Owning a Rolex Datejust isn’t just about having a watch on your wrist – it’s about caring for a piece of precision history. Day in and day out, it keeps time through your everyday moments and milestones, quietly building up a need for professional attention. So it’s only natural to wonder: how much should I budget to keep it running perfectly?

While there’s no one-size-fits-all number, getting a clear picture of what goes into a service helps explain the cost. It’s not just a repair; it’s about preserving craftsmanship.

A standard service – often called a  “complete overhaul ” – is a detailed process. Official Rolex service centers usually start with a base price that includes taking the fake watch apart, deep-cleaning the case and bracelet, carefully servicing the movement (cleaning, re-lubricating, and regulating it), replacing all seals for water resistance, and running precision timing tests. Currently, for a Datejust, you can expect this core service to run somewhere between $600 and $1,200. That’s your starting point for making sure the watch stays accurate and reliable.

But the final cost often depends on your specific watch. The biggest variable is parts. If the watchmaker finds worn gears, a tired mainspring, or a scratched crystal during inspection, replacing these genuine Rolex components will add to the bill. And if you want the case and bracelet polished to remove scratches, that aesthetic refresh can cost several hundred dollars extra. Older or vintage Rolex Datejust models, or those with special dials, might also need more attentive care, which can influence the price.

So why is professional servicing such an investment? It really comes down to protecting your watch’s value and integrity. First, you’re guaranteed authentic replica Rolex parts, which ensure everything fits and works just as it should. Second, the work is done by certified watchmakers using specialized tools and lubricants you won’t find at a local repair shop. In short, you’re paying for expertise that maintains both the mechanical heart and the lasting worth of your watch.

A few tips can make the process smoother: industry advice suggests a full service every 5–10 years, depending on how often you wear it. A trustworthy service center will always give you a detailed estimate before starting any work. While independent watchmakers may charge less, for a watch like this, many owners prefer the assurance of an authorized service – which usually comes with a two-year warranty on the work done.