Essential Tips for Maintaining and Repairing Your Luxury Rolex Watch
- Huan Ni
- Apr 21
- 4 min read
We hate to state the obvious, but a Rolex watch is more than just a statement of style; it’s an investment in horological craftsmanship and precision engineering.
That said, even the most meticulously built timepieces require proper care to maintain their performance and longevity.
Whether it’s a minor scratch on the bracelet or an issue with accuracy, understanding how to maintain your Rolex will keep it running flawlessly for years to come.
The unique properties of a Rolex: Craftsmanship, heritage, and longevity (are the very same things that make them require constant maintaining)
Since its founding in 1905, Rolex has pioneered some of the most significant advancements in watchmaking, including the first waterproof case, self-winding movements, and chronometer-certified accuracy.
Each Rolex timepiece undergoes rigorous testing to ensure unmatched durability and reliability, making them the choice of explorers, deep-sea divers, and aviation pioneers. However, to preserve its excellence, routine care and servicing are essential to maintaining these Swiss masterpieces.
Regular care and maintenance tips for your Rolex watch
To keep your Rolex performing at its best, follow these simple maintenance habits.
1. Keep it clean: Wipe your watch regularly with a soft microfibre cloth to remove dust, oil, and sweat. For a deeper clean, only use mild soapy water and a soft brush if the watch is confirmed to be waterproof — especially for Oyster cases and bracelets. Otherwise, we recommend bringing it to The Watch Specialist’s Clinic for a professional ultrasonic chemical clean to avoid accidental damage.
2. Avoid extreme conditions: While Rolex watches are built for durability, it's best to avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat, strong magnetic fields, and sudden temperature changes. These can affect both the movement and the integrity of certain materials over time. Always store your watch in a cool, dry place when not in use.
3. Wind it properly If your Rolex is a mechanical or automatic model and hasn’t been worn for a few days, give it a gentle wind to keep the movement running smoothly. Winding it every few days when not in regular use is typically sufficient to maintain its performance.
4. Store it safely: When not in use, keep your watch in a protective box with ample and appropriate padding to prevent unnecessary wear. Of course, keep it away from heat and humidity as much as you can.
When to service your Rolex watch
Rolex officially recommends servicing your watch approximately every 10 years, but it depends on how frequently you wear it and the conditions it’s exposed to. Signs that your Rolex may need servicing include:
A noticeable loss of time accuracy.
Moisture or condensation under the crystal.
Difficulty winding or adjusting the time.
Unusual noises from the movement.
During a professional service, a Rolex-certified watchmaker like us at The Watch Specialist's Clinic will do the following.
Completely disassemble and inspect the watch.
Clean and lubricate the movement.
Replace worn gaskets and seals to ensure water resistance.
Conduct precision testing to restore accuracy.
Perform ultrasonic chemical cleaning of the watch case and bracelet, and offer optional polishing upon request
Common Rolex issues that require repairs, and how to address them
Even with proper care, Rolex watches may require occasional maintenance. Here are some common issues that people have come to us about their Rolex timepieces.
Movement irregularities
If your Rolex is running too fast or slow, it may need a regulation adjustment or full servicing.
Scratches on the case or bracelet
Light scratches can often be buffed out with professional polishing, but deep marks may require expert refinishing.
Water resistance loss
If your watch fogs up or has been submerged beyond its rated depth, have it checked immediately to prevent movement damage.
Difficulty in Winding / Stiffness in Crown Operation
The crown ensures water resistance and movement adjustments, so if it becomes loose or difficult to turn, have it inspected by a professional. This may also be true for some Rolex GMT watches where the bezel does not rotate smoothly anymore.
Not all watch repair shops have the expertise to handle Rolex timepieces. Ensure your watch is serviced by a certified Rolex specialist who uses genuine parts and follows Rolex’s stringent repair guidelines. This guarantees the integrity and value of your timepiece remains intact.
A Rolex is designed to last a lifetime and beyond, becoming an heirloom for future generations. With the right care and regular servicing, your Rolex will continue to perform with unparalleled precision and elegance.
Speak to a certified Rolex expert like us today and ensure your timepiece remains in perfect condition for years to come. We're a heritaged family operation with inter-generational Swiss-trained experts in house, ready to give the best to your watch.
Pssst.. You definitely don't want to miss our guide for maintaining your Tag Heuer watch. Click here to read it!
 | Need to service your Rolex watch? Come visit us at The Watch Specialist's Clinic!
 |
Comments