Watch Lubrication for Beginners

[@robertjackson301]

I have been an engineer all my working life and just starting my journey in watch repair. I know when someone is worth listening to and this guy in my view knows what he is talking about. After watching many videos on this subject this will now be my place to follow 👍

[@watchrepairtutorials]

It’s an honor to have you here Robert. Not all watchmakers look like doctors. 😄

[@EricBishard]

Same here, I'm an applications engineer, I've invested in a few very nice watches but also have been collecting vintage for a while. And although I have not attempted to service those watches, I wanted to have the ability to start working on and able to service the majority of my watches. The only thing that I see myself doing after retirement is learning more about mechanical and automatic movements and passing that information and excitement down to my son and grandson. I love my job, but watches consume me in my off time. I actually have a document where I write about everything I've learned. A lot of those notes are verbatim in Alex's voice and instruction. Down to the "let me day that again" stuff.

[@andybaldman]

Same here. Electrical engineer. Dunno how I missed this hobby for most of my life. Glad to be here!

[@whatsstefon]

Man, no disrespect to the other more established and respected watchmakers on youtube, but the information in your videos is pretty much all, and I mean all the left out information from every other video. As a self learning watchmaker, your channel is absolutely a gem of a resource. Thank you a million times over!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thank You so much. Hence, my channel name.

[@whatsstefon]

@@watchrepairtutorials I love it man. Thank you. Looking forward to cramming in all your vids. I've subbed. I've been learning on my own for the last 12 months as a career change due to covid destroying my industry. Sadly watchmakers near me are far and few, and the ones that I have found which are too far to travel to, but I tried to anyway were severe alcoholics who polished off an entire case of premixed cola and bourbon while "interviewing" me by putting a customers clock in front of me, hitting it with a hammer and asking me to show them how to fix it. Uhmmmm. WTF? I wish I made that story up. Another guy I only spoke to over the phone, as they attempted to tell me they had no work, it was a dying art and that I should give up and try something else like gardening. Another horologist was actually good, let me work with him for a few days. I loved it. Problem I found was I discovered I didn't want to work in a shop. On the other hand, when I told him I'd rather source faulty vintage watches, repair and restore them, sit at home doing so on my workbench, and hopefully flip them for profit, he gave me a wide eyed blessing and said he wish he pursued that avenue but was too invested in his shop to do so. He offered me any help I needed in the future. Which was really nice. The rest of the time, I've been working through Mark Lovick's online course. However, I will say all these resources are great, but still leave out many details that you are amazingly covering. I can't thank you enough.

[@micnolmadtube]

Came here to say this. I have been gearing up to give watch servicing a go for about a year now, watching videos on the subject. NEVER have I seen lubrication being applied to this many spots. This is my 5th video from this guy (sorry I don't know your name yet) tonight. I subbed after the 2nd.

[@whatsstefon]

@@micnolmadtube buy yourself a non working Seiko on eBay to practice on. Give it a go. As for lubrication, the first thing that surprised me was when I opened a PDF of a Seiko service manual and saw no only how many places you need to lubricate, but how many different types of lube you need. It’ll likely be the most expensive thing you need to buy.

[@robertcalkjr.8325]

I agree.

[@BobbyDukeArts]

When you say never lubricate the pallet jewels. Do you mean never lubricate the pallet fork Jewels that come in contact with the escape wheel? Or the pallet fork pinion jewels? Thanks for the great information!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

The pinion jewels. I know that was confusing. The pallet stones and escape wheel teeth is one of the highest friction points of the watch and should be lubricated with 9415

[@BobbyDukeArts]

@@watchrepairtutorials okay thank you!

[@lobdsk]

Great question

[@kevinrblodgett]

Here be nuggets of gold

[@thewatchsmith2773]

The shock system and pallet stone lubrication is coming up next. There may be a couple Nuggs in it.

[@rangerstl07]

Aye, the syringe tip is so simple it's brilliant. But does the oil degrade the rubber plunger in the syringe?

[@caleballard9395]

High torque low speed Mob hp 1300 Mainspring barrel 2nd wheel 3rd wheel Parts that rotate Ratchet wheel Click Motion works on posts Intermediate wheel Cannon pinion outside Barrel arbor shoulder (where it goes into something) End of stem Post for yoke Low torque high speed mob 9010 4th wheel Escape wheel balance wheel Mob 9504 grease or MDX Parts sliding against each other under tension Grooves wheels sit on Cannon pinion Keyless works Small dot of grease in each flat side of stem Ratchet teeth in sliding pinion Each side of groove on winding pinion End of yoke Spot where spring contacts yoke Setting lever Mob 8200 Mainspring Never lube pallet fork (Anything I forgot?)

[@watchrepairtutorials]

That is a good recap

[@barissara]

Good one 👍🏻

[@wirelessone2986]

I have no idea what these terms are,I'm new,have a tool kit and fixed my 1st watch...I need to SEE what those parts are so I'll watch the full vid.

[@GentlemensWatchServices]

Alec from the UK: These are outstanding videos. Not the disassembly/assembly 'watch making porn' common on KZbin. As an aspiring watch maker a few weeks into classes, this is the best resource I've found on this platform! Sharing the link with the rest of my class now.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Alec my man, how are you. Where are you going to school and what to you hope to do when you finish your studies?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

✨✨ Get Your Copy of my eBook, The Secrets for Adjusting Watch Rates ✨✨ ➡➡PDF DOWNLOAD watchrepairtutorials.com/ebook/ ⬅⬅ ➡➡Available on Kindle & Soft Cover @ geni.us/4x8C (Amazon) ✨✨Watchmaking Courses and Training ✨✨ ➡➡ watchrepairtutorials.com/watchmaker-course/ ⬅⬅

[@So.Stephen]

Another important lesson. Thank you very much taking the time to explain all these concepts in a clear and no bulls**t way. The syringe tip is amazing!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks Stephen, I’m working on the balance and pallet fork lubrication video now.

[@DJCatscratch]

Hello! What is the best way to polish the oiler tip, from your experience?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I use a rotary tool with a hard felt pad charged with Polinum but you can use and high gloss metal rouge or compound

[@EricBishard]

What do you think about using Moebius 8301 and its best use? When is it best to use instead of 9504, and can I get away with these being the only two greases I use, or should I also have 8200? My current lubes are all Moebius: 9010, 9104 (HP-1300) and for grease: 9504 and 8301 (Grease). Super helpful video, I only ask because I got some conflicting suggestions from another source indicating that 8301 was more versatile than I think it actually is...

[@watchrepairtutorials]

As far as I’m concerned, 8200 or 8300 or even 8301 are strictly for lubricating a main spring that’s being reused. Considering that there should only be an extremely thin film. I don’t see the advantage. If you have 8301 there’s really no purpose for getting 8200.

[@daviddoan8076]

As a novice watchmaker, I have learned so much from you. Thank you for all you do.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I appreciate that! let me know if you need anything.

[@148DMC]

Thank you for another outstanding video. I’m getting ready to do my first lubrication of a vintage watch. I find myself watching your videos more then once taking notes before I attempt oiling.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

That’s awesome. Pretty soon it will be second nature. Thanks for joining.me

[@carl8958]

Whew. Being a complete beginner, these details are invaluable and the step by step process is very much appreciated. I might have never stumbled onto the techniques of picking up various amounts of oil with different angles and speed. Obviously, it's going to take a few pages of notes and several re-watches (sigh) to get these details in my head. A couple of questions: You showed accidentally getting a puddle of oil around a jewel. How do you go about cleaning up the "spill"? Do you do lubrication using a loop or a microscope? Would appreciate a video on selecting a binocular microscope if possible. The Chinese microscopes are fairly affordable and I have other projects that would help spread that expense. Finally, seeing what tools you use has helped trim down the initial shopping list built from reading various forums. At this point, I'm just enjoying the videos and learning.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

The over lubrication example was excessive for sure. In reality if it that bad you should probably strip it down and re clean all the parts. Small mishaps can be cleaned up with a Qtip and IPA or Hexane. I do 90% of my work under a microscope with a Barlow lens which gives me more working room. I really only work on the bench when I need to do horizontal work like jeweling or staking work. I plan on doing a microscope video down the road but, I would check out Amscope if you are in the market for one. The tools for starting out are pretty basic. As you get further down the road you will need to start adding more tools. I typical recommend to build your skills with what tools you have and the tasks that are performed with them like lubrication before moving on to other tasks. no need having a bunch of stuff you can't use

[@richf5967]

Awesome video and you have a very neat and careful technique You’ve raised the bar and given me something to aim for as a beginner Bravo

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You don’t know, what you don’t know. Now you do. Thanks Rich.

[@philedwards2213]

Brilliant video, the best one I’ve seen so far on oiling. Great tip to polish the oiler too.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks Phil, I hope you follow along.

[@philedwards2213]

@@watchrepairtutorials Definitely. You have a convert. Both your channels are such a help. I find them great for explaining it in layman's terms that make it stay in the aging brain. Plus it is a good refresher for things that get forgotten over time. Look forward to all upcoming videos. You have a convert! Thanks for all your effort.

[@erichhonecker8548]

I was considering loosening the crown on my 25 year old, recently reactivated Komandirskie watch and dropping 2 drops of sewing machine oil. Would this be an OK thing to do?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Not at all. The last thing you want is a bunch of loose oil, moving its way through a watch movement once it gets to the hairspring, it will stop.

[@erichhonecker8548]

Thank you sir. I'm new to this topic and was wanting to ask an expert like you.@@watchrepairtutorials

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@erichhonecker8548 no worries my friend.

[@stevstro4498]

Hi Alex, I'm wondering if you keep your lubrications permanently stored in your syringes or do you squirt the unused amounts back into the original bottles?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I only put small amounts into the syringe at a time and store them in a box away from light.

[@amandagelien9612]

The best lubrication video I have ever seen anywhere and the hardest to learn is (NOT TO OVER OIL) also USE Microscope to oil a watch 😃 also I like the 9404 grease best but seldom see it recommend! KUDOS MATE

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thank you Amanda. Always great hearing from you. If you get a chance let me know the brand of mesh you ordered for the acrylic crystals

[@doug4371]

Very informative video. Your explanation is very clear and understandable. I like how you showed the examples of were to lubricate and how it should look like on the movement. This gives me a good perspective of what I need to mimic. Thank you.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hey Doug, Hope you follow along.

[@kyproset]

To the point and easily understood although detailed. Excellent lessons for us newbies. Thank you, liked and subscribed, now watching all and saving them. I cannot thank you enough.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I am glad you are hear, my friend.

[@stevestaines1317]

Brilliant just brilliant 21 mins of straight talking and demonstration covering all you need to know. I've spent hours reading and watching videos and you just nailed it in 21 mins. Thank you.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks brother.

[@TimFlyerFry]

Thanks so much for this video! This was super helpful information for me as a hobbyist watchmaker. I was blown away with the miniscule amount of oil that is needed and how easy it is to over lubricate a movement. Thanks, again!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

lol. It’s hard to wrap your head around $30 a bottle until you realize how long it will last.

[@TheOriginalBlackBradPitt]

This rules

[@bolgerguide]

Best lubrication video I've seen so far. Thanks for teaching us.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

If you liked that one, you are going to love the next one coming out.

[@perrybucsdad]

Alex, just curious, you said you don't care for the larger oilers, but which ones were you using in your demonstrations? I'm assuming the finest point one would be a good place to start?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Correct. I personally only use the finest tip

[@fishandreptileinfo]

Hi Alex, This video, I found the most interesting to watch, (pardon the pun). The tip using the syringe was a great idea. Thanks again. (UK)

[@watchrepairtutorials]

it definitely prevents a lot of waste

[@williambarker263]

Hi Alex, another great video, thanks so much. Is that just "regular" polystyrene you put the oilers in (like the stuff used for packaging), or is it of a particular type?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks Mr. Barker. This is the one I use. www.esslinger.com/bergeon-spongeous-block-watch-oiler-cleaner/ I’m not sure if there’s other generic ones, there maybe. You could check around to see if there’s any alternatives but will Tell you that they last forever. It’s dense but not to dense to break the tips on the oiler

[@williambarker263]

@@watchrepairtutorials thanks Alex !

[@junglistmovement352]

Thank you for uploading these videos. I've been a watch enthusiast since I was a child and I recently decided to start working on watches in my free time. These videos are a godsend. I admire your knowledge and I'm looking forward to everything you share with us. Greetings from Luxembourg!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You can do it my friend, just take it slow

[@tropicalspeed22]

At 13:00, "So, never, ever lubricate the pallet jewels." At 18:47: "It's not going to be a great lubricant for the pallet jewels" Was 18:47 meant to be "pallet stones?" Best lube video out there especially when it comes to the keyless works. I've seen many but your procedure is all common sense and well thought out. Keep them coming.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hey man, In my head pallet jewels and stones are the same. So yea, the pallet forks PIVOT jewels would never get lubrication. The pallet stones get the 9415. At 18:47, I must have been talking about using 8000 to practice with. It’s better than nothing, but not great.

[@bryanpaulomedina1939]

please .. to your next video .. lets talk about, studying about, THE SLOW MOVING PARTS of watch mechanism

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Which ones do you need help with.

[@dilligaf1009]

Love it! Every other video i watched has so little info. You sir...rock. im certainly not a horologist but i was able to restore my grandfather's mantle clock and that got me hooked. I carry a pocketwatch and its been slow/stopping. Time to lubricate! And now i know. Now...... Watch me destroy this watch.....lol

[@watchrepairtutorials]

A man that carries a pocket watch. You are truly a classic.

[@AlexanderSashkin]

Hi Alex, Thank you so much for this super useful tutorial. Today i got a super cheap watch that i really like , sadly there's no good watch maker in my area, so i decided to try and service it myself, i know i will most likely end up doing worse than those watchmakers but i find this job intresting and fun , the problem is that am on a real small budget, can i just use mobius 8000 on all lube points ? Of course, I am doing this on a 3$ watch that needs a service. Thanks a lot!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You can, but you won't get good performance. 8000 is too thick for the fast moving pivots and too thin for the slow moving pivots so amplitude will be affected. And you definitely don't want to use it on the Pallet stones or you'll probably end up with oil on the hairspring. I would suggest that you just have a little fun and don't worry too much about the performance because most likely you're not gonna get something that you can wear on the daily that has any accuracy at all.

[@philmann3476]

What a great channel. You'd think things such as getting oil out of the bottle, into a pot and onto the tip of an oiler would be trivial maters, but I'm still pulling my hair out over such things. Many thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. You have a new subscriber.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks Phil, It’s just like anything else to are trying to repair, you don’t know, what you don’t know. I try to bring actionable content on subject that one one hand is simple but that can get real complicated real fast. Welcome aboard.

[@armiesep8710]

I wanted to know , what will be done, to a vintage women's watch, left to me from my parents. I know it has a glass crystal used long ago on the outside sides of the watch. I thought they were diamonds, but it's not. It's in very good condition, when jeweler open it up all components were still working. Yet it's very old. He charging me $190.00 for cleaning and servicing the watch..

[@watchrepairtutorials]

He will take it apart, clean all the parts, reassemble and lubricate it. Then they should regulate it to get the best time that the quality of the movement will allow for.

[@JacobSmith-tr7fu]

Eventhough I’ve been warmaking for about 2 years and am quite comfortable taking on an array of services, I will always come back to these videos as they have the best information out of any videos on KZbin. They are are extremely informative and will make anyone a better watchmaker. Thank you for your service! (No pun intended)

[@watchrepairtutorials]

That’s quite a compliment, Jacob thank you.

[@maksymzapara5082]

Thank you for your lessons, they really help beginners like me. I have a question. What is the proper way to lubricate wheel jewels? From the inside of main plate and bridge(s), before installing the wheels? Or from the outside, after installing the wheels? I saw videos where some do it from inside and others from outside.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

In most cases you are oiling from the outside of the plate or bridge. This is the side with the oil sink. There are occasions where you apply the oil directly to the pivot shoulder then install it into the jewel. For example like the barrel arbor before it’s installed in the barrel or a seconds wheel that is installed into a hollow center wheel. Basically, the rule of thumb is you need to oil it first if you can’t get lubrication directly to the pivot shoulder that rides on the jewel.

[@backnunAndy]

I got an Omega vintage geneve 1972 watch from my dad and started to learn how to maintence the movement not long ago. I didn't expect to be this delicate job to maintain vintage watch to make prolong its life. I am confusing now. Should I get my watch to professional watch master with price or I should learn for myself and do this job regulary. After watch your guides, I am not sure whether I can trust those young guys doing it at all. I know that it is not going to work for sure based on my experience with my old car to mechanic just out of training center. Please let me know, if I do follow your guides and tips, I will not destroy my dad's watch for sure? I just thought that lubrication on watches would be same as what I do to my 15 year old car. Please let me know based on my story, what would be the best solution for my situation. It might be very stupid question I have made...........but I am very serious now......... Please help me out here. Thank you!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

If the watch has any meaning to you, which it sounds like it does, then you should have it professionally serviced. you are not ready yet to do it yet.

[@aparetix]

Hi Alex, if you come across my question, please tell me what you storage under the first lid of your oil cup? Thanks for all your support so far.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

HP1300

[@Enygma89]

Greetings 🤘🏼 I couldn't see anything mentioned in previous comments so apologies if this is a repeat.. I'm curious about lubricant on the center wheel and cannon pinion connection, it must be a tiny amount since "friction fit" implies just that? 😅 wouldn't lubricant potentially affect the drive of the hands by the center wheel or in the long run hold contaminants that could cause damage? Once again thank you and keep up the good work 👍🏼

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Yeah, that’s a good question. The extended arbor of the second or center wheel has to carry the minute hand around the dial. The friction needs to be tight enough to do that, right? But when you set the time the canon pinion needs to be able to easily turn when you are setting the time so there needs to be lubrication there otherwise it will feel tight when you turn the crown. This is why I use 9504 which is a lite grease instead of an oil. Oils by their very nature do tend to creep over a curved surface and not around a sharp surface, like where a pivot shoulder and a pivot come together.

[@JoshFinegold]

Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge. Wish i would have seen this video before buying D5. Is there any versatility in the D5, or would you rather step on the watch? lol. Hopefully, you will be kind to respond to me like you did to so many others. Ty!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

No you are ok. Most of the industry has changed to all at synthetic because the shelf life is longer. I think D5 has a shelf life of 3 years if you keep it in the dark.

[@davidcrandall4958]

You really should mention disassembling and cleaning the watch First! The machines for cleaning the Watch parts and timing the watch are expensive!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Maybe you should watch the video before this one and all the other videos I’ve made on low cost parts cleaning options.

[@chrisbray3236]

Wow that Moebius stuff ain't cheap! But I assume that little bottle lasts a very long time, as small of a drop as is being applied. Two questions: At what temperature do you store grease and lube? Do you know what gauge those syringe needs are?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hey Chris, yea not cheap but just consider them a tool like anything else. Most will last you a lifetime. I store at room temperature in a box out of the light. I don’t know the gauge but you can check the link in the description and check.

[@pjstartv6798]

It's interesting that everyone seems to do lubrication generally the same but also differently if that makes sense. It can be confusing watching multiple people do lubrication on watches.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

That's why you should watch people that have or do it for a living. Learn the right way and don't get into bad habits. The biggest issue is over lubrication. As the wheels get smaller, less oil is needed on each wheel pivot.

[@eugenerutenberg5281]

HI. What oil is used for none jewel watch., for 3rd and 4th and escape wheel.??? Thank you.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Same as a typical watch

[@hermankriel6176]

Hi Alex - did you mention what type of oil / grease to use inside the mainspring barrel? I know some guys mention something about breaking grease?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I’ve done a video on mainspring barrels, but if you’re just starting out 8213 would be a good breaking grease.

[@wilmergomez6684]

Thank for the videos. Every day I learn something new I have elginlord watch and star get delay I’m afraid to star open up . I not awatch maker but I goin start er with you explanation will help thank s again

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You can do it!

[@JDRichard]

Again great video. I am way more anal retentive when oiling watch movements like the 7750 then I am when oiling and old Elgin pocket watch. Nice tip on using tweezers to transfer the oil. I usuallly use the fat oiler to move the oil

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thank you, JD. I’ve been storing my oils in syringes and keeping them in an old tweezer box for many years. I like being able just to add a drop to the pot.

[@edwardshaw7620]

Just out of curiosity, what size syringes are you using for the oils? I was able to locate a few insulin syringes for free, but they’re too fine to take up any 9010.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I’m not sure off the top of my head. I left a link for the ones I use in the description. You can look them up there.

[@COGuyStuff]

Thanks for the great vid! I'm just starting to dabble and have fun, so your links were appreciated!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Good luck. Stick around, there’s a lot more coming.

[@악마지니]

hi alex, I'm a newbie and I want to know your recommendation on a beginners set on oiling/lubricating the movement

[@watchrepairtutorials]

"Hi there! For beginners, I recommend starting with a basic oiling set that includes these essentials: • Start with Moebius 9010 for the balance escape wheel and 4th wheel • Moebius D-5 or 9104 for the 3r, 2nd and barrel arbor • Molykote DX or Moebius 9504 for the sliding parts, like the keyless and ,motion works. • Moebius 9415 for the pallet stones. Think of oils as tools not consumables. Without the proper lubrication you will be fighting amplitude problems. If you just are looking for something to practice with and are not concerned with amplitude you can use moebius 8000 everywhere except the pallet stones as there really is only one option there. You can see all my recommendations here. watchrepairtutorials.com/lubricants/

[@ddsfard]

These videos that you're putting out are just absolute gold. I am a hobbyist and have used your videos as a guide to the work that I am doing. I cannot thank you enough. I don't thank you on every video but I should.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Glad to help! Comments are great thumbs up for help even more.

[@racnc1]

Thanks for the tips and videos. Do you have a video of books or list of books that you would recommend?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

it depends on where you are in your learning journey. If you’re relatively new, then probably the best one to start with would be Henry Frieds book “ The watch repairers manual” or The Joseph Bulova school of watchmaking and repair.

[@franklima1269]

Hi Alex, Great video, as always. I have a couple of questions: 1: Assuming the watch was cleaned and oiled correctly. and it's already assembled (but not fully finished yet). Then for whatever reason you have to take it apart again (ex. you realized you put the wrong screw). Does the watch need to be fully washed and oiled again? Or it can be just re-assembled as is? 2: Does washing and oiling the watch too many times can deteriorate the watch parts? Thanks again.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Well, to answer your second question first no it doesn't wear parts down unless you're doing something you shouldn't be. Your first question is a good one. If you're taking a train bridge off after you have lubricated everything, it's impossible to reinstall it without smearing the oils to places you don't want them so at the very least you want to spot clean the jewels and pivots once you have corrected the problem that caused you to remove the bridge. Balance jewels are a little different because the way the oil is held captive in the jewel setting. Just be careful to make sure dust does not get in the balance pivot which will introduce a fault into the jewel setting. Now if you have a non runner or a watch that's needs a lot of work, it is best to clean all the parts, make your corrections, test everything and then when everything is working correctly, do your final cleaning, assembly and lubrication. You're basically washing everything twice. The first time to remove anything that could affect your testing and then the second and final cleaning to make sure there's no contaminants in the movement during your reassembly.

[@franklima1269]

@@watchrepairtutorials Thanks for the quick response and for confirming what I suspected. Yes, in my case specifically I had to take the train bridge because I needed to clean the escape wheel which got smeared when was oiling the pallet stones. BTW, I did fully wash and oiled all over again but I always wonder if it was necessary to do so...

[@rubinsteinway]

Always great vids. Wondering what is your opinion on the digital electron microscopes that are on the market. Do they allow enough vertical room to use screwdrivers and tweezers under the lenses? Thanks.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I do not believe so. They would serve the purpose for being able to inspect parts, but as far as working under it, I think that’s just one of the limitations. Another being lens options

[@rubinsteinway]

Thanks @@watchrepairtutorials

[@erhall55]

Alex, what gauge needle do you use in your oil syringes? Are they 1 ML capacity?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

14 or 16 gauge. The pack I have came with one two and 3 mL syringes

[@d.martins4471]

these moebius oils have ridiculously overpriced prices, its crazy stuff, there must be some sort of alternative to it

[@watchrepairtutorials]

They are expensive but they last a very long time. Think of them as a tool. When it comes to lubricating micro mechanical parts small differences in viscosity matter and will affect the performance. But hey it's your work so do what you want.

[@lobdsk]

I use liberty oil because I don’t have much money. It works awesome for me

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I had to look it up. Interesting.

[@DEllisMusic]

Stumbled across your videos a couple weeks ago and have learned so much from you so far. As a total noob to this, your channel is an invaluable tool as someone doing self study on watch making. Thank you!!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Welcome aboard Daniel. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@WatchWithMike]

Alex, this was an excellent video! Nothing but back to back great tips and advice. Right on!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks Mike.

[@alessandrovatalaro8763]

Hey, do i need to oil the parts every time i disassemble it even if the movement its pretty new and i am just troubleshooting?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Yes. Whenever you disturb the oils location, especially on pivots you should clean it with IPA and redo the oil.

[@lobdsk]

Alex could you please add the types of lubricant you use on the description?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

The oils are in the description. Was there something else you needed?

[@djbenefit]

Whats a good search keyword when looking for the foam blocks you use for your oilers?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Bergeon Spongeous Block Watch Oiler Cleaner

[@jenjiemanalastas5303]

Even you clean the watch thorouly, dont know how to oil it properly,oil 1,2,3, it will give a good result of ur work,nothing

[@glennsmooth]

What do you think of those pricey Bergeon Auto-oilers?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I have them and don't use them. Why? You have less control over the amount of oil deposited. The amount of oil needed on a jewel in this movement is not the same as the same jewel in that movement. so unless you are working on the same movement all the time, it doesn't work. Thats one of a bunch of different reasons.

[@BEACHYz]

Great stuff man. Where can I find technology sheets?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Depends on the caliber and when it was made as they are not all available to you.

[@Asijantuntia]

I'm not following. Throughout the video you talk about HP1300 oil and 9104 grease. But as far as I can tell they're the same thing. Möbius 9104 HP 1300 is an oil. So what is the grease you're using, or am I missing something obvious?

[@Asijantuntia]

My bad, didn't hear right! You were saying 9504 grease not 9104.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Damn I need to get those closed captions available. 🤣 I went back and listened to it so I see why there was confusion. The numbers are pretty close together.

[@StevenDunlap-h8f]

What do you use to polish your tips to that mirror shine, thank you for the awesome video

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I use a hard felt wheel on my rotary tool with Dialux green. Small touch’s to the felt pad. It doesn’t take much to polish it

[@SlickWillyTFCF]

This channel is incredible. You give us all the detailed information that everyone else leaves out. Such an incredible resource. I do have one question though: how does one polish something as small as an oiler?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thank you Steve. I have found the easiest way to do. It is on the rotary tool with a hard felt wheel. Do you load it up with a fine polishing paste like rouge or the Polinum that I used and you just lightly touch the tip to the wheel as it’s spinning. You only want to do it for a second or two at a time and then check it because if you leave it on too long, it could burn through the tip of the oiler.

[@SlickWillyTFCF]

@@watchrepairtutorials Thanks!

[@giacomodelbianco]

What do you mean "HP 1300 under the post"? I think the post is the part of the base where the wheel is going to be fit in. Am I right? I am sorry for this question ... I am not English motherthoungue.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Quando si lubrifica un montante su cui poggerà una ruota, come nei lavori in movimento o senza chiave, si aggiunge il lubrificante sul lato del montante vicino alla parte superiore. Ciò farà sì che il lubrificante venga abbassato dal montante quando la ruota viene posizionata su di esso.

[@giacomodelbianco]

Thanks!!

[@jergarmar]

Probably a dumb question, but how do you polish the oiler? The clear pictures of the actual oiling and greasing are absolute gold. A big head start on developing oiling technique.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

The easiest way to do it is with a rotary tool with a hard felt pad and using green Dialux compound or any high polish compound. You can also use 1500 to 2000 grit sandpaper to polish it.

[@jergarmar]

​@@watchrepairtutorialsMakes sense, thanks.

[@hectorcortez3888]

I enjoyed your channel, anyway wut grease would u use on the keyless works

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I use HP1300 .

[@TristanColgate]

You mention here not to lubricate the palette jewels, but the next video goes into detail about the correct process to do so. Is the distinction between oil and grease? Does "lubricate" specifically refer to oils? I can see how oil would move as you describe here, but grease would only transfer to the surfaces that make contact.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

No but there is a distinction between the pallet fork jewels and pallet fork stones. The pallet for jewels where the pivots move back-and-forth are almost never lubricated unless the pallet fork has conical pivots and endstones. Pallet for stones on the other hand get lubricated with 9415. 9415 is a special thixotropic type grease that basically liquefies when something comes in contact with it like the escape wheel tooth and then as soon as that contact ends it's solidifies The escape wheel teeth move so fast that a regular oil would be thrown off and contaminate the rest of the movement, which is why you only want to use 9415 to lubricate the pallet stones. I can see why this could be confusing because the term stone and jewel are often both used when referring to the pallet stone .

[@TristanColgate]

@@watchrepairtutorials brilliant, thanks for clarifying, and the extra detail is very insightful, thanks!

[@jtcustomknives]

Lots of talk about pull out speed and just the tip.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

🤣

[@CodesmithEvanion]

Man, Second video in, and I'm subbed! Been watching watch repair on yt for a few years, and just about to start myself. My first service will be a Seiko 6309, and I have been collecting service manuals and datasheets for it. And in Seikos own tech guide, they explicitly state that you should NOT lubricate train wheels from the outside, but place the drop on the inside before installing the wheel. Is this old information relevant to the oils they had at the time?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Welcome my friend. I am guessing that either you're looking at a very old and outdated text sheet or possibly misinterpreting what is being said. There are only a few instances we're a pivot or arbor would be lubricated prior to installing the bridge or cock. A couple that come to mind would be the barrel arbor which is best lubricated as it's being installed inside the barrel and a minute wheel with a long post running inside an extended center wheel. In these instances you would not be able to lubricate them after they're installed. The issue with lubricating the 3rd, 4th and escape wheel prior to securing it in the bridge would be the likelihood of the lubrication being displaced while the bridge is being installed. There are many things that were taught by many well known authors in the 50s and 60s that are no longer considered to be good practice. If the method you describe by Seiko was best practice, the Swiss and certainly the American watchmakers in the early 1900s would have been doing the same thing. But they don't and never have.

[@CodesmithEvanion]

@@watchrepairtutorials na i doubt that I missunderstood. There was an illustration and everything.. i first tried to include a link to the pdf, but yt shadowbanned it. I posted on the Watch Repair discord about it, and some one said it relates to the specified S-4 grease being much thicker than the hp1300 used today.

[@CodesmithEvanion]

@@watchrepairtutorials quote: Before assembling the wheels, apply S-4 to the bottom surface of the hole jewel. Set the wheel by inserting its pivot in the lubricated hole jewel. Note: No effect can be expected by lubricating the hole jewel from the upper portion after assembling the wheel. And then there is an illustration of the bridge/body with the jewel, and there is a drop on the flat part of the jewel, and in the next illustration, the wheel pivot goes through the oils in to the hole of the jewel.

[@XJ290]

Hey Alex, would 9504 grease work for the barrel wall in an automatic? Or would you really need braking grease like 8213 or something? I’m just learning still. Started with just cleaning and lubricating with 8000 “learner oil” like you suggested.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Taking grease is very specific to the automatic mainspring working properly. Use the 8213.

[@XJ290]

@@watchrepairtutorials Roger that. After looking up how it works I can see why. Thanks Alex! -Alex

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@XJ290 no worries.

[@hanbaltussen2165]

How do you clean oilers during the use of various oils?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Pith wood. There are also some sponge like blocks that are sold as well. I would search on Essinger for them.

[@DJKinney]

What a funny picture to have autographed.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Do you know what it’s from?

[@mpoerot8013]

15:12 noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo I didn't expected to go this far

[@watchrepairtutorials]

😂

[@watchtock8818]

Camera angles and picture sharpness is awesome. Very informative. Great job. Love to know your camera set up.

[@salgueroart6895]

How much should it cost to service a manual watch?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Well, it would depend on where you are in the world to start with. Here in the US one would expect to pay between $250-$300 without replacing parts.

[@gigantisk7497]

Hello, i didn't fully understand, moebius 8000 can substitute (at least for short) term hp-1300 and 9010? i will work on an st3600 and for the first service i would like to have a watch that run okay without damaging the movement. Thanks :)

[@watchrepairtutorials]

So here’s the way I look at it. It’s your first service so it doesn’t matter if you’re using all the proper lubrication because at this point you’re just practicing the service you’re doing now is it going to be as good as it will be further down the road. The use of Mobius 8000 is a low cost alternative to using and practicing with more expensive lubrication. Now by all means if you want to use 9010, HP 1300 and 9415 go for it. I only mentioned it’s use because many people just getting into watch service are still unsure about their abilities and don’t necessarily want to spend $200 putting together all the correct lubrication Nobody gets it right the first time. Nobody.

[@gigantisk7497]

@@watchrepairtutorials ok great thanks again 👍

[@jlr8356]

I will seriously consider to add a digital microscope as an essential tool to service my watchs. At the moment Is a new skill I need to develop. With your teaching videos Certainly will speed up my learning process Thank you. Mr Alex, you are master of the masters

[@TomRaine]

Did I learn anything at all? I learned a lot! Especially about polishing the oiler, the direction to use it and how to move the wheel to check the amount, thanks so much for everything you have taught. Interesting that you use a grease for keyless works, usually the tech guides for ETA will suggest HP-1300. Something thicker does seem to make more sense, but I guess the torque is not that much.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Yeah, this is one of those areas where it can get pretty controversial, and people are very opinionated about what you should use. In certain areas of the movement, like the keyless works, where amplitude is not affected, you certainly have more options. I grew up using Molykote DX which is a grease. For me it makes a little more sense to have something that clings to the parts better than an oil where are you have metal on metal friction. Oils tend to be attracted to sharp inside corners which is one of the things that holds oil where a pivot in Arbor come together. But oil also tends to creep around curved areas. That’s why I use 9504 in the keyless works because I feel it stays in place better.

[@guardezio]

A novice question on the point of the pallet jewels. If oil is supposed to stop parts of the watch from wearing out (among other things), but oiling said jewels is detrimental to the longevity of the service life of the said watch... wouldn't that mean that the unlubricated pinions on the pallet fork would wear out over time as the fork moves continuously back and forth (shortening the life of the watch)?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Lubrication on pivots in jeweled holes is mainly there to reduce friction. The pallet fork only rotates on about a 10-15 degree axis so the benefit would be very minor initially, but will really affect the amplitude as the oil dries off. The 2nd issue is that because the top pivot is so close to the pallet arm, oil spreads down the arm and contaminates the pallet fork slot and impulse jewel slowing or stopping the movement. The one exception to this are some larger size vintage pocket watches.

[@johnrice7583]

Thank you for such an amazing video, keep it up. I have learn so much in just 1 video. Once again thank you

[@lorenzobotti2244]

se non riesco a reperire i Moebius posso usare una miscela di alcool e910

[@watchrepairtutorials]

What is 910 ?

[@williamking6019]

Thank you for all your lessons BIG help

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Glad to hear that William, hope it helps you out.

[@AmazingMaxStuff]

Awesome video thank you so much!

[@normanrehme3836]

Please clarify the thinking on pallet stones. I expected use of a 941 or lighter oil than 9415 grease. I have 941, 9010, D5 in pots. Should I get 9415 specifically for pallet stones? Very work and thanks for list of lubes. Loved your tip on polished oiler!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Welcome Norman, Glad you asked for clarification. Traditionally 941 is used for slow beat movements, 18000 and less and 9415 which is the same thing as 941, but formulated for fast beat movements. Most watchmakers I know just use 9415 for all pallet stones. There’s not really a significant issue using the 941 so I would use it up and then next time you buy some, just switch to the 9415.

[@allenrussell1947]

Can you clarify a technique? I strive to keep oil off the pivots, trying only to have a small ring around the base of the pivot. But lately I've watched several videos, of apparently skilled watchmakers, touching the oiler to the top of the pivot and letting it seep down to the jewel. Doesn't that suck the oil out of the jewel over time?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

If you’re talking about lubricating a pivot in a jewel, touching the top of the pivot and letting the oil flow down it is incorrect. To property lubricate this type of pivot you touch the pivot where it comes out of the jewel so the oil flows into the pivot hole. Also, to take your lubrication up a notch here’s a bonus tip for you . Every jewel does not get the same amounts of oil. In other words, the second wheel gets the most the third wheel gets a little less. The fourth wheel gets a little bit less than the third wheel, and the escape will just gets a tiny amount. If you lubricate all the train wheels, the same then either the second wheel has two little or the escape wheel will have to much.

[@allenrussell1947]

@@watchrepairtutorials thanks, that confirms what I thought. I've keep quiet in the comments of those videos because I'm just a largely self-taught hobbiest, but I cringe when I see it, especially from watchmakers who's tools out value my car😉

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@allenrussell1947 thanks you’ve given me an idea for a video

[@garysmith7545]

Very good Alex, thanks!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thank you

[@giacomodelbianco]

Have the oils an expiration date or can they be kept stored in the bottle/syringe for many and many years?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Most lubricants today are synthetic and even though there is an expiration date, they will still be fine.

[@giacomodelbianco]

​@@watchrepairtutorials Thanks!

[@tantaluss68]

this is how you corredtly mentor someone

[@watchrepairtutorials]

That’s my goal. Thank you for recognizing

[@slimjimmyrygb]

How about the posts of various wheels on train of wheels? Based on your videos seems like would likely be 1300 or a grease but would appreciate your instruction, thanks!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

No grease, it’s too heavy. Slow wheels like the barrel, 2nd and 3rd get hp1300 fast wheels, 4th, EW and balance pivots get 9010

[@chris9413]

Hi Alex, do you have a tip on how to polish the tip of an oiler?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

What I use is a hard felt wheel on my rotary tool. I use the Polinum and with the felt wheel rotating, I just touch the tip of the oiler to it. Lite touches, it doesn’t take much.

[@chris9413]

@@watchrepairtutorials ok thank you very much! I am using dialux blue and green. I suppose this will achieve similar results.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@chris9413 use what ever is the finer of the two. If it’s too course it will take off the tip.

[@chris9413]

Thank you Alex, that worked like a charm! Different question: I want to replace the oils in my oil cups. After watching your video and you special tip, I was wondering how you clean your oil cups before putting new oil in. Do you have a tip?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@chris9413 yea man, just did it today. I just use a qtip dipped in hexane or IPA.

[@timsawyer9231]

Thank you so much for refraining from the elitist attitude and telling people what cheap oils they can get to practice with! For real, it sucks how many people seem unwilling to answer that simple question. I don't care if the oil isn't going to last a life time, I don't care if it doesn't last a week! I just want to buy an old cheap movement, tear it down and put back together 15 times and see that balance wheel fire up when I'm done. That's it. I swear some people forget that they once sucked at this too.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

The fact of the matter is that it takes a while to learn how to properly lubricate a movement and there’s really no reason to use the high price correct lubricants because you’re probably gonna be over lubricating it anyway.

[@yoursureshotphotographypra8961]

I am a newbie here getting into Watch making. Absolutely Love the way you teach, the fantastic energy you bring in in rendering your material and how you reinforce so it sticks. Thanks a million Alex!!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Welcome aboard!

[@itzhaccroitoru4082]

Another important lesson,Thank you,Hello from Canada

[@SL-ez7qn]

Brilliant video. I’ve just started my journey , there is so much to learn and this video gives a lot of useful information. You have earned yourself a subscriber. 😋

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Great to hear, Thank you

[@raknin]

As one who start from the begining point your videos are excellent. I have a few questions: 1. What is the different between 9504 and 9501 grease? 2. Can i use the hp1300 oil/9504 grease to lubricate the barrel spring instead od 8200 grease? 3. If i use syringe to store the oil does it preserve it freshness for a long time like in bottle it come in? What are the loses of oil when you use this meathod.l? 4. I notice that in eta2824 lubrication 85% or more using the hp1300 and in few parts they use 9010 oil. Can i use 1300 instead of 9010?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

1. I believe 9501is formulated for medium pressure and 9504 is high pressure. No need to have 2 lubricates that do the same thing unless you are required in a shop setting. 2. never 9504 and hp1300 only used on the barrel arbor. 3. I have done this forever with no problem and learned it from a well known watchmaker who did it for 50 years 4. No you can't substitute one for the other. 9010 is thinner and you will kill your amplitude if you use hp1300 where 9010 should be. Remember 9010 is used at the end of the train where the available power is minimal.

[@raknin]

K@@watchrepairtutorials thanks for your help. One more question. Does the Bergeon 2652-0050 One Dip will be good for the palette also?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@raknin yes that’s correct

[@raknin]

1. What kind of lubrication if at all the hairspring use? 2. Epilame is very expensive material, if you are not proffesional and use it once in a year or more are they any substitutions for epilame to lubricate the pallete stones and hairspring?

[@TimTellsTime]

Excellent tips and very well explained. I once stabbed myself with an oiler. Don't ask me how but it sucked lol

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Ha, I stab myself reach for my tweezers in the stand all the time.