What a watch service actually costs

Realistic numbers and what you get for them.

What a full service involves

The movement is completely disassembled, every part cleaned in an ultrasonic bath, worn parts replaced, the whole assembly re-lubricated with several different oils and greases, then regulated in multiple positions and pressure-tested once cased.

Rough cost bands

Time-and-date automatics sit at the bottom of the range. Chronographs cost significantly more because of part count. Perpetual calendars, split-seconds and repeaters are specialist work and priced accordingly. Manufacture service is dearer than an independent but keeps parts and warranty in-house.

How often

Every five to seven years is a sensible planning figure for a modern automatic. Vintage watches and complications need attention more often. A watch that has sat unworn for a decade needs service before regular wear, because oils congeal whether or not the watch runs.

Reading a listing for hidden service cost

No service record in seven years plus low amplitude on the timegrapher equals a service you are buying. That is fine if the price reflects it — we publish the timing data so you can judge.

How Chrono24 Watches applies this

Every watch we list is opened and inspected before it appears on the site. We verify the calibre against the reference, examine dial printing and lume ageing under magnification, record timing across multiple positions on a calibrated timegrapher, measure bracelet stretch, and pressure-test sports references with intact cases. What we find is published on the listing, including the flaws, and photographed. You can read the full process on our authentication page.

Buying with confidence

Shipping is free, fully insured and requires a signature on delivery. You have fourteen days from delivery to return any watch for a full refund, for any reason, using a prepaid insured label, and every mechanical watch carries a twelve-month warranty on the movement. Our authenticity guarantee has no expiry date. If this is your first purchase from us, start with how to buy.

Next steps

Start with the full catalogue, read our authentication process, or email sales@chrono24watches.st with any question about a specific listing.