Warning Signs on movement?

[kingkaiser]

I'm normally a buy-insurance kind of guy; for watches, that means servicing and my non-chrono movements are all swiss. However, watchsmiths where I am are hit or miss and aren't careful (scratching etc), so I prefer not to work with them unless necessary. Are there any warning signs that tell me when its time to get our reps serviced? Maybe jerkier movement of the hands or something?

Or do watches tend to show no problems for ages while deteriorating inside, then stop completely?

I'm having a really tough time deciding whether or not to service my collection of 10 watches, and I'd rather not unless necessary. Would love feedback from the knowledgeable members here

[Watchmeister]

Unfortunately IMHO there are no typical warning signs for a watch other than the watch stops working or it is running fast or slow. As you know the issue is that without a visual inspection of the movement you have no idea whether the movement is initially properly lubricated, has a bad part, etc. My approach has been to try and avoid the movements with bad design and poor track record. Fortunately, over time many of the basic movements have been improved (Asian 7750, etc). I don't do a preventative service when I initially get a watch. However I do service them in any case anywhere from 3-5 years after receipt of the watch or the last service whether for reps or gens.

[kingkaiser]

Thanks Watchmeister - I'm assuming that to visually inspect the movement, you have to be pretty good with movements. Its not somethign a novice could look at off the bat and tell if its been lubricated?

[Samurai]

A starting sign could be to listen for noise when shaking the watch...loud rotor is a common issue with reps. Also...if winding the watch becomes harder ...for me it's a sign that something is getting screwed up inside.