Luxury Watch Service Cost: What Patek, Rolex, AP and Omega Charge and How Often

A full service on a luxury watch usually costs from several hundred dollars for a simple Omega or Cartier up to the low-to-mid four figures for a Patek Philippe or Audemars Piguet, and more again for a chronograph, perpetual calendar or other complication. Most brands suggest roughly every five to ten years for a modern watch, with complicated pieces needing attention sooner. This guide explains what a service includes, what drives the cost, how the main brands compare and how to budget for a service when you buy. Bizak & Co. sources watches to order and is not a service centre; the cost bands here are loose ranges drawn from public independent guidance, not quotes.

Last reviewed on October 28, 2026 by Filip Biczak. Always confirm current figures with the brand or a written estimate. Sources: Rolex, watch care and service and Audemars Piguet, services.

How much does it cost to service a luxury watch?

Expect a spread rather than a single number, because the movement, the case and the brand all set the price. The bands below are indicative ranges seen across independent service guides in 2026; a brand service centre can quote above or below them.

• Omega and Cartier: typically from a few hundred dollars into the low four figures for a mechanical watch.
• Rolex: $660 to $1,430 for modern and classic models on Rolex's own US price list, with the Daytona in the top tier.
• Audemars Piguet: typically starts around the low four figures and rises with complications.
• Patek Philippe: typically low-to-mid four figures for a simple watch, with complicated pieces quoted individually and often well above that.
• Richard Mille: quoted case by case and usually the highest of the group, because of the complexity of the cases and movements.

How often should a luxury watch be serviced?

The honest answer is that it depends on the movement and on use. Rolex describes a general overhaul about every ten years, earlier if the watch loses accuracy, the crown feels wrong or moisture appears under the crystal. Independent watchmakers commonly suggest three to five years for Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, five to eight or more for Omega, and around five to seven for Cartier. Treat these as planning figures and follow the maker's current advice for your reference.

What does a full service include?

A full service means the movement is disassembled, cleaned, inspected, lubricated, reassembled and regulated, then the case is resealed and pressure tested. Worn parts are replaced and the brand usually returns the watch with a short guarantee on the work. Case and bracelet polishing is often offered or applied by default, and it is the part owners should ask about, because repeated polishing softens the edges that define a watch like a Royal Oak or Nautilus. A service that only checks timing or water resistance is cheaper but is not a full overhaul, so read the estimate for the words overhaul or complete service.

Why do Patek and AP cost more to service than Rolex or Omega?

Because of the hours of hand finishing, the number of components and tightly controlled parts supply. A Patek Philippe or Audemars Piguet movement is typically decorated and adjusted by hand, and the brands generally service their own watches through their own workshops, so there is little price competition. Richard Mille sits further out still, with complex cases and movements that are quoted individually. A Rolex or Omega is built for volume, with a wide service network and more predictable pricing, and Tudor follows a similar model at a lower level.

What makes one service cost more than another?

Complications are the biggest driver: a chronograph, annual or perpetual calendar, moon phase or repeater adds work and parts. Next comes condition, since a watch that has run dry, taken water or been serviced badly before needs more parts. Then come the case and bracelet, because precious-metal cases and integrated bracelets cost more to refinish and reassemble. Finally, parts replacement such as a dial, hands, crystal or bezel insert is billed separately and can double the bill on a neglected watch.

How do you budget for service when you buy a watch?

Add the cost of the next service to the purchase price and divide it by the years until it falls due, so you know the annual cost of ownership. For a new watch with a warranty the first service is years away, so set the money aside rather than spend it. For a pre-owned watch, ask for the last service receipt first; if there is none and the watch is more than seven or eight years old, treat a service as due now and expect a seller to price that in. Our guide to servicing and provenance in watch valuation explains how buyers weigh service history, and the pre-owned watch playbook shows what to inspect when you can hold the watch.

How can you tell if a pre-owned watch is overdue for service?

Look for the signs that the oil has aged or the seals have failed. The watch gains or loses a minute or more a day, the rotor sounds loud or grinds, the winding feels rough, the date or day change is sluggish, or there is fogging or moisture under the crystal. A crown that does not seat cleanly points to worn seals. None of these is conclusive on its own, but two or three together mean you should deduct a service from your offer and ask the seller for the paperwork. Pre-owned examples of the Cartier and Omega ranges are often the best value here, because a service costs less relative to the watch.

Is a brand service worth it compared with an independent watchmaker?

For a recent watch under warranty or a reference you plan to resell, yes. A dated brand invoice with the serial number lowers a buyer's risk, and the brand has access to genuine parts. For an older watch or a simple movement, a reputable independent can be cheaper and faster, but the work carries no brand guarantee, so ask which parts were used and keep every invoice. Never let anyone polish a collectable watch unless you have asked for it in writing.

Quick answers

How much does a Patek Philippe service cost?

Typically the low-to-mid four figures for a simple watch, and more for complications. Patek quotes individually, so the written estimate after inspection is the number that counts.

How often should a Rolex be serviced?

Rolex describes a general overhaul about every ten years, depending on use. Earlier attention is sensible if the watch loses accuracy, the crown feels wrong or moisture appears under the crystal.

Does servicing a watch change its value?

A recent, itemised brand service is a modest positive on a modern watch because it removes a deduction. Repeated polishing or replaced original parts can reduce value on a collectable reference.

Is it cheaper to service a watch before it fails?

Usually yes. Running a movement dry wears the parts and turns a routine service into a repair with replaced components, so servicing on schedule tends to cost less over the life of the watch.

Does Bizak & Co. service watches?

No. Bizak & Co. is a sourcing desk. We find the specific watch, confirm its service history and paperwork where available and send photographs before you commit.

Related reading: What a Rolex service costs, How often to service a Rolex.

Get it sourced

Tell us the reference, year range, whether you want service papers and a full set, and your budget and timing, through our sourcing enquiry form. We confirm the specific watch, photographs and final price before you commit, so you can budget for service against a real target.