When to repair a quartz watch

If it is quartz watch “servicing” or “cleaning” the movement itself is usually not necessary until you have a problem. There are fewer moving parts and less friction on them compared to a mechanical watch.

Disassembled quartz movement

Disassembled mechanical movement

However cleaning may be necessary in conjunction with some other repairs since partial disassembly may be required.

Also at the time of battery change some watches go through a testing procedure. This helps determine if a problem may arise in the near future. If for example the test shows the movement is consuming too much power from the battery, a cleaning with re-lubrication or replacement of electronic component may be required before battery change is completed. If this were not done the watch may stop soon after battery replacement leaving you wondering if you got a "bad" battery or if they damaged your watch during the change.

To see how a quartz watch is cleaned check out What Gets Serviced

 

When to repair a mechanical watch

According to many major manufacturers mechanical watches - whether self - winding or manual wind- should be cleaned about every five years. Of course if a problem arises before that five years such as a time keeping issue of accidental moisture entry, it may need cleaning sooner.

To see why it should be serviced every five years click here.

Cleaning may be necessary in conjunction with some other repairs since partial disassembly may be required.