Rolex
Gloved hands holding the back and clasp of a two-tone Rolex watch.

Rolex watch servicing procedure at Watches of Switzerland

Every Official Rolex Retailer and Rolex affiliate is authorized to receive your Rolex watch for servicing. Upon receiving your watch, a member of staff notes any requests you may have. The watch is then sent to a watchmaker. 

A person examines an object closely at a desk, using a magnifying tool, in a modern office setting.

Assessment of the watch 

Your watch is carefully examined by a watchmaker, who draws up an estimate of the work to be done. Once the estimate is approved, the servicing begins.

A watchmaker in a white coat examines a wristwatch closely with a magnifying loupe.

Preparation for servicing 

The movement, still fitted with its dial and hands, is removed from the case – from which the bracelet has already been detached. The movement, case and bracelet will follow separate paths during servicing before being reassembled at the end of the process.

A close-up of watch hands assembling a watch face onto its mechanical movement.

Dismantling of the movement 

The movement is entirely dismantled and all the parts are carefully examined. Those that no longer meet Rolex requirements are systematically replaced.

A watchmaker uses tools to carefully assemble the intricate parts of a mechanical watch on a workbench.

Cleaning of the components 

Each component is cleaned in an ultrasonic bath to remove all traces of impurities.

Hands holding a round mesh tray with small watch parts, with similar trays and a magnifier on a white surface.

Assembly and lubrication of the movement

The cleaned components are dried, after which the movement is entirely reassembled and lubricated. The watchmaker makes the first adjustments to the precision of the movement according to the brand’s accuracy criteria.

Close-up of a mechanical watch movement being assembled with tweezers, showing intricate inner components.

Refinishing of the case and bracelet 

The case is completely disassembled and the middle case, bezel, case back and bracelet are re-polished or satin-finished according to their original finish. These delicate operations require great care and dexterity.

Gloved hand holding a metal tool near a machine for precision work or manufacturing.

Assembly of the case 

After being cleaned and refinished, the case parts are reassembled and the seals replaced. The case is tested for waterproofness.

A luxury wristwatch submerged in water with air bubbles clinging to its metal case and crown.

Casing of the movement 

The movement – to which the dial and hands have been refitted – is put back into the case once the watchmaker has performed rigorous technical and aesthetic checks of all these elements.

A close-up of hands assembling a gold wristwatch with a precision tool.

Precision test 

After casing the movement, the watchmaker measures its chronometric precision once again and makes any final adjustments necessary for it to meet Rolex requirements. 

The case back is then screwed down, and your watch undergoes another Rolex-specific test lasting at least 24 hours to verify the performance of the movement over time.

Close-up of hands assembling a watch movement with tweezers and a small plastic container.

Waterproofness test 

Your watch is pressure-tested in water to check that it is watertight, and thereafter the bracelet is refitted to the case.

A hand dips a gold-faced Rolex watch into water, partially submerging it during a cleaning process.

Final control 

Your timepiece is now ready for a final control in which the watchmaker ensures the watch is functioning perfectly and that its aesthetic appearance is impeccable. 

Left: Gloved hands opening a watch clasp. Right: Gloved hands holding a gold and silver wristwatch.

Returning the watch 

At the end of the service procedure, your watch is returned to you in a protective pouch and accompanied by an international two-year Service Guarantee covering replacement parts and labour.

A man in a suit examines a watch at a Rolex store counter with a saleswoman assisting.

First-class service

Rolex is committed to offering you first-class after-sales service. Thanks to the exacting standards and expertise of our watchmakers, your Rolex watch can continue to perform its functions over time with outstanding reliability and exceptional beauty.

Watchmakers in white coats work at benches and desks in a bright, modern watch repair workshop.