Oil or not oil?

[calamityjane]

I happened to get into conversation with a retired watchmaker this morning at 7 Eleven. Eventually I got the opportunity to ask ; what is the best oil for movements". With sharpness he says "you should absolutely not have anything in the movement. Clean and neat works best in the long run. He also says, ”oil gets old and tough after at most 5-6 years and then slows down the movement. If you have a more exclusive brand, a service costs a lot these days. The industry's invention for more business." End quote.. What are we to think about this? Do we have any watchmakers in the ranks who would like to comment on his statement?

 

[dpd3672]

Oil serves as a barrier between moving parts, if nothing else. Without oil, the parts interact directly and wear on each other.

Not a watchmaker, but pretty familiiar with other machines.

 

[Mkempes]

Some rep movements are not oiled properly or at all when new. The effect is that the amplitude is very high at the beginning, showing less friction.

But with time the abrasion starts to kick in and the movement gets worse. Exactly as @dpd3672 said.

 

[IvorH]

Modern synthetic oils are very good and in my view essential in every mechanical movement, but they will dry out over time…my horologist friends say five to seven years under “normal” conditions…whatever they are!

Then it’s time for a service. Though I have mechanical watches still running beautifully after ten years, as soon as they slow down or speed up, it’s service time.

 

[Karbon74]

I happened to get into conversation with a retired watchmaker this morning at 7 Eleven. Eventually I got the opportunity to ask ; what is the best oil for movements". With sharpness he says "you should absolutely not have anything in the movement. Clean and neat works best in the long run. He also says, ”oil gets old and tough after at most 5-6 years and then slows down the movement. If you have a more exclusive brand, a service costs a lot these days. The industry's invention for more business." End quote.. What are we to think about this? Do we have any watchmakers in the ranks who would like to comment on his statement?

Sounds like a lazy watchmaker who saves on consumables

Metal on metal cause abrasions. Abrasions create dust particles. The movement will clog anyway without oil, but then it will be damaged beyond repair.

Oil will gel but can be cleaned and replaced

 

[tomriddle]

I happened to get into conversation with a retired watchmaker this morning at 7 Eleven. Eventually I got the opportunity to ask ; what is the best oil for movements". With sharpness he says "you should absolutely not have anything in the movement. Clean and neat works best in the long run. He also says, ”oil gets old and tough after at most 5-6 years and then slows down the movement. If you have a more exclusive brand, a service costs a lot these days. The industry's invention for more business." End quote.. What are we to think about this? Do we have any watchmakers in the ranks who would like to comment on his statement?

interesting take.. was he a younger watchsmith?? wait no you said retired..

very interesting

so the age-old wisdom is back in the day they use oil to lube and he's right it'll break down and turn sludge and just stop the movement alltogether

enter newer synthetics.. they do not do that. what they do is EVAPORATE/Break down which also leads to movement problems

clean? never heard of it.. i'd worry about metal on metal breakdown... but yeah that's interesting to hear from an older watchsmith .. anti-lubration on movements

 

[ward1991]

 

[Karbon74]

That’s a concept.
It hurts as much going in…

 

[Pinion Minion]

I want to know how you got into a conversation with a guy standing in line at a 7-Eleven over watchmaking oil...

 

[ward1991]

All of this is probably relevant for Grandpa's passed down and treasured Patek.

But my DHgate 28?? Or 23j Mystery shitters??

They clearly run their best without any lube or tarred and feathered with a dip in cat oil followed by a dusting of ccp particulates.

 

[Cubatobaco]

I want to know how you got into a conversation with a guy standing in line at a 7-Eleven over watchmaking oil...

^^ This ^^

 

[ward1991]

^^ This ^^

Well, it was likely at one of the new RSC/7-11 "stop n' clock" locations that launched in the EU last year.

I hope these come to the US soon so I can get DP'd by BP and RSC while i get a big gulp. Guess our taco bell and long john silvers duo locations will have to do for now.

 

[calamityjane]

I want to know how you got into a conversation with a guy standing in line at a 7-Eleven over watchmaking oil...

 

[calamityjane]

When I was paying at the checkout. He came up behind me and commented on my watch.

 

[Jackster]

Try it in your car and see what happens!

 

[calamityjane]

Try it in your car and see what happens!

Well, my watch goes on and on but never gets past my car.

 

[tomriddle]

I want to know how you got into a conversation with a guy standing in line at a 7-Eleven over watchmaking oil...

lube.. they was talking about lube

:O

 

[Dave2302]