I'm sure that watches can last more than the recommended 4 to 5 year service intervals. I also plan to never have my below US$500 watches serviced because it's simply too expensive. I'll have my above US$1000 watches serviced not exactly every 4 to 5 years, but around every 6 to 7 years, just to be on the safe side.
In my unorthodoxed opinion, you can do it both ways; either never have your watches serviced, or have them serviced more or less according to the recommended intervals.
At the service/overhaul cost of US$150 to US$400, in the long run, it might even be cheaper to have your watches only serviced once they are broken, although it might not be the healthiest thing to do, because of lubricants coagulating, or wear and tear of mechanical parts because of lack of lubricants.
Common man
: I have a pocket watch from the 1930's (Howard),
: a Marshall pocket watch from the 1950's, and
: a Westclox wrist watch from the middle 60's
: when in the USAF. All run just fine and keep
: good time and as far as I know, all, have
: never been serviced. I wore the Westclox for
: about five years. The other two rarely.
: Based on my past experience I doubt my
: Speedmaster Professional purchased in 1998
: will ever need service of any kind in my
: lifetime. I wear it only twice per week
: usually. I have two Citizen Eco Drives for
: everyday use. Any comments on watch
: maintenance based on my experience?
