Have you ever wondered what makes a mechanical watch tick so precisely and smoothly? The secret lies in the watch oil. Similar to your car’s engine needing oil to protect internal moving parts, your watch needs oil for the same reasons. Oils help to reduce friction by creating a barrier that cushions the microscopic imperfections between two objects. Without the proper application of watch oil, your watch may not function correctly, and its parts could potentially suffer from premature wear and tear. If you want to keep your watch running smoothly and accurately for years to come, understanding the importance of watch oil is crucial.
Watch Oils
A Guide to Choosing the Right Viscosity
There are multiple oils with different viscosity ranges available on the market for car engines. Similarly, watches require different oils and lubricants for their moving parts. The most common oils used at My Jewelry Repair are the Moebius Brand: HP 1300, 9010, and 9415. The difference between these oils comes down to viscosity and application. During the clean and overhaul process, the heavier 1300 may be used to oil the gear train jewels, while the lighter 9010 is recommended for balance staff lubrication and 9415 is used to lubricate the more critical components of the escapement. Without the proper lubrication, excess friction will cause severe damage, which will result in a costly replacement of internal moving parts.
How Often Should You Oil Your Mechanical Watch or Quartz Movement?
Depending on the manufacturer guidelines of your watch, you can expect to have your mechanical watch serviced every 3 to 5 years. If your watch is a quartz, oil is also used to lubricate moving parts. However, clean and overhaul services are not performed as frequently due to the cost-effectiveness of movement replacements.
If your quartz movement is vintage and/or has been discontinued, cleaning and overhaul may be required to restore function. Similar to servicing your vehicle, your watch will be oiled as part of a clean, overhaul, and adjustment service.
The Evolution of Watch and Automotive Oils: From Organic Materials to Synthetic Formulas
In the early days of timekeeping, watchmakers sourced oils from organic materials like plants and animals. Oil manufacturers now have the technology to produce synthetic oils to meet the needs of watch and automotive manufacturers. For example, Fomblin grease is used to lubricate gaskets and is common in both the watchmaking and automotive industries. It can be used in extreme temperatures ranging from -30 to 150 C (-22 to 302 F). You would use this on parts subject to friction when mineral and standard synthetic lubricants break down. This is mainly due to temperature changes and exposure to air. If you plan on climbing Mount Everest or deep diving into the cold ocean, the oils in your watch will most likely have a thinner consistency to accommodate for the colder temperatures.
Updated 6/17/23
My Jewelry Repair
Premier Watch Repair Services
When your watch needs quality care and repair, we are here to provide it. With our online mail-in service, you can have your timepiece serviced by certified watchmakers in elite environments. You can send in your watch from anywhere in the country without leaving the house. To learn more about our watch repair services, visit our Watch Repair Services page.
Certified Watchmakers
Our team of Experienced Watchmakers has many Certifications, including:
“Submitted a vintage Swiss Army watch that I have worn for over 30 years. It had a lot of wear and tear over this time
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“Submitted a vintage Swiss Army watch that I have worn for over 30 years. It had a lot of wear and tear over this time and was in need of service. They replaced the crystal which was chipped and installed a new battery. When I got the watch back it didn’t even look like the one I sent to them.It was so new and fresh looking I could’t believe it, all polished up and shiny. Great service, and I would recommend them to anyone”
“I got my class ring repaired by this company, one of the best decisions I’ve made! This ring means everything to me, I got my
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“I got my class ring repaired by this company, one of the best decisions I’ve made! This ring means everything to me, I got my ring resized and a new birthstone (amethyst) put in place. One of the best moments to make my day! Thank you so much for doing this for me, I want to cry tears of joy because I’m so happy I got my ring back! xo”
“Great service. I couldn’t find a jeweler who would resize a 3-row invisible diamond setting ring. Glad I found “my jewelry repair,” Great communication, and
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“Great service. I couldn’t find a jeweler who would resize a 3-row invisible diamond setting ring. Glad I found “my jewelry repair,” Great communication, and updates: my ring was resized and looks brand new. I would recommend this company and would feel confident in using them again.”
“The nib on my Mont Blanc was bent after I dropped it on the floor. I sent it My Jewelry Repair. Shortly after it was
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“The nib on my Mont Blanc was bent after I dropped it on the floor. I sent it My Jewelry Repair. Shortly after it was repaired and returned, it started leaking ink. I returned it was told it would cost $85 to repair. I protested, saying that it didn’t leak when it was under my control and that had it been leaking, I would have mentioned it. After looking it over, a My Jewelry Repair craftsman concurred and the pen was repaired for no extra charge. That, to me, is great customer service. I have no financial interest in MJR, do not know anyone affiliated with the company, nor have I been remunerated for this review. I just like to compliment excellent customer service when I experience it.”
“I sent in a men’s Ebel Sports Wave watch to have some repairs done to it, the strap adjusted and the clasp made tighter. It
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“I sent in a men’s Ebel Sports Wave watch to have some repairs done to it, the strap adjusted and the clasp made tighter. It came back looking like a brand new watch! It was polished and made to look perfect. Needless to say it runs great and I am very happy with the result. With great service like this, I will most definitely be using this great company again. I highly recommend My Jewelry Repair and suggest you place your trust in them too!”
CA
“I sent in an at least 80 year old diamond art deco heirloom ring that needed 12 channels/prongs rebuilt and a resizing. The master jewelers
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“I sent in an at least 80 year old diamond art deco heirloom ring that needed 12 channels/prongs rebuilt and a resizing. The master jewelers restored this ring to like-new, it is JUST stunning the kind magic they work. You can completely trust this company from beginning to end– this is the 2nd item they have repaired for me– nothing I have had done locally even comes close to their meticulous craftmanship. THANK you master jewelers! You are true experts and I love you all!!”
“They handled my situation extremely fast and I had my ring back before their estimated time. I am extremely pleased with how my ring looks,
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“They handled my situation extremely fast and I had my ring back before their estimated time. I am extremely pleased with how my ring looks, and with the level of professionalism this companies employees showed. I highly recommend them.”
San Francisco, CA
“I was not expecting anything exceptional from a mail-in service, but I was wrong! Our ring was repaired exactly as we needed. But the communication
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“I was not expecting anything exceptional from a mail-in service, but I was wrong! Our ring was repaired exactly as we needed. But the communication was what surprised and impressed me most. Our Sears had left town, so I called MyJewelryRepair directly to find out what to do. The lady sent me an email and told me how to send our ring. Her email included not only the link to the service site, but also detailed instructions about how to fill out the online form. It was very easy to follow her instructions on the site. Once I filled out the online form and printed the shipping label, I received a confirmation email. I also received email communications when my ring arrived, a couple of days later telling me it was being evaluated, a couple of days later telling me what work was being done, and a couple of days later when the work was completed (including before and after pictures)! Wow! It was as good as taking it to a local jeweler where I could check on it in person. And the work was quality–the ring looks great.”
FL
