Fratello Talks: When Should You Service Your Watch?
Welcome to this week’s episode of Fratello Talks. Today, Nacho is joined by Morgan and RJ to discuss the topic of watch servicing. More specifically, they answer common questions on the topic, including: when should you service your watch? How often should you service your watch? And how much should you expect to pay for a service? Keeping your beloved watch shipshape is not something you should overlook. Most watch brands have a recommended service interval, but do you really need to stick to this advice? We don’t think so, especially in the common case where you own/wear multiple watches. It’s a topic that’s not as clear-cut as it may seem. Today, the guys tackle the topic, give you their views, and share their experiences with watch servicing. But before they do, let’s have a look at what’s on their wrist.
Wrist check
We start with RJ, who never fails to impress, even when wearing a loaner. Today, on his wrist is the (relatively) new Omega Seamaster Diver 300M (reference 522.21.42.20.04.001) made specially to mark the Paris Olympic Games, which will take place later this year. He has paired this gold-bezel Seamaster with a nicely matching tan NATO strap. With its white wave dial and golden accents on the hands and markers, it’s a remarkably summery timepiece. It’s also one that many tend to agree is a lot better in the metal.
We now move on to Morgan, Fratello’s photographer, who is still going strong with another Seamaster. This is a watch that, at the time of publishing, he’s currently having serviced — how fitting! It’s his Omega Seamaster Professional 300M from 2006 (ref. 2531.80.00). Known as one of the Bond Seamasters, this watch has truly become a classic. With its slim case, serviceable movement, and charming looks, it has been taking a semi-permanent residency on his wrist. That doesn’t seem likely to change any time soon.
Finally, we complete this Omega trifecta with Nacho’s Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch (ref. 3570.50.00). He’s wearing this watch as he recently had it serviced, an experience that only came about out of necessity. The watch was running well, but the mainspring gave up the ghost when he wound it one fateful Tuesday morning. Thankfully, RJ was off to Omega HQ in Biel that very week, so the watch was flown off for a bit of TLC in the capable hands of Omega’s watchmakers. It’s back now, running strong with a new mainspring powering it.
When should you service your watch?
This is a rather commonly asked question in the world of watch enthusiasts. And though guidance is available from watch brands, paying hundreds (if not thousands) of euros/dollars for a service is not something we can all envision. Especially if you own more than a handful of watches, keeping them all serviced at a regular interval would mean spending thousands of euros every year. However, we believe that things are not so black and white and that the advice frequently provided by brands should be taken with a grain of salt. Or, at the very least, there are several considerations to keep in mind, such as how often you wear a specific watch. There are also some indicators that a mechanical movement needs work, such as decreased amplitude or a noticeable change in timekeeping.
Either way, the guys run through their thoughts and experiences in today’s episode, sharing some insightful tips and other things worth keeping in mind on the topic. Tune in, watch the video, or listen to the episode, and be sure to share your experience with servicing your watches. Do you follow the brands’ recommendations, or do you wait until it’s obvious that a service is necessary? Do you go through your AD or directly to the brand, or do you rely on a local watchmaker? Let us know in the comments below.
As always, tune in next week for another episode of Fratello Talks!
