A Rolex is built to last a lifetime, but only if it is serviced properly. The movement inside your watch has hundreds of tiny parts that need cleaning, oiling, and adjustment every few years, and the case and bracelet need attention too. Many owners are surprised when they first ask what a service costs, because it is not a small number, and the price depends on the model, the condition, and where you have it done. Here is what a Rolex service costs in 2026, what the price includes, and how to avoid paying more than you should.

A standard service at an authorised Rolex service centre typically costs roughly $700 to $1,000 or more, depending on the model. A simple three-hand model such as an Oyster Perpetual or an Explorer is usually at the lower end of that range, while a chronograph such as a Daytona, or a watch with a calendar or GMT complication, costs more, because the movement is more complex and takes longer to service. Vintage watches can cost significantly more, because parts may be scarce and the work is more delicate. These are approximate figures, and the exact price is confirmed when the service centre examines your watch.

The service itself is thorough. The watch is completely disassembled, every part is cleaned, worn parts are replaced with genuine Rolex parts, the movement is reassembled and oiled, and the watch is tested for accuracy, water resistance, and power reserve. The case and bracelet are refinished, which removes scratches and restores the original finish. The whole process takes several weeks, and when it comes back, the watch should look and run like new. Rolex also provides a two-year service guarantee after an authorised service, which covers the work that was done.

Several things can push the price above the standard range. If the watch has water damage, the service centre may need to replace corroded parts, which adds to the bill. If the crystal is scratched or cracked, replacing it costs extra. If the bracelet is stretched or damaged, a new bracelet or a bracelet repair can add hundreds of dollars. And if the watch is vintage, the service centre may need to source parts that are no longer in production, which can be expensive or, in some cases, impossible, in which case an independent specialist may be the better option.

Where you have the watch serviced matters as much as what is wrong with it. An authorised Rolex service centre is the safest option, because it uses genuine parts, employs Rolex-trained watchmakers, and provides a guarantee. An independent watchmaker can be cheaper, sometimes significantly so, and many are excellent, but they may not have access to genuine Rolex parts, and a service by an unauthorised watchmaker can affect the watch's value and its eligibility for future authorised service. For a modern Rolex, the authorised route is usually worth the extra cost. For a vintage piece, a respected independent specialist is often the better choice.

Rolex recommends servicing roughly every ten years for modern watches, though many owners and watchmakers suggest every five to seven years for a watch worn daily, because the oils degrade over time and the movement wears faster when it is running constantly. A watch that is rarely worn needs servicing less often, but it should still be checked periodically, because oils can dry out even when the watch is sitting in a drawer. The most important sign that a service is due is accuracy: if your watch starts gaining or losing more than a few seconds a day, it is time.

You cannot avoid the cost of a proper service, but you can avoid paying for one unnecessarily. Keep your watch away from magnets, which can affect accuracy, rinse it after swimming in salt water, and have the water resistance checked every couple of years, which is a quick and inexpensive test. If the watch is running well and keeping good time, there is no need to rush it in for a service. And when the time comes, get a quote from the service centre first, approve the work in writing, and ask for the old parts back, which is standard practice and confirms that the work was actually done.

A standard Rolex service at an authorised centre typically costs roughly $700 to $1,000 or more, depending on the model, and includes a full movement overhaul, new seals, and a case refinish. Service every five to ten years, use an authorised centre for modern watches, and get a written quote before the work begins.