Have you ever wondered why some century-old watches still tick just fine, while others give up after just a few decades? We’re about to dive into the truth behind this mystery—because it's not magic, it's maintenance.

Let’s explore why the average mechanical watch lasts around 30 years and how some vintage timepieces defy time.

Most Watches Only Last Around 30 Years

Many of us believe that a mechanical watch, especially a Swiss one, can be passed down through generations. But in reality, most watches have a practical lifespan of about 20–30 years. For example, Swiss ETA movements can run well for about 30 years with good care. High-end brands like IWC, Rolex, and Jaeger-LeCoultre with in-house movements may last over 50 years, while quartz watches can run up to 70 years.

Vintage Watches Are Often Repaired and Maintained

We might hear stories about vintage watches from a hundred years ago still working and selling for high prices at auctions. But let’s be clear: these timepieces often undergo extensive restoration. Brands like Patek Philippe keep detailed movement diagrams so that even very old models can be repaired precisely. That’s a big reason why vintage Patek watches fetch sky-high prices.

Similarly, Rolex movements—from the 3035 to the 3135—have kept a consistent design for decades. This makes it easier to find compatible parts even today, adding to Rolex’s status in the vintage watch world.

Collectors Have Their Own Repair Tricks

Some watch collectors even buy two identical vintage watches just in case one breaks—they use the second one for spare parts. Others rarely wear their valuable old watches. They’ll wind them every few months to keep the movement lubricated but keep them stored away from daily wear.

New Collectors: Beware of Unknown Brands

We need to be cautious with lesser-known or boutique vintage watches. Once broken, they can be very expensive—or impossible—to repair. That’s why the average watch only lasts 30 years in practice. A piece that sits in a drawer for decades may still run, but once we start wearing it again, old oil and lack of service can cause major issues.

Proper Maintenance Is the Key

How can we make our watches last longer? The answer is simple: maintenance. Most watch damage comes from wear. While accidents happen, internal wear during movement is natural. Servicing the watch every 5–10 years helps reduce component friction and extends its life.

Even if a 30-year-old watch is still running, its accuracy may be poor due to dried oil and worn parts. Once the daily error exceeds five minutes, it’s time for a service. But over-servicing can also be risky—opening the watch increases the chance of accidental damage.

How Often Should We Service?

Swiss watch brands often recommend servicing every 3–5 years, but we suggest 5–8 years is more reasonable, depending on timekeeping accuracy. For regular domestic brands, a 5-year interval is usually enough. For vintage pieces, less is more—take them out once a month, wind them, and observe. There’s no need to wear them often.

Are Vintage Watches Worth Collecting?

Is it smart for beginners to collect old watches? Not really. Very few vintage watches have true collectible value. Many are made from mismatched parts—real movements, fake cases, or modified dials—making them hard to verify.

Plus, as the watch gets older, it becomes harder to maintain. If even a hand breaks and a replacement can't be found, the watch may be left unused. Without knowing a brand’s history or the market, it’s easy to buy a vintage piece that depreciates quickly.

High Risk of Damage with Older Pieces

Even when we find the right part for a repair, older watches are delicate. Changing one part may lead to another breaking. We’ve heard countless stories of collectors losing money trying to fix one issue after another on a vintage timepiece.

Use and Care Go Hand-in-Hand

The longer we use a mechanical watch, the more it wears out—just like a car. Even with excellent care, no watch is guaranteed to work perfectly for 40–50 years. For beginners, it’s safer to stick with newer models. The older the watch, the higher the maintenance costs and the greater the risk of failure.

So Lykkers, how long have you been using your watch? Have you had it serviced yet? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below! Let’s keep time ticking strong—together.