Rolex Watch Care and Maintenance Guide
Rolex watches are coveted for their high-end design and superior craftsmanship, but that doesn’t mean 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. Visit our Rolex repair specialists for a professional assessment of your timepiece. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide to keeping your Rolex wristwatch looking and working as good as it can.
Essential Rolex Care Resources
Looking for more on Rolex care and maintenance? Check out these helpful articles:
- How often should I have my Rolex watch serviced?
- What does a Rolex service include?
- How can I repair a broken Rolex watch?
- How To Keep Your Rolex Rolling?
Common Rolex Watch Issues
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’s behaving strangely, skipping seconds, or keeping time too slowly. Visit our experts for a comprehensive watch diagnostic. Regardless of the issue, this overview will help you keep your Rolex timepiece ticking.
External Watch Maintenance
Professional Cleaning Techniques
If you wear your Rolex every day, it’s bound to accumulate small amounts of dirt and dust. Daily care is the first step to keeping your Rolex looking its best. For metal bracelets, use warm water and mild, non-toxic soap to gently clean, ensuring the winding crowns are screwed down to avoid water damage. Learn more about water resistance testing and maintenance.
Each month, give it a slightly more detailed cleaning session:
- For metal bracelets, use a soft brush and non-abrasive cleaning agents.
- For leather bands, use a cleaner designed specifically for leather to preserve its quality.
Over time, Rolex watch bands may stretch. Our watch band repair specialists can help adjust or restore the band to ensure a proper fit for years to come.
Internal Watch Care
While external maintenance is important, the inside of your Rolex is where the real magic happens. We recommend taking your watch to a Swiss Certified Watch Technician for servicing at regular intervals.
Recommended Service Intervals
Service your Rolex every 3-4 years if you wear it regularly, and every 5-6 years if you only wear it occasionally. Regular servicing is like getting a routine check-up for your timepiece. If something is amiss, such as irregular timekeeping, it’s a sign that your Rolex may need professional mechanical attention sooner rather than later.
Proper Winding Techniques
Sometimes your Rolex may require manual winding, especially if it’s new or hasn’t been worn for several days. Here’s how:
- All Models: Unscrew the crown from the case. Twist the crown clockwise about 30-40 times to wind your watch.
- With Date Feature (Men’s): Pull the crown out to the first notch and twist counterclockwise to set the date. Then pull the crown out to the last notch and adjust the time.
- With Date Feature (Women’s): Pull the crown out to the first notch and twist clockwise to set the date. Then pull the crown out to the last notch to adjust the time.
Always remember to screw the crown back in to protect your Rolex from water, dust, and debris. For crown issues, check out our stem and crown repair services.
Crystal Protection and Maintenance
If the crystal (the front covering) is scratched or chipped, your watch may be vulnerable to moisture and dust. Our crystal replacement service ensures a perfect fit and watertight seal.
Professional Rolex Repair Services
The best thing you can do for your Rolex is to entrust it to experienced professionals. Servicing costs vary depending on the work required, parts needed, and the watch’s overall condition. All our repairs come with a comprehensive warranty.
We hope you found this article useful. What is your favorite thing about your Rolex watch?
Click here to learn more about how often you should have your Rolex serviced, or feel free to visit one of our locations in Creve Coeur, Des Peres, or Chesterfield for a FREE inspection and estimate.
Additional Resources
- What does a Rolex service include?
- How can I repair a broken Rolex watch?
- How much does it cost to fix a Rolex watch band?
- How To Keep Your Rolex Rolling?
- Professional Rolex Watch Repair Services