How Often Do You Need to Service a Rolex Submariner?

 

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Congrats! you’ve got yourself a Rolex Submariner. From now on you’re not just wearing a watch, you’re wearing a piece of history, engineering excellence, and, let’s be real, one of the best timepieces out there. But here’s the thing – just because the Submariner is built like a tank doesn’t mean it’s invincible. Like a luxury sports car, it needs proper care and attention to keep running smoothly. So the question is: how often do you need to service your Rolex Submariner?

Let’s dive in deep and explore everything you need to know about keeping your Submariner in top shape. And don’t worry, this isn’t going to be a dry, technical guide. We’re going to make this as fun as possible, just like your Submariner deserves.

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Submariner ABCs

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Before we get into the nitty-gritty of servicing, let’s take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship of the Rolex Submariner. You’ve got a timepiece that’s water-resistant up to 300 meters, packed with Rolex’s patented Oyster case, a robust Perpetual automatic movement, and a Cerachrom ceramic bezel that’s scratch-resistant and UV-proof. All this adds up to one heck of a durable watch.

But even the best of the best need maintenance. Imagine owning a Ferrari but never changing the oil—crazy, right? The same logic applies to your Submariner. Regular servicing ensures it stays accurate, reliable, and pristine for years to come.

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So, How Often?

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Here’s the short answer: Rolex recommends that you service your Submariner approximately every 10 years. Now, that’s the official word from Rolex HQ, but let’s break it down a little further because, as with most things in life, the answer isn’t always that straightforward.

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Factors That Impact Service Frequency

There are a few key factors that determine how often your Submariner might need a little TLC. Let’s explore some of those.

How Often You Wear It

Are you wearing your Submariner every single day? If so, you might need to service it a little more frequently than someone who only takes it out for special occasions. Daily wear means more exposure to elements like dust, moisture, and temperature changes. Even though the Submariner is designed to handle it all, constant use can wear down seals and oils over time.

Watch My Diamond’s Tip: If you wear your Submariner daily, consider having it checked every 5-7 years instead of waiting for the 10-year mark.

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Where You Wear It

Let’s say you’re a professional diver or someone who spends a lot of time around saltwater. The Submariner is absolutely designed to handle underwater adventures, but saltwater can still be corrosive over time. While the Oystersteel and Cerachrom materials are tough, that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. Salt and sand can creep into tiny places and degrade the seals that keep your Submariner water-tight.

Another Tip: If you’re constantly diving, or if you expose your watch to salty environments, it might be smart to have it checked every 5-6 years.

How You Store It

If you’re someone who rotates watches and keeps the Submariner in a safe or display box for months at a time, it’s still important to service it. Why? Because even when not in use, the oils in the movement can start to dry up, and the watch’s gaskets can degrade.

So, one more Tip? If your Submariner spends a lot of time on the sidelines, you might still want to have it serviced every 8-10 years, even if it hasn’t been in constant use.

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What Happens During a Service?

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So, what exactly does Rolex do when they service your Submariner? It’s a bit more involved than just winding it up and calling it a day. A full service typically includes the following steps: The watchmaker disassembles the entire movement to clean and lubricate its intricate components, ensuring optimal performance. After reassembling, they conduct precision testing to ensure the timepiece meets the Rolex Submariner specifications and features. Finally, the case and bracelet are polished and refurbished for a like-new appearance, rounding out the comprehensive service experience.

• Complete Disassembly                                                                                      Your Submariner gets taken apart piece by piece. Every tiny component is disassembled, cleaned, and inspected for wear or damage. Rolex doesn’t just skim the surface—they go deep.
• Replacement of Worn Parts                                                                              Any parts that are showing signs of wear or damage get replaced. This includes things like seals, gaskets, and even parts of the movement if necessary. Rolex uses only genuine parts, so you don’t have to worry about inferior replacements.
• Cleaning and Lubrication                                                                                    All the components of your Submariner are thoroughly cleaned to remove any debris or dust. After cleaning, the movement is lubricated with high-grade oils to ensure it runs smoothly.
• Reassembly and Testing                                                                                  Once everything is clean and lubricated, your watch is reassembled and tested. This includes checking the timekeeping accuracy, water resistance, and power reserve. Rolex is known for its rigorous testing process, so you can be sure your Submariner will be in top condition.
• Polishing (Up to you)                                                                                              If you want your Submariner to look brand-new again, Rolex offers optional polishing. Keep in mind, though, that polishing removes a small layer of metal, so it’s not something you want to do too often. Some collectors even prefer the look of natural wear, which adds character to the watch.

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Signs That Your Submariner Might Need Servicing

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Even though Rolex recommends a service every 10 years, your Submariner might give you some signs that it needs attention sooner. Here are a few things to watch out for:

Timekeeping Issues

If your Submariner starts losing or gaining time significantly, it’s a clear sign that something’s off. Rolex watches are known for their precision, so any timekeeping issue is worth checking out.

Moisture Under the Crystal

If you notice any condensation or moisture inside the watch (under the sapphire crystal), it’s a red flag. Even though the Submariner is water-resistant, seals can wear down over time, allowing moisture to seep in. This is a big deal because water inside the case can damage the movement.

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Unusual Sounds or Movement

If you hear rattling or notice the winding crown isn’t operating as smoothly as it should, these could be signs of wear and tear inside the movement.

Difficulty Setting the Time

If the crown is hard to pull out, or if setting the time feels rough or imprecise, it’s a sign that your watch could use a service.

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Why Worth It

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Now, you might be thinking, “Do I really need to service my Submariner every 10 years?” The answer is: yes, if you want to protect your investment. Rolex watches are built to last a lifetime (or more!), but regular servicing ensures that they do just that. Think of it as insurance for your timepiece. Regular maintenance can catch small issues before they become big problems, ensuring that your Submariner stays accurate, reliable, and in excellent condition.

Not only that, but servicing also preserves the resale value. If you ever decide to part with your Submariner, having a record of regular service can significantly increase its value on the secondary market.

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Keep It Smooth

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So, how often do you need to service your Rolex Submariner? While the official recommendation is every 10 years, the truth is that it depends on how you use and care for your watch. If you’re diving into saltwater regularly or wearing it every day, it might be worth having it checked every 5-7 years. But if your Submariner mostly stays in its box or gets occasional wear, the 10-year mark is a good rule of thumb.

At the end of the day, the key is to listen to your watch. If it starts showing signs of trouble, don’t wait—take it in for a checkup. Your Submariner is built to last, but a little regular care goes a long way in ensuring it keeps ticking for years to come.

Now go ahead, enjoy your Submariner, and dive into the adventures of life—just remember to give it the love and attention it deserves every now and then!