Rolex watches are built to last and can go for long periods without being worn. However, it is still recommended to wear and wind your Rolex regularly to keep it in optimal running condition. Here we will discuss how long you can safely leave a Rolex unworn, along with tips for storing your watch when not wearing it.
How Long Can You Leave a Rolex Unworn?
Most watch experts recommend not leaving your Rolex unworn for longer than 2-4 weeks at a time. The main reason is to keep the watch lubricated and prevent the oil from solidifying or gumming up. Here are some general guidelines on how long you can leave a Rolex unworn:
- Up to 2 weeks – No issues leaving unworn for up to 2 weeks. Wind the watch fully before storing.
- 2-4 weeks – Still okay but not recommended for the long-term. Make sure to wind the watch every 2 weeks.
- 1-3 months – Risk of watch stopping or having issues restarting. Should be wound every 4-6 weeks.
- 3-6 months – Greater risk of moisture and lubrication issues. Rolex service recommended.
- Over 6 months – High risk of damage unless watch is properly serviced and stored.
As you can see, the recommended maximum time to leave a Rolex unworn is around 4 weeks. Leaving unworn for longer starts to introduce risks of mechanical issues and potential damage. To keep your Rolex in good working order, it is best to have it serviced every 4-6 years depending on use.
Why You Should Avoid Leaving Your Rolex Unworn
There are a few key reasons why leaving your Rolex unworn for extended periods is not recommended:
- Loss of lubrication – The oil inside a Rolex can thicken and gum up when not moved for a long time. This can lead to increased wear and tear.
- Increased risk of moisture – When unworn, moisture can make its way inside the case and corrode components.
- Mechanical issues – Long periods without winding can cause issues restarting and decreased accuracy.
- Potential timekeeping issues – When not wound regularly, the watch can run down causing incorrect timekeeping.
Even when stored properly, not wearing and winding a Rolex for many months poses risks. The movement needs regular lubrication to stay in proper working order.
Tips for Storing Your Rolex When Not Wearing It
If you need to leave your Rolex unworn for more than a couple weeks, here are some tips for proper storage:
- Fully wind the watch before storing it to keep the mainspring tight.
- Clean and dry the case and bracelet before storage to prevent moisture issues.
- Place the watch in a safe storage pouch, box or watch winder to protect from dust and shocks.
- Store the watch in a cool, dry place away from major temperature and humidity changes.
- Consider having your watch periodically serviced based on its age and how often you wear it.
Taking these precautions allows you to safely store your Rolex for a few months when not wearing it often. However, the watch should still be wound every 4-6 weeks while in storage.
Risks of Leaving a Rolex Unworn Long Term
Leaving a Rolex unworn continuously for over 6 months poses some significant risks, including:
- Oil solidifying leading to increased friction and wear on components
- Moisture buildup inside the case causing corrosion
- Mechanical issues with the movement not restarting properly
- Loss of accuracy due to the balance wheel pivots drying out
- Increased risk of automatic mechanisms like the rotor seizing up
Unless properly serviced before storage, the watch may need expensive repairs after sitting unworn for over 6 months. Leaving unworn for multiple years is especially problematic.
Expensive Repairs
If moisture, lubrication issues or part failures occur from long periods of sitting unworn, the watch may require full disassembly and cleaning at a Rolex service center. This can cost anywhere from several hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on the issues present.
invalidate the Warranty
Rolex watches come with a 5-year international warranty. However, leaving the watch unworn for very extended periods may void the warranty as it is considered neglect and goes against regular maintenance recommendations.
How Often Should You Wind and Wear Your Rolex?
To keep your Rolex running properly and stay protected under warranty, regular winding and wearing is recommended:
- Wear at least 2-3 times per week – Frequent wearing keeps the lubrication distributed and components moving.
- Wind fully every 2 days – If unworn, manually wind the watch every 2 days or approximately 40 winds.
- Get serviced every 4-6 years – Service intervals maintain water resistance, lubrication and accuracy.
Following these simple guidelines provides adequate motion to protect the watch. During extended periods of inactivity, the watch should be wound every 2 weeks at a minimum.
How Long Can a Rolex Sit in a Safe?
It’s common for Rolex owners with large collections to keep some watches stored safely for long periods. In a controlled safe environment, a Rolex can safely sit unworn for longer – optimally up to 1 year between windings. The safe environment minimizes moisture and temperature risks. However, extended safe storage beyond a year still poses lubrication risks and may require pre-storage servicing.
Tips for Safe Storage
To safely store your Rolex in a safe for extended periods of up to 1 year, follow these tips:
- Make sure the safe environment is cool and dry.
- Store the watch in an airtight plastic container or pouch inside the safe.
- Wind the watch fully and set time before storage.
- Wind the watch every 6-12 months while stored.
- Get the watch serviced before longer storage periods over 1 year.
With proper safe storage, a Rolex can sit safely unworn for up to 1 year. However, longer safe storage durations still require periodic winding and eventual service to keep the watch in good working order.
How Long Can You Store a Rolex Before Needing to Service It?
Rolex recommends servicing your watch approximately every 5-10 years depending on use. However, if storing a Rolex unworn for extended periods, the service intervals shorten. Here are general guidelines:
- Worn regularly: Service every 7-10 years
- Worn infrequently: Service every 5-7 years
- Stored up to 1 year: Service before storing
- Stored 1-3 years: Service every 2 years
- Stored 3-5 years: Service every 1 year
As you can see, the longer a Rolex sits unworn in storage, the more often it will need servicing to keep working properly. Leaving unworn over 10 years almost certainly requires a full movement overhaul.
How Often Should You Service Your Rolex?
Regular servicing is key to keeping your Rolex in optimal condition over decades of use. Rolex recommends full servicing approximately every 10 years for a watch worn daily. But for watches worn infrequently or stored, more frequent service is needed. Here are general service intervals to follow:
- Worn daily: Service every 8-10 years
- Worn weekly: Service every 5-7 years
- Worn monthly: Service every 3-5 years
- Stored unworn: Service every 1-2 years
More frequent servicing is required if moisture enters the case, the watch sustains damage, or accuracy issues arise. Regular polishing and gasket replacement during Rolex service helps keeps the case and bracelet looking sharp and prevents moisture damage.
Service Includes
A standard Rolex service includes disassembling, cleaning and replacing any worn parts, re-lubrication, accuracy testing and pressure testing the case. This comprehensive maintenance keeps all components in like-new condition.
Is it Bad to Never Wear Your Rolex?
It is generally inadvisable to never wear your Rolex over long periods of time. The movement requires periodic winding and wearing for proper lubrication distribution. Sitting unworn indefinitely risks the following:
- Thickened, gummed up oil leading to excessive wear
- Component seizures from lack of motion
- Loss of accuracy as pivots dry out
- Moisture damage over time if seals dry out
- Eventual need for full service and overhaul
Even with proper safe storage, never wearing a Rolex for years on end will eventually take a toll. A minimum of periodic winding and wearing every 6-12 months is recommended to keep the watch working correctly.
How Long Can You Leave a Rolex in a Drawer?
Leaving a Rolex stored in a drawer or jewelry box poses additional risks compared to controlled safe storage. In a drawer, temperature and humidity fluctuations are more likely to introduce moisture. Here are the general guidelines for drawer storage:
- Up to 1 month – Wind watch fully beforehand
- 1-3 months – Wind watch every 4-6 weeks
- 3-6 months – Increased risk of damage if not regularly wound
- Over 6 months – Not recommended without frequent winding or service
For any drawer storage over 1 month, be sure to wind the watch periodically. Leaving unworn over 6 months introduces significant moisture risks that can lead to corrosion. Controlled safe storage is safer for long-term storage.
How Long Can a Rolex Stay Unserviced?
Rolex watches can potentially run for decades without requiring service. However, regular servicing is still recommended by Rolex. Here are general guidelines on maximum service intervals:
- Daily wear: Service every 8-10 years
- Infrequent wear: Service every 5-7 years
- Unworn storage: Service every 3-5 years
Even with little wear, the lubricants and seals still deteriorate over time. Skipping service for too long risks moisture damage and significant wear. Most experts recommend servicing at least every 10 years as a precaution.
Can You Overwind a Rolex?
Modern Rolex watches made after circa 1990-2000 cannot be overwound with the crown due to an anti-overwind mechanism. Turning the crown after the watch is fully wound simply slips the mechanism and does not add tension. So winding a modern Rolex as much as you like will not damage the watch.
Vintage Rolex watches without the anti-overwind feature can be overwound with potential damage to the winding mechanism. When winding vintage models, it is best to err on the side of underwinding versus overwinding.
Recommended Winding
For modern Rolex watches, most experts recommend winding the crown approximately 30-50 full turns until resistance is felt. This sufficiently tensions the mainspring for optimal runtime. Winding beyond 50 turns gains nothing and risks no damage.
Conclusion
Rolex watches are built for longevity and can readily stay unworn for periods of up to a month without issue. However, leaving them unworn indefinitely risks damage from lack of lubrication distribution and potential moisture incursion. While a Rolex technically could sit unworn for years, it is advisable to wind and wear it for continued performance.
General guidelines are to not leave unworn more than 2-4 weeks at a time, wind fully every 1-2 weeks when stored, and get serviced every 5-10 years depending on frequency of wear. With proper care and periodic maintenance, your Rolex will continue running smoothly for decades to come.
