Rolex watches are coveted for their high-end design and superior craftsmanship, but that doesn’t mean that they’ll last forever. Don’t let your Rolex become a Rol-’ex’. Make sure to take regular care of your timepiece to keep it in the best shape possible. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide to keeping your Rolex wristwatch looking and working as good as it can.
The Problem:It can be as simple as daily maintenance or perhaps a worn-out main spring or chipped crystal, but something about your watch isn’t right. Maybe it is behaving strangely and skipping seconds or keeping time too slowly. Regardless of the issues you are having, this article will give you an overview of what to do to keep your Rolex timepiece ticking.
External:
Cleaning the band and outside of the watch:
Do you wear your Rolex every day? If you do, it is probable that it gets daily wear and tear. In fact, although this everyday wear may be small at the moment, it is the first step for the proper care of your Rolex Watch. If your watch has a metal bracelet, you can use warm water and mild, non-toxic soap to gently clean the watch, as long as the winding crowns are screwed down to avoid liquid damage.
Along with the daily routine above, each month, you should clean in much the same way, but get a little more detailed in your efforts. To do this, focus on the brand of the watch. If metal, use a soft brush to clean the metal bracelet using non-abrasive material. If your watch has a leather wristband, there are specific cleaners made for leather that you can use to safely clean your watch and keep it looking as good as new.
Another possible issue is that Rolex watch bands tend to stretch out over time. This is something that can be fixed by a watch technician to ensure a proper fit for years to come.
Internal:
We’ve talked a lot so far about the outside of your watch, but what about the inside? You should take your watch to a Swiss Certified Watch Technician to service it.
How often should you service your Rolex?
We recommend every 3-4 years if you wear it regularly and every 5-6 years if you only wear the watch occasionally. Servicing your watch is a general measure of safety, much like bringing in your car for an inspection, but there are some mechanical things you should look out for in your Rolex watch.
Winding your Rolex:
Rolex watches will sometimes requite manual winding to set the date and time, especially if the watch is new or hasn’t been worn in several days. Luckily the process of winding a Rolex is the same of all models depending on whether or not your watch has a date function, as you’ll see below:
For all watches:
—Start by unwinding your watch’s crown until it is free from the screwthreads
—Twist the crown clockwise around 30-40 times to wind your watch
If your watch has no date: If your watch has a date feature:
Pull the crown out to the last notch
Twist counterclockwise or clockwise
Stop when the time is correct
Pull the crown out to the first notch
To set the date:
Men’s: Twist counterclockwise
Women’s: Twist clockwise
Pull the crown to the last notch to adjust the time
Important: When you’re finished, be sure to screw the crown back into the case to keep your Rolex safe from water, dust, and debris.
Losing/Gaining time:
If your Rolex is losing or gaining time, it is typically a sign that your watch needs to be winded more regularly (see above). Despite this, if the problem continues, it may be evidence that the battery/crystal needs replacing.
The mainspring wearing out:
The mainspring on a Rolex is what allows it to wind properly. If this is broken, the watch will have trouble powering itself after you try to set your date/time. Although many of Rolex’s modern watches are automatic watches (powered by the motion of your wrist while worn), it still needs a functional mainspring to be wound in the event that it is not worn for a while or loss/gains time through regular use.
Crystal replacement:
If your watch’s crystal (the front covering on the front of the watch) is scratched or chipped, which can happen in the event of dropping your Rolex of everyday wear, you may need it replaced. This is essential so your watch doesn’t encounter foreign debris such as water, dust, oils or other residues.
Crystal replacements can relatively easy fixes, but some require specialized tools to be used to ensure a watertight seal once the bezel is put back on the watch, so it is advised to go to a certified watch technician if your Rolex’s crystal has seen better days.
The best way to fix your Rolex:
We’ve said it a few times, but the best thing you can do for your Rolex is to get it looked at by experienced professionals.
The cost of servicing your Rolex will vary depending upon the amount of work required, the cost of any replacement parts, and the current condition of your watch when it is brought in for servicing.
We hope you found this article useful and would love to know:
What is your favorite thing about your Rolex watch?
