Luxury watches are built to last a lifetime — often longer. But like any finely tuned instrument, they require regular care to perform at their best. Knowing when and why your watch needs servicing can protect its longevity, precision, and value.
At Little Treasury Jewelers, we believe in preserving not just the timekeeping function of your watch, but the legacy it represents. Here's what every watch owner should know.
Why Regular Watch Servicing Matters
Your watch might look pristine on the outside, but inside, it’s a complex microcosm of gears, oils, and components moving thousands of times per hour. Over time, even the most robust movements suffer wear.
Servicing is not just for when a watch “breaks.” It’s about preventive care, ensuring continued performance and protecting the investment you made.
Benefits of regular servicing:
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Maintains accuracy and reliability
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Prevents costly damage from worn parts or dried lubricants
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Preserves water resistance
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Protects resale value
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Extends the life of the watch across generations
Signs Your Watch Needs Servicing
Some indicators are subtle, others more urgent. Here’s what to watch for:
1. Inaccurate Timekeeping
If your mechanical watch gains or loses more than 10–15 seconds a day, it may be a sign of movement wear or magnetization.
2. Moisture Under the Crystal
Even a trace of condensation can be a red flag. Water can corrode delicate movement components quickly.
3. Unusual Sounds or Resistance
Grinding, ticking inconsistencies, or a crown that feels stiff could indicate mechanical problems.
4. Power Reserve Problems
If your automatic watch runs out of power sooner than expected, it could signal poor winding efficiency or lubrication issues.
5. The Watch Hasn’t Been Serviced in 4–7 Years
Even without visible issues, most manufacturers recommend complete servicing every 4 to 7 years. Think of it like changing the oil in a car — you don’t wait until the engine fails.
Life Stages of Watch Ownership & Ideal Service Milestones
What Happens During a Watch Service?
At Little Treasury Jewelers, we follow a comprehensive service procedure, performed by certified watchmakers using specialized tools and genuine parts.
A full service includes:
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Complete disassembly of the movement
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Ultrasonic cleaning of components
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Replacement of worn parts if needed
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Re-lubrication with industry-grade oils
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Timing calibration and regulation
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Pressure testing for water resistance (when applicable)
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Exterior polishing (if requested)
The result: a timepiece that functions — and feels — like new.
Modern Watches Still Need Maintenance
Don’t be fooled by rugged sports models or sealed cases. Even watches with high-tech materials and advanced engineering benefit from routine servicing. Water resistance can degrade over time, oils can dry, and gaskets can wear.
If you wear your watch daily, consider it like a well-driven car — even more reason to keep it in peak condition.
Your Watch Deserves Expert Care
At Little Treasury Jewelers in Gambrills, MD, we offer professional watch servicing for a wide range of luxury brands, including:
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OMEGA
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Ball
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Longines
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Meistersinger
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DOXA
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Zodiac
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Fortis, and many more.
Our in-house and partner-certified watchmakers ensure your timepiece receives the expert care it deserves. We also offer water resistance testing, strap replacement, crystal polishing, and movement regulation.
Trust Time with Little Treasury
Your watch isn’t just a machine. It’s a statement of your style, a gift passed down, or a reward for a milestone. Servicing it ensures it stays with you — and your legacy — for years to come.
Schedule your watch service today at Little Treasury Jewelers and let time work in your favor.
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Visit us in Gambrills, MD
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Inquire about our full-service capabilities
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Talk to our watch experts today