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Keep Your Submariner Running for Decades
A Rolex Submariner is built to last a lifetime — but “built to last” doesn’t mean “maintenance-free.” Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your Sub in optimal condition.
Service Schedule
- Cal. 3235 (current): Service every 10 years (Rolex recommendation). Cost: $1,000-$1,200 at Rolex AD.
- Cal. 3135 (previous): Service every 7-10 years. Cost: $800-$1,000.
- Signs you need service NOW: Losing/gaining 15+ seconds/day, crown feels stiff or won’t screw down, moisture visible under crystal, chronograph (if applicable) doesn’t reset to zero.
Daily Care
- Crown: ALWAYS screw down after setting time. An unscrewed crown is the #1 cause of water damage.
- Rinse after saltwater: Run fresh water over the watch and bracelet after ocean/pool exposure. Salt crystals corrode gaskets over time.
- Avoid magnets: Keep the watch 6+ inches from speakers, phone cases with magnetic mounts, laptop hinges, and wireless chargers. The Parachrom hairspring resists ~200 gauss, but sustained exposure to stronger fields can affect accuracy.
- Avoid chemicals: Remove the watch before applying perfume, sunscreen, insect repellent, or cleaning products. These chemicals can degrade gaskets and dull the case finish.
What NOT to Do
- ❌ Don’t operate the crown in the shower (hot water + steam degrades gaskets)
- ❌ Don’t wear it in a sauna or hot tub (extreme heat warps gaskets)
- ❌ Don’t quick-set the date between 9 PM and 3 AM (date-change gears are engaging)
- ❌ Don’t polish the case yourself with abrasive compounds (removes metal, rounds edges)
- ❌ Don’t store it on a speaker, phone, or laptop (magnetism)
Storage
- Short-term (1-3 days): Dial-up on a soft surface. The 70-hour reserve covers a weekend.
- Long-term (weeks+): Watch box with cushion, away from electronics and sunlight. Let it stop — Rolex movements are designed for this. Wind manually for 30 turns before wearing again.
The DR.WATCH Submariner
Our Submariner superclones follow the same care principles: screw down the crown, rinse after saltwater, avoid magnets. Service by any qualified watchmaker ($100-$250). 1-year DR.WATCH warranty covers manufacturing defects. Free worldwide shipping.