Rolex watches are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, precision, and timeless elegance. If you are fortunate enough to own a Rolex, whether new or preowned, it is crucial to understand how to care for it properly.
We asked the Kettle Club Rolex experts for their top tips for ensuring your watch stays in excellent condition, maintains its value, and lasts for generations.
How to Maintain Your Rolex Watch
- Regular Servicing: Just like any high-precision mechanical instrument, a Rolex watch requires regular service to guarantee optimal performance. Rolex recommends servicing your timepiece every 5 to 10 years, depending on the model and its usage. In these maintenance intervals, authorised Rolex service centres will thoroughly inspect and service your watch, ensuring that every component functions flawlessly.
- Water Resistance: Rolex watches are built to withstand water submersion to varying degrees, depending on the model. Understanding your watch’s water resistance is critical to its longevity. Always refer to the specific model’s instruction manual to determine its water-resistance capacity. Be mindful that water resistance may diminish over time, so periodic servicing is necessary to maintain its water-tight seal.
- Daily Winding and Setting: For manual-winding Rolex models, such as the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, regular winding is crucial to keep the movement functional. If you own an automatic Rolex, wearing it daily provides sufficient winding through the motion of your wrist. Additionally, when setting the time or date on your Rolex, do not attempt to change them between 9 PM and 2 AM. During this period, the watch’s internal mechanism engages in essential midnight date change processes.
How to Store a Rolex Watch
- Protect from Scratches: To safeguard your Rolex from scratches, consider storing it in a cushioned watch box or a dedicated watch roll. This prevents your watch from being accidentally bumped or knocked, reducing the risk of cosmetic damage.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Extreme temperature variations can affect the delicate internal mechanism of your Rolex watch. Avoid exposing your timepiece to excessive heat or cold, as it can cause the lubricants to deteriorate or affect the movement’s accuracy. For long-term storage, it is advisable to keep your Rolex in a cool, dry environment.
- Give It Some Rest: If you own multiple watches and rotate their usage, keep in mind that a Rolex watch benefits from regular wear. Extended periods of inactivity may cause the lubricants to settle, reducing the watch’s accuracy. Therefore, it is best to wear your Rolex regularly or give it a gentle winding at least once a week to maintain its functionality.
The Importance of Professional Repairs
When your Rolex requires servicing or repair, it is crucial to only take it to authorised Rolex service centres or qualified watchmakers. These professionals possess the expertise, specialised tools, and genuine replacement parts to maintain your timepiece’s integrity. If you have any doubts about your Rolex, don’t forget to check out our ‘How to spot a fake Rolex‘ blog for authentication tips.
Genuine Parts
Only authorised Rolex service centres can provide you with genuine Rolex parts to ensure optimum performance and longevity. Using counterfeit or non-genuine parts can compromise the accuracy, water resistance, or even the value of your watch.
Preserving Resale Value
Rolex watches are widely recognised for their enduring value in the luxury watch market. To maintain and potentially increase your watch’s resale value, it is essential to keep an accurate service history with authorised Rolex service centres. Prospective buyers appreciate watches that have been meticulously maintained and serviced by official channels.
Warranty Protection
If your Rolex watch is still covered by its official warranty, it is vital to have it serviced exclusively by authorised Rolex service centres. Any unauthorised repairs or modifications can void the warranty, leaving you liable for future repairs or replacements.
In conclusion, caring for your Rolex watch is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. By following the guidelines mentioned above, you can ensure that your prized timepiece retains its elegance, precision, and value for years to come. Remember, regular service, cautious storage, and trust in authorised professionals are the cornerstones of maintaining your Rolex watch. For more information about all things Rolex, do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of the Kettle Club team!