On the surface, a Rolex can look tough, simple, and indestructible. That’s part of the brand’s magic. But inside the case, things are anything but simple.
Rolex movements are:
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Highly precise mechanical machines
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Built to very tight tolerances
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Packed with carefully designed components that must work in harmony
Repairing and servicing them is not at all like changing a battery in a fashion watch. It requires:
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Specialist tools and equipment
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Training and experience specifically with mechanical movements
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A dust-controlled environment
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Patience and a steady hand
Treat Rolex watch repair as a specialized craft, not a commodity service. The wrong hands can turn a small issue into a big, expensive problem.
Signs your Rolex needs attention
Rolex doesn’t usually fail suddenly. Most of the time, the watch sends subtle signals long before it stops completely. Here are some of the most important ones.
1. Noticeable loss (or gain) of time
If your Rolex is off by a few seconds a day, that’s normal. But if you’re seeing:
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30 seconds, 1 minute, or more deviation per day
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Sudden changes in accuracy with no obvious reason
…it’s telling you something is wrong. Possible causes include:
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Old, dried-out lubricants
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Wear in the escapement or gear train
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Magnetisation from phones, speakers, or bags with magnetic clasps
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Shock damage from a drop or impact
A professional watchmaker can put your Rolex on a timing machine and see exactly how it’s behaving in different positions, then track down the cause.
2. Power reserve problems
Does your automatic Rolex stop:
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Overnight, even after a full day of wear?
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After just a few hours off the wrist?
This can be a sign that:
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The mainspring isn’t storing energy like it should
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The automatic winding system is worn or dirty
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Old oils are creating extra friction and resistance inside the movement
Rolex watch repair in this case is about more than just giving the watch a “shake.” It usually needs a full inspection and service to restore proper power reserve.
3. Condensation or moisture inside the crystal
This is one of the most serious warning signs you’ll ever see.
If you notice:
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Fog under the sapphire crystal
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Tiny droplets that appear and disappear
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Any visible moisture inside
…it means water has found a way into the case. That can happen when:
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Gaskets and seals age and lose elasticity
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The crown or crown tube is worn
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The watch takes a knock that compromises its water resistance
Moisture can rust delicate steel parts, stain the dial, and damage hands and lume. If you ever see it, get your Rolex to a watchmaker as quickly as possible.
4. Noises, rough winding, or hard-to-turn crown
The way your Rolex feels can reveal a lot:
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The crown feels gritty or unusually stiff
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You hear rattling when moving the watch
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The rotor seems excessively loud or “grinding”
These symptoms may indicate worn bearings, dirt inside the movement, or damaged components that need immediate attention before they cause bigger problems.
What a proper Rolex watch repair should actually include
Real Rolex repair is not a “10-minute while-you-wait” process. It’s a carefully structured workflow designed to protect both performance and value.
Here’s what you should expect from a serious workshop.
1. Detailed evaluation
A proper repair begins with a diagnosis:
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Checking the case, crown, crystal, dial, and hands
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Running timing tests in multiple positions
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Inspecting seals and noting signs of previous work
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For dive and sports models, assessing water resistance
This step gives the watchmaker a clear picture of the overall condition – not just the obvious problem.
2. Complete disassembly of the movement
For anything more than the simplest job, the movement needs to be stripped down completely:
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Every wheel, spring, lever, and jewel is removed
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Parts are inspected under magnification for wear or damage
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Old oils and microscopic debris are removed using professional cleaning machines
This is the difference between a real Rolex overhaul and a superficial “clean and hope.”
3. Replacement of worn parts
Any component that’s worn or damaged needs to go. This might include:
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Mainsprings
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Balance staffs or pivots
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Worn wheels and pinions
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Rotor bearings and winding components
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Gaskets, crowns, and sometimes crystals
For Rolex watch repair, using correct parts – and fitting them correctly – is essential. The wrong component or poor installation can affect accuracy, water resistance, and even future serviceability.
4. Reassembly, lubrication, and regulation
Once everything is clean and ready:
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Fresh, precise amounts of lubricant are applied
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The movement is reassembled step by step
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The watch is adjusted and regulated for accuracy in several positions
This stage is where a Rolex goes from “it works” to “it performs.” A skilled watchmaker aims to bring timekeeping as close as possible to the brand’s original standards.
5. Case, bezel, bracelet, and clasp work
Depending on the watch’s condition and your preferences, the workshop may:
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Replace or refinish the crystal
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Lightly refinish the case and bracelet, preserving original lines and chamfers
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Tighten or refurbish the bracelet and clasp
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Renew seals and ensure everything is properly closed
Good refinishing is subtle. It should make your Rolex look refreshed, not over-polished or “blurry.”
6. Final testing
Before your Rolex returns to your wrist, a proper repair should include:
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Multi-day timing checks
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Power reserve verification
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Water-resistance testing where applicable
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Functional checks for date, GMT, chronograph, or other complications
Only after passing all these checks is the repair truly complete.
Why a specialist like AG Watch Repair Hong Kong is worth it
Could you hand your Rolex to the nearest mall kiosk? Technically, yes. Should you? Definitely not.
A dedicated workshop like AG Watch Repair Hong Kong (agwatchrepair.com.hk) offers something completely different: focused expertise, proper tools, and a deep respect for the watches they work on.
Here’s what that means in practice:
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Brand familiarity
They understand how different Rolex calibres wear over time, where problems typically show up, and how to bring them back to proper performance. -
Right equipment
Timing machines, pressure testers, high-grade cleaning systems, and specialized tools help ensure your watch gets the level of care it deserves. -
Thoughtful refinishing
When cosmetic work is needed, it’s done to enhance the watch, not erase its character and history. -
Transparency
You should know what’s wrong, what’s being done, and what it will cost before the work begins.
For Rolex owners in Hong Kong and internationally, having a trusted partner like AG Watch Repair Hong Kong removes the stress from sending a valuable watch in for service.
How to reduce how often you need major repairs
You can’t prevent all wear and tear, but you can slow it down with simple habits:
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Keep your Rolex away from strong magnets
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Always screw down the crown before going near water
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Rinse your watch in fresh water after swimming in the sea or pool
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Avoid harsh impacts and extreme temperature changes
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Store your watch in a dry, safe place when not in use
These small actions can keep your next Rolex watch repair routine and predictable instead of urgent and expensive.
Final thought: repair as part of the Rolex journey
A Rolex is built to be worn, not worshipped from a distance. Scratches, servicing, and the occasional repair are all part of its story.
When you approach Rolex watch repair as an investment in that story – rather than just an annoying expense – everything changes. You’re not just fixing a mechanical object; you’re preserving a companion that can stay with you for decades, and maybe even move on to the next generation.
By entrusting your timepiece to a serious specialist like AG Watch Repair Hong Kong (agwatchrepair.com.hk), you’re making sure that story continues with the accuracy, reliability, and beauty that made you choose a Rolex in the first place.