Every watch tells a story — marking milestones, daily routines, and special memories. But like any precision instrument, a timepiece requires care and attention. In a humid, tropical climate like Singapore’s, regular servicing becomes even more important to maintain accuracy and longevity. Here’s everything you need to know about watch servicing in Singapore, why it matters, and how to choose a reliable watch service provider.

What Does Watch Servicing Include?

Professional watch servicing goes beyond a simple battery change. A full service involves careful examination and maintenance of internal components to ensure your watch keeps accurate time and remains in good condition. Typical servicing steps include:

  • Complete disassembly: The watch’s movement, case, bracelet/strap, and other parts are carefully taken apart for inspection.
  • Thorough cleaning: Components are cleaned — often using ultrasonic cleaning — to remove old lubricants, dirt, and grime.
  • Inspection and replacement of worn parts: Worn or damaged elements (e.g. mainspring, gaskets, seals, crystal, crown) are identified, and replaced if needed — ideally with genuine or high-quality parts.
  • Lubrication and assembly: After cleaning, watchmakers apply special lubricants to the movement, then reassemble everything with care.
  • Calibration & testing: The movement is calibrated for accurate timekeeping; water-resistance and pressure tests may be carried out (especially if the watch is meant to be water-resistant).
  • Polishing & final checks (optional): For watches where aesthetics matter (e.g. luxury or vintage pieces), polishing and refinishing may be offered.

A proper full service helps preserve not only performance — but also the longevity and value of your watch.

Why You Should Service Your Watch — Especially in Singapore

• Protect functionality and accuracy

Over time, lubricants dry up, dust enters the movement, or components can wear down. This can affect accuracy or even cause a watch to stop. Regular servicing prevents these problems before they worsen.

• Guard against environmental damage

Heat, humidity, and moisture common in Singapore can accelerate wear, promote corrosion, or compromise water resistance. A proper overhaul includes seal checks and pressure testing to keep your watch protected.

• Maintain value and aesthetics

For luxury or mechanical watches, a well-maintained timepiece retains value better. Cleaning, polishing, and replacing worn parts help your watch look and function as new — which matters for both daily wear and resale.

• Avoid costly repairs later

Neglecting maintenance can lead to bigger problems down the line — rusted parts, damaged movement, or water damage — which are far more expensive to fix than routine servicing.

When Should You Service Your Watch?

Service intervals depend on the type of watch and how often it’s worn. As a general guideline:

  • Mechanical / Automatic watches: Every 3–5 years is recommended for full servicing.
  • Quartz watches: Typically less demanding, but still worth a check-up every 4–7 years — especially if the battery is replaced or if the watch is exposed to moisture or dust.

Beyond a fixed schedule, consider servicing if you observe any of the following signs: the watch runs consistently fast or slow; timekeeping becomes erratic; condensation appears under the crystal; crown feels stiff; or you suspect impact or moisture exposure.

How to Choose a Reputable Watch Service Provider in Singapore

With many options available, it’s important to pick a watchmaker you can trust. Here’s what to look for:

  • Skilled, experienced watchmakers — ideally Swiss-trained or with proven expertise in mechanical and luxury watches.
  • Use of genuine or high-quality replacement parts — especially crucial for luxury timepieces, to preserve integrity and value.
  • Comprehensive services — from full overhauls to cleaning, lubrication, water-resistance testing, polishing, and bracelet/strap adjustments if needed.
  • Transparent pricing and communication — you should get a clear quote based on diagnosis before work begins, with explanation of what’s being done.
  • Warranty or service guarantee — many reputable centers offer a 12-month warranty on repairs and servicing.

For example, one independent specialist center in Singapore has been operating since 2012, run by certified second-/third-generation watchmakers.

What to Expect: Typical Servicing Costs & Turnaround Time

  • Full servicing for many mechanical or luxury watches generally starts around S$400–S$600, depending on watch model, brand, and extent of work required.
  • Simple maintenance tasks (e.g. battery replacement, strap adjustment, polishing) may cost less — but a full overhaul takes more work and time.
  • Turnaround time: expect about 10 to 21 working days for standard servicing, depending on complexity and parts availability.

If the watch requires part replacement (e.g. crown, crystal, gaskets, internal components), costs may increase — but a good service provider will always confirm such replacements with you before proceeding.

Final Word: Think of Servicing as Watch Care, Not a Chore

Just like changing the oil on your car or servicing your air-con, regular watch servicing is part of owning a quality timepiece. In Singapore’s climate, with dust, humidity, and daily wear, it’s especially important to keep your watch maintained.