Rolex Maintenance & Care: How to Keep Your Rolex in Top Condition

Overview 

From the modern Submariner to the vintage Datejust, caring for your Rolex properly will ensure it remains as precise and timeless as the day it was crafted.

Whether you’re a collector or a first-time buyer, maintaining your luxury watches in South Africa with the right habits and a little attention to detail will help preserve both their beauty and performance for decades.

Keep It Clean, Keep It Classic 

Even the most durable timepiece benefits from regular cleaning. Dust, sweat, and grime can dull its finish and affect the bracelet’s flexibility.  

Every few weeks, wipe your Rolex with a soft microfibre cloth to remove fingerprints and daily residue. For a deeper clean, gently rinse the case and bracelet in lukewarm water using mild soap, but just make sure the winding crown is fully screwed down to maintain water resistance. 

If your model has a leather strap, skip the soak. Instead, use a damp cloth and keep it dry afterwards, as water and heat can weaken the material over time. 

Wind It Right 

Automatic Rolex models rely on motion to stay powered. If you wear yours daily, your natural movement keeps it wound. However, if it spends more time in a box than on your wrist, you’ll need to give it a little help.  

Wind it manually about 20 to 30 turns before wearing to keep the mechanisms running smoothly. 

When adjusting the time or date, avoid turning the hands backwards or changing the date between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m., as this can strain the delicate gear system. 

Store It with Care 

How you store your Rolex matters than you might realise. Keep it in a temperature-controlled space away from direct sunlight and magnetic fields, as these can interfere with precision.  

A watch box lined with soft fabric offers ideal protection against scratches, while a watch winder keeps automatic movements active for collectors who rotate their pieces. 

If you plan to store it for several weeks, lay it flat rather than on its side to prevent uneven wear on the movement’s lubricants. 

Regular Servicing is the Secret to Longevity 

Even with perfect daily care, your Rolex needs professional servicing roughly every five to ten years. Certified Rolex watchmakers clean, lubricate, and replace worn parts while testing water resistance and accuracy. Think of it as a full rejuvenation that restores the precision and performance that define the brand.

Always use authorised service centres or certified specialists for watch services in South Africa, as this protects your warranty and ensures that only genuine Rolex parts are used.