Watch Lubrication - A Purchasing Guide for the Hobbyist

[@jonconlon5440]

I've wanted a simple intro to oils for a long time. Dream came true thanks to you. Great job.

[@kenlizzio7096]

Very helpful thankyou. Brings clarity for those of us that just want to tinker as hobbyists.

[@Mobin92]

I did some research on my own and came to this conclusion: 9010 as a thin oil (even for the pallet stones) HP-1300 as a thicker oil 9504 as a grease (even for the barrel wall)

[@c120flyer]

Thank you for breaking this down. I’m a newbie and having a basic “get started” list is very helpful! Subscribed!!

[@BeatPoet67]

Thanks so much. I've been thinking about getting my late dad's watch repaired for some time. It's just a cheap Anker from the 50's, but it's the one I always remember him wearing as a child. And after watching several repair videos, I think it's a hobby that would give me a great deal of satisfaction. In a conceptual sense most mechanical movements are very similar even though they look very confusing at first.

[@richardsalinetrojr1957]

Awesome information and thanks for info.i literally just purchased all three of the oils and man they are not cheap.some new tweezers,oilers and a loop and ill be ready to attempt my first service on a nh35a movement.already have movement apart and soo looking forward to reassembly and regulating it.find it relaxing going through a movement and happy as hell I decided to start learning more about this stuff and how to do it myself.

[@waltheisenberg5620]

If you are servicing automatics, I'd still recommend a braking grease for the mainspring barrel wall and 941 or 9415 for the escape jewel although 9010 would work in a pinch and was used many years prior. I have yet to come to a less expensive alternative to expensive Kluber p125 or Moebius 8213\ 8217.

[@thomasowens5824]

Hi, what about silicone grease for the oring ?? Can you use plumbers grease?

[@mwade6982]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you. 👍

[@arielin82]

Nice video, thanks. just one question what about that Quartz oil that we can see in the back, what is that recomended for?

[@rileybeaupre8262]

Thank you! Great stuff for someone starting out and eager to learn.

[@keithwreyford999]

What ever happened with the silicone gasket grease for the hobbies who changes a battery now and again probably the most important

[@jembo1959]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge on the oils been watching lots of videos have some tools just need oils and away I go, I just bought a Argentan Goliath watch and its going to be my first watch to strip and hopefully service nice big watch for the first time, again thanks.

[@DigitalAndInnovation]

Very good info! Great to see it narrowed down to the basics! I think there may be some sort of wild animal loose in your house potentially, however.

[@danielgilligan6243]

Thank you so much for the video and perfect timing! I'm about to purchase one or two of the three and now I know how to better use them. I'll get the third one next month...lol!

[@welwynwatches5976]

Glad it helped :) More videos to follow !

[@amigaamiga7671]

Thank you. Is it ok to store grease and oil in the freezer to expand the expiration time?

[@sonvu9756]

At the start I have moebius 8000 and a "questionable" oil that I hope its thick enough to subtitle D5. All watches I had serviced with just these two run really well but I don't know about the long run when it comes to years and years (its been only a few months). Now I have 9010, 9415, HP1300, 8200 for mainspring, molykote DX, and V105. I'm so happy with the set and I don't think I will ever need any new type of oil.

[@seano51]

Would these recommendations change for pocket watches?

[@welwynwatches5976]

No, for the most part my recommendations would be suitable for pocket watches also :)

[@monkeytoes9389]

What kind of oiling tools would you recommend to start off with?

[@alfredenglund]

I run D5 and 8000

[@ric12000]

Great video, thank you! Very helpful, this is what I was looking for.

[@this_is_lemon]

Would Moebius 9104 (HP1300) oil and Moebius 9504 grease be good for servicing a grandfather clock, or are they only for small items like wristwatches?

[@Almas8787]

Hi, is it good for barrel arbor walls.4:39 Some says you need only using 8217 on barrel walls, I am beginner watchmaker. Really confused with this oils. Also saying 9104 supersedes the d5, Can you please give your opinion on that

[@hannahuang6118]

Thanks for the information. Great knowledge.

[@antlo641]

i have vintage Rocol watch and clock oil. 60,120,180, witch is best for a pocket watch.

[@andacmeral]

You are amazing! Thank you! You made my day!

[@ric12000]

I wonder what is the blue paste the watchmakers use a lot to pick parts, hold parts, clean etc... looks like blue tack...?

Rodico?

[@ric12000]

@ thank you! That’s the one, I already bought it.

[@bslbsl6040]

Hi, i have a blancpain villeret 40mm watch in stainless steel 2 years old (2020) watch and i noticed that it is stiff when i try to wind it. It has 72 hours power reserve. Example: When i wind it, it is tight.. I have to pull out the crown then i have to push it back in, in order for it to be buttery smooth when i wind it. It keeps excellent time BUT it is just stiff/tight if i wind it without pulling out the crown and pushing it back in first.. feels like resistance.. Any idea on what could it be? I dont have warranty. My jlc reverso is so smooth , i dont have to pull out crown and push back in for it to be smooth wind. Do you think with silicone grease on the crown seal/gasket will make it better?

[@vikrambhojwani2873]

Really good information...thanks

[@wingsuae]

Thank you very much, for the very informative and helpful video - cheers...

[@bobbaemel4110]

Excellent info, thanks!!!

[@poepoe2828]

Can i use 3 in 1 for locks as a lubricant for my vintage mechanical Hamilton watch?

[@welwynwatches5976]

Id highly advise against using any lubricant that is not designed for watches, 3in1 or hair clipper oil have their own purpose but watches are not one of them. Look for Moebius or Novastar lubricants.

[@thebonvivant]

This was brilliant. Thank you.

[@bishops9936]

Thank you

[@welwynwatches5976]

Welcome :)

[@zapa-pics]

Thank you so much!

[@sicesp]

I found your helpful video after I have placed an order for some lubricants. So, would you say that HP-1300 is a valid substitute for the D-5? Thank you! 👍

[@welwynwatches5976]

If you have no other option but HP-1300 then yes it will suffice as an alternative, both share a similar attributes. HP oils have their place when dealing with higher end watches ( Rolex, Omega Co Axials etc ) that require more specific lubrication, D5 is a good allrounder for almost any movement. Get the best you can within the budget you set yourself :)

[@bingogarvin2924]

Thanks for your time ⌚ very helpful

[@ronboult8947]

Is there a liquid that can be placed in the bottom of a clock that evaporates and lubricates the clock?

[@gian_zx1197]

wut....

[@Mark_1988_]

Do you worry about the expiration dates? I know the synthetic last 6 years and natural about half that but I see your greases is expired, do you still use it?

[@welwynwatches5976]

Usually within 1 year of expiration i order new lubrication, the expired lube will still work but its performance will not be as good as fresh lube. All my current lubes are up to date and good for another 3 years minimum, however for hobby use i would not overly worry if the lube is a year or so out of date. All my lubricants are stored in a cool place away from sunlight so they stay healthy for best amount time possible :)

[@wildernessofzinn17]

Thanks for the video. Very helpful. Many watch repair videos never tell us what grease they use as if it is a secret. Btw, may I ask, which Moebius grease is blue?. I see Marshall on Wristwatch Revival use a blue grease for the keyless works, winding stem screws, etc. but he never says what it is and never ever replies to comments at all on his videos?. Do you know which grease it might be?. It looks real blue, maybe even fluorescent.

[@welwynwatches5976]

No problem, the blue grease is Moebius 9501 although they do a fluorescent version of same number but its more yellow.

[@johnp2802]

Guys, so which grease oil to use on the STEM, and STEM pivot?

[@welwynwatches5976]

You can use Moebius 9501 or 8300/8301 or Novastar Winding Grease or Seiko S6. Most watch greases will work fine with stems.

[@EditHandleError]

Excellent video. What do you recommend for stem? My buddies are using D5 but 8301 would be better?

[@welwynwatches5976]

There are a few good stem lubes but for a simple rule... if it spins use oil, if it rubs use grease, so with a stem you want to use grease not D5 oil ( but if D5 is all you have then it will suffice ). Mobius 9501 /Novastar Type S/ Or Seiko S series of greases are all good.

[@EditHandleError]

@@welwynwatches5976 Thank you for your reply. I have Seiko S916 blue sticker and TSF451 black sticker which one do you recommend for stem? Thanks

[@welwynwatches5976]

@@EditHandleError Well both of those are a type of silicone grease more suited to gaskets, crown, pendants etc. You would need to find one of the other alternatives ideally but in a pinch you could use them.

[@ISKREM22]

Hello, what oil/grease is recommended for silenting my rotor? It sounds dry!

[@welwynwatches5976]

Automatic watch rotors do in most instances make some noise to some degree so there is no guarantee lubrication is what is required. Depending on the rotor type it will vary what lube is appropriate but as a general lube you can use some Mobius D5 but use only a small amount !

[@TheSpeedyStevie]

Prefect, just what I needed

[@lachlanemosewa2442]

How and what did you use to get the oils florescent? A lume type paste?

[@chuckburroughs1537]

They're already florescent from Moebius. hence the model number 9010-FL(florescent) vs. regular 9010.

[@welwynwatches5976]

Indeed as Chuck states the lube comes with a chemical compound to make it glow under UV light, it helps trace the oils as the movement works and ensure correct oiling.

[@soundmindtv2911]

Thank you!

[@poepoe2828]

Or what about hair clippers oil?

[@potastew]

What oil would you recommend for the old 60's & 70's Timex? I've been told you can use lighter fluid to clean but I feel a little oil would be needed. right now I'm being D5 and 8000 but would I need both for an old $10 watch?

[@poepoe2828]

Yes im cleaning my Hamilton Masterpiece with lighter fluid right now it wouldn't wind nor run now it does sitting over night in lighter fluid. Only lube i have here tho is 3 in 1 for locks?

[@mycaI_]

TY for this!

[@prawnstar9213]

It would be nice to know which lubes are for what right? Instead of just listing them

[@welwynwatches5976]

The info you seek is in the description box below the video :)

[@davids8449]

I always use SAE 140 oil also use it on my Villiers 1f engine

[@Subiemal]

You don’t use mineral oil in a watch 🤦🏻

[@rdrun51660]

Thanks, huge help!

[@farukrajwani2400]

I need wrist watch oil

[@shanelady1049]

Any advice for cheaper options for those of us who just want to test the water with sub $50 watches? I don't want to spend $$$$$$$$ on something I may only do once or twice.

[@welwynwatches5976]

For simple practice purposes i can suggest looking for Anchor Oils or a basic all in one oil for watches, check out HS Walsh website as they have some good deals on at the moment for simple watch oils.

[@shanelady1049]

@@welwynwatches5976 Thanks for the advice I think I found a good selection Pioneer Watch HO97 and HO98 for light and medium oils and Moebius 8300 which is the same as 8301 minus graphite.

[@jtr159]

@@shanelady1049 How have those been working out for ya? I'm looking at getting those too to service a couple of cheap vintage watches.

[@damienboyer715]

what do you think about 9415?

[@welwynwatches5976]

9415 is a superb grease for escapement lubrication, not cheap but worth it. :)

[@JonTheComputerDoctor]

Keep them coming please.

[@ChioTB]

Perhaps it would have been much better if you could show us where, where and how to use these three oils on the watch parts! because i really don't know what you are talking about ! thank you anyway

[@welwynwatches5976]

A new video is planned to show lubrication points but currently undergoing fully house rewire so its on the back burner at the moment :)

[@npgatech7]

"Natural" doesn't necessarily imply better. In fact, this context, synthetic lubricants can be engineered to be superior.

[@cfcreative1]

great info

[@haroldskelton979]

Why are folks still using and recommending D5 rather than a modern synthetic such as HP1300 or HP1000? Why natural grease instead of a modern synthetic? I bought all these early on on recommendations like this. Then I started taking professional courses at AWCI and learned that current specs demand modern synthetic lubricants.

[@welwynwatches5976]

The video is intended for hobby watch repairers and not professionals or students of professional courses, standards and demands of modern watch schools will always change but it does not make older or natural lubricants redundant. I understand your point but the intention is for the masses of people who enjoy it purely as a hobby :)

[@haroldskelton979]

@@welwynwatches5976 I appreciate your effort here and respect your views. My thinking is different however. The industry developed synthetics as improvements over these traditional natural lubricants. If I were a hobbyist starting out I would buy the current industry standard lubricants: 9010 (light oil), HP 1300 (heavy oil), 9504 (grease). Soon after I would add 9415 for lubricating pallet stones. I wonder why these older naturals are still in production given that the new synthetics perform the same functions better. At the risk of sounding cynical, Moebius profits from selling traditional oils to neophytes who eventually have to spend additional funds to acquire a new suite of synthetics in order to meet industry standards.

[@jtr159]

@@haroldskelton979 A local watchsmith is telling me that D5 is terrible and should not be used at all. In a number of years, it will disintegrate into an ash-like goo and could start damaging the movement. Not sure how trustworthy this is but I'm steering clear of it in favor of synthetics!

[@weerobot]

Wow Thanks...

[@catstevens5890]

Can I hear a bird in the background or am I going nuts.

[@welwynwatches5976]

Ha ha you're not going nuts, I have a couple of cockatiels who keep me company in my small workshop, they are however noisy early day time :)

[@GrahamLeach]

Hey there! Great video! Thanks for the information. Someone gave me advice in a slightly different direction and I'd like your opinion please? M9010 M9020 M8200 In your opinion, would this array of lubricants be sufficient to cover a typical mechanical watch service?

[@welwynwatches5976]

Hey, yes those lubricants will work just fine for general use, id swap the 9020 for some Microgliss D-4 or add the D-4 as an additional oil. As a general guide id use four lubricants ,an extra fine oil for escapement, a fine oil plus a medium oil for the train wheels, and a grease for sliding parts.

[@GrahamLeach]

@@welwynwatches5976 - Thank you for the feedback. I'm thinking of putting together a kit for beginners that would include 4 (or 5) oils, a stand, oil pots and oilers...but in very small graduations of oil (like .2 to .5 ml) What do you think of this roster of lubricants? Super Light M9415* Light M9010 Regular M9020 Heavy D5 (or 9104) Super Heavy M8200 *optional upgrade

[@welwynwatches5976]

@@GrahamLeach That seems more of a kit for mid to advance repair tbh, beginners really only need one oil and a grease to practice with. However if your aiming at the enthusiast level then sure. These lubricants are not cheap even in small amounts so for some out there who want to enjoy it as a hobby less is sometimes more and affordability is sometimes key. But hey this is a longer conversation than can be had in the comment section ha ha :)

[@GrahamLeach]

@@welwynwatches5976 - Happy to continue the conversation in another medium! I can be reached via my website. Just google my name. Yes, I am thinking enthusiast level and an entry price that isn't eye-watering. Looking forward to chatting! :)

[@GentlemensWatchServices]

The rule of thumb is put 4 watchmakers in a room and you'll hear 9 opinions on the correct way to lubricate a watch.

[@Subiemal]

I’ll be honest I just use 0W motor oil.

[@JesusChrist-iz7fl]

expensive stuff ill give you that XD but i guess its a necessity haha

[@alexjohnson1411]

So nonesensical

[@johntate5050]

Caged birds = cruelty.

[@burritolover5082]

You still use d5? Idk. Maybe for a beginner. But no one else should still be using D5

[@welwynwatches5976]

I use many different oils depending on the movement including D5, im not sure why you believe D5 is only for beginners ? There is no Professional or Beginner oil, there are just different types for different situations. Thinking one is better than another is subjective, i use what is prescribed by the brand of movement i work on, where this info is lacking i use my judgement. D5 may be phased out for another oil of a different name but it matters not if it does the same job :)

[@philipbrailey]

Thank you.