A standard Rolex service costs between $800 and $1,200, but the price can climb to over $2,000 depending on the model, its age, and the parts required. Rolex watches represent a significant investment, whether you own a classic Submariner or a complex Daytona chronograph, making it essential to understand the true cost of professional maintenance for protecting your timepiece.
Key Takeaways:
- Standard service costs range from $800 to $1,200. Complex models like the Daytona can exceed $2,000 with repairs.
- Choosing your service center is a critical decision. Official RSCs use genuine parts with factory warranties, while reputable independents like Bob’s offer competitive pricing and faster turnaround.
- A true Rolex service is a meticulous 9-step overhaul. The process involves complete disassembly, ultrasonic cleaning, and calibration to chronometer standards.
- Service your Rolex based on wear, not just time. While Rolex recommends 10 years, daily wear requires servicing every 5-7 years for optimal performance.
All information in this guide is based on data from the Bob’s Watches service center and reviewed for accuracy by our head watchmaker and certified experts who work exclusively with Rolex watches daily. For questions unrelated to pricing, please reference our how to service your Rolex guide.
Rolex Service Cost by Model: 2025 Price List
The single biggest factor influencing service cost is the watch’s model and its mechanical complexity. A simple, time-only Oyster Perpetual has a more straightforward Rolex movement than a Daytona with its complex chronograph function. A GMT-Master II requires specialized attention for its dual-time mechanism, while a Sky-Dweller demands expertise in its annual calendar complication. To give you a clear and realistic starting point, we’ve compiled the base service costs for Rolex’s most popular models based on data from our state-of-the-art service center.
| Rolex Model | Estimated Starting Service Cost (Standard Movement Overhaul) | Potential Cost Range (Including Common Part Replacements) |
| Oyster Perpetual | $800 – $1,000 | $1,100 – $1,400 |
| Datejust (36/41) | $800 – $1,000 | $1,200 – $1,600 |
| Submariner (Date/No-Date) | $800 – $1,100 | $1,300 – $1,700 |
| Explorer (I/II) | $875 – $1,050 | $1,250 – $1,650 |
| GMT-Master II | $1,000 – $1,200 | $1,400 – $1,900 |
| Yacht-Master | $1,000 – $1,200 | $1,350 – $1,800 |
| Day-Date (President) | $1,000 – $1,300 | $1,500 – $2,100 |
| Daytona | $1,300 – $1,600 | $1,800 – $2,500+ |
| Sky-Dweller | $1,400 – $1,600 | $1,900 – $2,800+ |
The prices in the table represent a standard movement overhaul. The final cost can be higher depending on the watch’s condition, the need for replacement parts, and the watch’s age. A watch that has seen heavy use or has water damage will require more work and additional components. Parts like a new crystal, bezel, crown, or dial components are not included in the base price and will be quoted separately after diagnosis. Vintage Rolex repair services may require specialized sourcing for rare parts, which can affect the price significantly.
Official Rolex Service Center (RSC) vs. Independent Watchmaker: Which is Right for You?
Once you’ve decided your Rolex needs service, the next crucial decision is where to have it done. You have two main paths: an official Rolex Service Center (RSC) or a reputable independent service center. The best choice depends on an owner’s priorities regarding cost, turnaround time, and the specific needs of their watch, especially if it’s vintage.
| Factor | Official RSC | Reputable Independent |
| Cost | Higher cost ($1,200-$2,500+) | More competitive pricing ($800-$1,800) |
| Turnaround Time | 4-8+ week turnaround | 2-4 week turnaround |
| Parts Used | Always genuine Rolex parts | Genuine Rolex parts preferred, flexibility available |
| Warranty | 2-year international warranty | 1-2 year warranty (varies by shop) |
| Handling of Vintage Models | Strict replacement policy may affect originality | Greater flexibility preserving vintage characteristics |
| Communication | Limited direct contact with watchmaker | Personalized service and direct communication |
As you can see, the choice involves a trade-off between the official Rolex guarantee at a premium and the value and flexibility offered by an independent expert. At Bob’s Watches, we offer the best of both worlds: the trust and expertise of certified watchmakers who work on Rolexes daily, access to genuine parts when needed, and the personalized customer service and competitive pricing of an independent specialist. Our watchmakers maintain Rolex parts accounts and follow the same rigorous standards while providing the flexibility that vintage collectors and cost-conscious owners appreciate. For those who have old parts from previous services, you might be able to sell your Rolex parts to Bob’s Watches for top dollar.
How Often Should You Service a Rolex?
Understanding the proper service interval for your Rolex is crucial for budgeting and maintaining your investment. Rolex’s current official recommendation is approximately every 10 years for modern watches under normal wearing conditions. This updated guideline reflects improvements in manufacturing, materials, and lubricants that allow contemporary Rolex movements to run longer between services.
However, the 10-year interval is a general guideline that doesn’t account for individual wearing patterns or specific use cases. At Bob’s Watches, our certified watchmakers recommend a more nuanced approach based on how you actually use your timepiece:
- For Daily Wear: If you wear your Rolex every day, we recommend servicing every 5-7 years. Daily wear subjects the movement to constant motion and exposure, which can accelerate the breakdown of lubricants and stress on gaskets that maintain water resistance.
- For Active Use: If you frequently use your Submariner for diving, your GMT-Master for extensive travel, or your Daytona for timing events, more frequent maintenance checks are advisable. Active use can introduce moisture, temperature variations, and shock that affect performance.
- For Vintage Watches: Vintage Rolex watches (typically pre-1990) benefit from more frequent servicing every 3-5 years. Older movements use different lubricants and materials that require more attention, and vintage parts are irreplaceable once damaged.
Signs Your Rolex Needs Service (Regardless of Time Interval):
- The watch is losing or gaining more than 10 seconds per day consistently
- You notice condensation or moisture under the crystal
- The power reserve isn’t lasting as long as it used to (should be 48-70 hours depending on model)
- The crown feels gritty, difficult to turn, or unusual when winding or setting the time
- The second hand stutters or jumps irregularly
- You hear unusual sounds from the movement when shaking the watch gently
Paying attention to these warning signs can help you identify service needs before minor issues become expensive problems. Regular maintenance based on actual wear patterns, rather than arbitrary time intervals, ensures optimal performance and longevity.
What’s Included in a Full Rolex Overhaul? (A Step-by-Step Breakdown)
A professional Rolex service is an incredibly detailed process that goes far beyond a simple cleaning. It’s a complete disassembly and reassembly (an “overhaul”) that restores the watch’s performance to the strict standards it met the day it left the factory. This meticulous, labor-intensive process is what ensures the Rolex accuracy and longevity for another decade. Here is a step-by-step look at the journey your watch takes:
1. Diagnosis & Estimate
Your watch is carefully examined by a watchmaker, who draws up an estimate of the work to be done. We identify any issues, assess the condition of critical components, and provide you with a detailed quote before beginning any work.
2. Complete Disassembly
The movement is entirely dismantled and all the parts are carefully examined. Those that no longer meet Rolex requirements are systematically replaced. Every component is separated and cataloged for individual attention.
3. Ultrasonic Cleaning
Each component is cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner to remove all traces of impurities. This removes old oils, dirt, and microscopic particles that could interfere with proper function.
4. Part Replacement
Worn gaskets, springs, and other components that don’t meet specifications are replaced with genuine Rolex parts. This includes critical elements like the mainspring, various gaskets, and any damaged gears or jewels.
5. Reassembly & Lubrication
The cleaned components are dried, after which the movement is entirely reassembled and lubricated. The movement is rebuilt using proprietary lubricants specified by Rolex for optimal performance.
6. Timing & Calibration
The watchmaker makes the first adjustments to the precision of the movement according to the brand’s accuracy criteria. The watch is regulated to meet chronometer-level accuracy standards of -2/+2 seconds per day.
7. Case & Bracelet Refinishing (Optional)
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. This restores the watch’s visual appeal to like-new condition.
8. Water Resistance Testing
After being cleaned and refinished, the case parts are reassembled and the seals replaced. The case is tested for waterproofness. Pressure testing ensures all seals maintain their integrity.
9. Final Quality Control
After casing the movement, the watchmaker measures its chronometric precision once again and makes any final adjustments necessary for it to meet Rolex quality standards. A multi-day timing test then verifies consistent performance and power reserve before the watch is returned to you.
This comprehensive 9-step process is the ultimate assurance of quality. When a watch leaves our service center, it has been rigorously tested for accuracy, power reserve, and water resistance, giving the owner complete peace of mind.
Your Rolex Service Cost Investment: Final Thoughts
Investing in regular, professional service is the most important thing you can do to protect the value and performance of your Rolex. By understanding the costs, choosing the right service provider, and adhering to the proper service intervals for how you wear your watch, you can ensure your timepiece remains a priceless and precise heirloom for generations to come.
Whether you choose the official route or work with a trusted independent like Bob’s Watches, the most important factor is ensuring your Rolex receives expert care from certified professionals using genuine parts. This protects both your investment and ensures decades of reliable timekeeping.
