My Rolex Is Damaged – What Should I Do First?

Owning a Rolex is a statement of craftsmanship, elegance, and enduring value. But accidents happen.

Whether your watch took a tumble onto a hard surface, developed a scratch during daily wear, or suffered unexpected water exposure, it’s easy to panic. Don’t worry. Here’s exactly what to do next to protect your timepiece and get it back to peak condition.

Step 1:

Stay Calm – Your Rolex Is Built Tough Rolex watches are engineered to withstand a lot more than people think.

Most models are highly water-resistant, shock-resistant, and made from robust materials like Oystersteel or sapphire crystal. However, even with that durability, damage can occur, so it’s best to assess the situation calmly.

Step 2:

Stop Wearing the Watch If your Rolex has been dropped or exposed to water:

Don’t wind it. Internal damage could worsen if mechanisms are misaligned.
Don’t attempt to open it. This could compromise the waterproof seal or damage the case.
Dry it off gently (if wet). Use a clean, dry cloth to blot the surface but avoid heat or compressed air.

Step 3:

Visually Inspect the Damage Take a close but careful look at your watch. Ask yourself:

Are there visible scratches or cracks in the crystal?
Is the bracelet loose, bent, or broken?
Is there condensation under the glass? (A sign of water ingress.)
Has it stopped ticking or is the time off?

Step 4:

Avoid DIY Fixes While the internet is full of DIY watch repair tricks, Rolex timepieces are precision instruments.

Even a simple polish can go wrong if not done properly, potentially affecting the case finish or devaluing the watch. Instead, trust a specialist trained to handle Rolex-specific parts and processes.

Step 5:

Contact a Rolex Repair Expert This is where Luxury Watch Repairs comes in.

We’re one of the UK’s leading independent specialists in Rolex refurbishment, polishing, and repairs.

Whether it’s a cracked crystal, water damage, or a misaligned crown; we’ve seen it all and fixed it all.

Step 5:

Contact a Rolex Repair Expert This is where Luxury Watch Repairs comes in.

We’re one of the UK’s leading independent specialists in Rolex refurbishment, polishing, and repairs. Whether it’s a cracked crystal, water damage, or a misaligned crown; we’ve seen it all and fixed it all. What You Can Expect With Us:

Free, fully insured Royal Mail collection service
Fast turnaround (as little as 72 hours for polishing & refurbishment)
Transparent quotes before any work is carried out
Rolex-accredited watchmakers using genuine parts Visit our Refurbishment & Polishing page or book a service now.

Step 6:

Prevent Future Damage Once your Rolex is back to its best, consider these preventative tips:

Store properly in a cushioned box or watch winder when not in use.
Avoid water exposure if you’re unsure of the model’s water resistance.
Service regularly (every 5–10 years) to keep seals, oil, and movement in top condition.
Remove your watch during heavy-duty activities or sports, unless it’s a Rolex designed for that use (like the Submariner or Explorer).

Final Thought:

Damage Isn’t the End—It’s Just a Bump in the Road Even the most cared-for Rolex can face an unexpected mishap.

What matters is how quickly and professionally the damage is handled. At Luxury Watch Repairs, we treat every timepiece like it’s our own with skill, care, and attention to detail. So if your Rolex has taken a knock, don’t panic—call the experts and let us bring it back to life.

Need help now? Request a free collection pack here Or call us on 020 7404 3366

Enjoyed this article? Discover how we brought fire-damaged timepieces back to life in The New York Times feature