You can fix a cheap quartz watch in a shopping mall kiosk. A Rolex is a different world.

Inside a Rolex case you’ll find:

• A finely tuned mechanical movement with tightly controlled tolerances

• Carefully engineered components designed to withstand shock, pressure, and daily wear

• Sophisticated sealing systems that keep out moisture and dust

Because of this, Rolex watch repair requires:

• Specialist tools and machines

• A dust-controlled environment

• Watchmakers trained to work with high-end movements

• A mindset that balances performance, durability, and value

This isn’t about “getting it ticking again.” It’s about restoring the watch so it runs the way a Rolex should.

Signs your Rolex needs professional attention

Your Rolex rarely fails out of nowhere. It usually whispers for help before it screams. If you catch the signals early, you can often avoid major damage.

1. Noticeable loss of accuracy

A modern Rolex is built to keep very good time. A tiny deviation per day is fine. But if you’re suddenly seeing minutes lost or gained:

• Oils inside the movement may have dried out

• Parts in the escapement or gear train may be worn

• The watch may have become magnetised

• A sharp impact could have affected internal components

That’s your cue to book a proper Rolex watch repair rather than “just living with it.”

2. Power reserve issues

You wear your automatic Rolex all day, put it on the nightstand… and it’s stopped by morning. Or it used to run for 48+ hours off the wrist and now dies much sooner.

Common causes include:

• A tired or slipping mainspring

• Worn rotor bearings or winding gears

• Friction from dirt or old oils inside the movement

These aren’t problems more winding will fix. They need a watchmaker to open the case and see what’s really going on.

3. Fogging or moisture under the crystal

This is one of the most serious warning signs you’ll ever see.

If you notice:

• Fogging inside the crystal when you go from cold to warm

• Tiny droplets under the glass

• Rust or staining on the dial or hands

it means moisture has breached the case. That can rust steel parts, stain the dial, kill the lume, and cause long-term movement damage. If this happens, you don’t wait—you get the watch to a professional fast.

4. Rough, loose, or gritty crown action

The crown is the main control of your Rolex, and it should feel smooth and reassuring.

If:

• The crown feels gritty or grindy

• It’s wobbling when pulled out

• You’re struggling to screw it down properly

there could be stem, tube, or seal issues—or damage deeper inside. Ignoring crown problems is one of the quickest ways to end up with water inside the watch.

What a proper Rolex watch repair includes

A real Rolex service goes far beyond “clean the case and adjust the hands.” In a serious workshop, your watch will go through a series of technical steps.

1. Full diagnostic check

The watchmaker will start by:

• Checking the case, bezel, crystal, crown, and bracelet

• Inspecting the dial and hands for damage or moisture

• Testing accuracy on a timing machine in multiple positions

• Assessing the condition of gaskets and seals

This builds a clear picture of what the watch actually needs, not just what’s obvious at first glance.

2. Complete movement disassembly

For a proper overhaul, the movement is taken completely apart:

• Each wheel, lever, spring, and jewel is removed

• Components are inspected under magnification

• Old lubricants and microscopic dirt are removed in a professional cleaning machine

Rolex watch repair at this level is like a full engine rebuild, not a quick oil top-up.

3. Replacement of worn parts

Any parts that are worn or damaged are replaced. This can include:

• Mainsprings

• Worn gear train or escapement components

• Rotor bearings and automatic winding parts

• Seals, gaskets, crowns, and sometimes crystals

The goal is not simply to get the watch running, but to restore reliability and protect the movement for years ahead.

4. Reassembly, lubrication, and regulation

Once everything is clean and ready, the movement is rebuilt:

• Correct oils are applied in precise amounts at specific points

• The watch is reassembled carefully in a dust-controlled environment

• The movement is regulated on a timing machine to bring accuracy as close as possible to Rolex standards

This is where skill and experience really show. It’s the difference between “it works” and “it runs like a Rolex.”

5. Case and bracelet refinishing (if requested)

Many owners also want the watch refreshed cosmetically, but this must be done with care:

• Crystal replacement if scratched or chipped

• Light polishing and re-brushing to restore original lines and finishes

• Cleaning and tightening the bracelet, replacing worn pins or screws

• Checking and adjusting the clasp for secure closure

Good refinishing makes the watch look sharp again without rounding edges or erasing its character.

6. Final testing and quality control

Before the watch returns to your wrist, it’s tested thoroughly:

• Multi-day timing tests in different positions

• Power reserve checks

• Water-resistance testing for Oyster and diver models

• Functional tests for date, GMT, chronograph, or other complications

Only when it passes these checks is the Rolex watch repair considered complete.

Why choose a specialist like AG Watch Repair Hong Kong?

You could hand your Rolex to the nearest place with a “watch batteries here” sign—but should you? Probably not.

A serious workshop like AG Watch Repair Hong Kong treats your watch like the precision instrument it is. Here’s what that means in practice:

• Experienced watchmakers
  They work with Rolex and other high-end brands regularly and understand how these movements age, where they wear, and how to bring them back to spec.

• Professional equipment
  Timing machines, pressure testers, ultrasonic cleaners, and specialised tools help ensure your watch gets proper, consistent care.

• Respect for originality
  From part choices to case refinishing, the focus is on preserving the look, feel, and long-term value of your Rolex.

• Clear communication
  You’ll know what’s wrong, what needs to be done, how much it will cost, and what you can expect when the repair is finished.

If you’re looking for a trusted partner for your watch, you can simply look up agwatchrepair.com.hk and know you’re dealing with specialists who understand what’s on your wrist.

How to reduce how often you need major repairs

You can’t stop time or wear completely, but you can make life easier for your Rolex:

• Always screw down the crown before water exposure

• Keep it away from strong magnets like speakers and phone cases

• Rinse with fresh water after swimming in the sea or pool

• Avoid hard knocks and sudden impacts

• Store it in a dry, stable place when not in use

These simple habits can stretch the time between overhauls and help prevent nasty surprises.

Final thought: repair as part of the Rolex journey

Needing Rolex watch repair doesn’t mean your watch has failed you. It means it’s been doing exactly what it was made to do—living on your wrist, through your days, your work, your travels.

A proper service is simply the next chapter in that story: a moment where you give the watch a little care so it can keep giving back years of reliable timekeeping and quiet confidence.

By trusting your timepiece to Rolex-savvy specialists like AG Watch Repair Hong Kong, you’re not just fixing a machine. You’re preserving an heirloom, protecting an investment, and making sure that every glance at your wrist still feels as good as the day you first snapped that clasp shut.