Why Watch Oils Deteriorate Over Time – Is It Time to Service Your Watch?
A mechanical watch is a remarkable piece of engineering. Within a space sometimes no larger than a coin, hundreds of tiny components interact continuously in an effort to deliver near-exact time without loss.
However, an often overlooked “component” plays a critical role in ensuring this precision: lubrication. Like any finely tuned mechanical system, the lubricating oils inside a watch inevitably degrade over time, which raises an important question for any owner: when is it time to service your watch?
The Hidden Role of Lubrication in Watchmaking
Inside a mechanical watch, components move against one another hundreds of times per hour.
Consider the balance wheel, which can oscillate between 21,600 and 36,000 vibrations per hour, or the intricate gear train transferring energy from the mainspring through the movement. Without lubrication, friction between these parts would rapidly wear down metal surfaces, damaging components and compromising the watch's accuracy.
Fortunately, this is easily preventable. During a routine watch service, specialized synthetic oils and greases are carefully applied to critical parts within the movement to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation.
It is important to note that not all lubricants are made equal. Different lubricants are used depending on the specific function of each component. As an example:
• ultra-fine oils are used for high-speed pivots
• thicker lubricants are recommended for slower-moving gears
• while specialized greases are used for mainspring barrels and keyless works
Each application is measured in microscopic quantities, often applied with a tool finer than a human hair, making it essential that a skilled watchmaker performs this delicate process.
Why Oils Deteriorate
Even the most advanced watch lubricants are not permanent. Several factors contribute to their gradual deterioration.
Oxidation
Exposure to air causes oils to slowly oxidise, changing their chemical composition and reducing their effectiveness.
Evaporation
Some components within lubricants evaporate over time, particularly in areas exposed to subtle temperature variations.
Migration
As a watch operates, oils can slowly move away from the surfaces they were intended to protect.
Contamination
Microscopic particles, including dust or wear particles from metal components, can accumulate within lubricated areas.
In each of these cases, the result is increased friction between parts, which can cause the movement to operate outside its ideal parameters.
What Happens When Lubrication Breaks Down?
Unfortunately, oil deterioration does not happen overnight, and the effects are often subtle at first.
A watch may begin to lose or gain time slightly. The power reserve may shorten, or the movement may require more energy to operate efficiently. If left unattended, insufficient lubrication can eventually lead to faster wear of critical components.
This is particularly important to note because many watch parts, including the likes of wheels and pinions, are specifically designed to operate with proper and sufficient lubrication. Lack of lubrication can invariably lead to one needing to replace whole components which can be costly.
To ensure your watch continues to function correctly and to avoid potentially costly repairs, we highly recommend reading our watch servicing essentials.
Preserving a Watch for Generations
One of the enduring appeals of mechanical watchmaking is its longevity. Unlike electronic devices that quickly become obsolete as technology advances, a well-maintained mechanical watch is designed to operate for generations.
We cannot stress enough the critical role regular servicing plays in preserving this longevity.
By ensuring lubrication remains effective and components are protected from unnecessary wear, a service is not simply maintenance, it is an investment in the future of the timepiece.
Caring for Your Watch
If your watch has not been serviced in several years, or if you notice changes in its performance, it may be time for a professional assessment.
At Shemer, our watch specialists and authorized service partners are able to evaluate, service and restore mechanical watches to the highest standards of care.
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