Does servicing a watch do more harm than good?

I have a 1920's Rolex watch I inherited from my father when he died and he always got it serviced every year in his ownership but when I got it in 1988 I never bothered doing anything but winding it up every night and feeding the leather strap every now and then to stop it drying up.

Recently I've noticed it's been getting a bit slower and losing time more than usual so I'm unsure whether a service would make any difference now or if it's already past repair thanks to my negligence.

My original reason for never getting it serviced was because I'd heard from people that it is better to employ the "if it ain't broke..." theory with watches. Now I'm not so sure!!

Re: Does servicing a watch do more harm than good?

OB, how would you like to go 24 years without lubrication?
Oil does not last forever.

Re: Does servicing a watch do more harm than good?

I worked in the jewellery trade all my life Jim, but as a goldsmith so I can't help, a watchmaker is completely different, haven't a clue about them.

Re: Does servicing a watch do more harm than good?

Oh goodness I shiver at the thought

Re: Does servicing a watch do more harm than good?

A service every year sounds excessive, but for a quality piece of equipment I would have thought 24 years between services was just a touch over long.... It surprises me really, with all the trouble you go to over timing your car servicing...