take even better care of your precious timepiece.

Don’t worry, though: your Oystersteel watch will not come back to you scratched. Unless it was already, and you didn’t ask for a polish. This leads us to the next point.

Condition

A relatively new Rolex watch (between 7 and 10 years old) will have a much better running movement than a vintage piece.

Also, even if professional Rolex watches are designed to take a beating and still keep running, the movement will age quicker than if it was sitting stopped in a safe.

As such, a watch that was worn extensively as a daily wearer (with the occasional bumps and exposure to water) can have higher servicing costs due to more work having to be done to the movement.

Your Rolex case will be polished, too. Bear in mind that if you expect to sell your Rolex down the line, it might be a good idea not to polish your watch.

In fact, many watch enthusiasts prefer to see the watch’s real condition, with its scuffs, scratches, and marks. A polished case can always hide something suspicious. Remember to ask the service center NOT to polish your watch, as it is part of the official Rolex service procedure.

Also, if you have a vintage piece that needs a part to be replaced or recreated from scratch, this will also impact the overall amount as well. As usual, the final cost will depend on your specific watch and situation.

How Often Should You Service Your Rolex?

Rolex recommends that you service your watch approximately every 10 years. Models that are 7 years old or less don’t need servicing unless they are damaged. For vintage models, it will mainly depend on how the movement performs.

Rolex recommends a minimum service every 10 years. If you like, you can send your watch more often. Some watch enthusiasts like to have their watches serviced every 5 years.

While shortening the servicing cycle is totally feasible, it is not specifically advised. In fact, unless your watch is damaged or is running very poorly, you shouldn’t have to service it that often. You can safely stick to the recommended 10-year interval.

If your Rolex is new, you’re good to go. Just make sure that your watch is in good condition. Also, it should operate within Rolex’s accuracy standards of -2/+2 sec/day. If it’s not the case (probably because you’ve worn your watch extensively), you might send it for service as soon as possible.
If your Rolex is 7 to 10 years old (for older models), you should consider sending it for a maintenance check, regardless of whether it runs as expected.
If you have a vintage Rolex (30 years or more), you should ask your local watchmaker or an authorized dealer. Unless you are the first owner and you sent your watch for service at the recommended interval, the consensus is that you shouldn’t service a vintage timepiece that is running fine. The goal is to not damage anything, as you don’t know exactly what the watch went through. As soon as it begins to perform poorly (or stop without reason), then it’s time to send it for service.

What Does A Rolex Service Consist Of

When you send your Rolex for a service, it goes through an extensive procedure intended to keep it running as if you just bought it. During the service procedure, a certified Rolex watchmaker will:

Detach the bracelet from the case. Then, open the case, remove the movement and completely disassemble the watch case
Completely disassemble the movement, taking each and every part and component apart. Then, ultrasonically clean each part in a batch with solutions created specifically for the task.
Inspect each part to identify those that need to be replaced. They will only use genuine Rolex replacement parts.
Completely reassemble the movement, using special lubricants created to keep the movement lubricated and prevent wear.
Readjust the precision of the watch, making sure it’s within Rolex’s accuracy standards of -2/+2 sec/day. Then they will keep the watch for a few days to make sure it’s performing as intended.
Refinish the bracelet and case, to restore its original shine. They will replace any damaged part and then polish the watch. If you don’t want your watch to be refinished, don’t forget to tell your service center!
Reassemble the case and place the movement in it
Test the waterproofness of the watch using a vacuum test, a compression test, and a condensation test. At this point, the watch will be completely sealed (up to the rated maximum water resistance)
Make a final quality control, making sure your Rolex watch performs and looks like it should: perfect.

When you send your Rolex watch for service, you get a 2-year service guarantee. Should the movement not operate correctly during that period, it will be taken care of – unless you didn’t use the watch properly or damaged it.

Where to Service Your Rolex

The easiest way to have your Rolex serviced or to get information about servicing is to contact an RSC or Rolex Service Center. Find the RSC nearest to you.