When the watch goes down - this is a problem that needs to be addressed immediately. A special fluid may help.
What is oil for?
The application of special grease to the clockwork is necessary to prevent or reduce friction, surface wear, and also to protect the device from corrosion.
The clockwork lubricating oil must be suitable for its purpose and spread evenly over all parts. For this, even at the production stage, it is checked for lubricity. That is, watch oil is tested in liquid friction mode. And if it has the necessary lubricating ability (the ability to withstand normal pressure and not burst), then only then it is used to repair mechanisms.
As a rule, oiliness directly depends on the composition. For example, bones have a better lubricating ability than mineral fluids.
The main types of oils of domestic production
To lubricate the clockwork or similar device, special products are used. For example, for devices that operate under ordinary conditions, oils such as MTs-3, MPB-12, MChM-5 or MZP-6 can be used. If the mechanism is often located in open space and at low temperatures, then it is recommended to use MN-60 watch oil or similar types of this brand. For example, MN-45 and MN-30.
In devices designed to operate in countries with a tropical climate, watch oils such as MChT and MPT are usually used. Antiseptic additives are present in such products, which prevent the development of bacteria and other fungal organisms. Similar watch oils include MPT-3 and MChT-3. Among other things, such products still undergo various tests at the production stage. This helps to increase moisture resistance and chemical stability.
Domestic oil for micro-nodes
In addition, it is worth mentioning the RS-1. This is a low-melting, soft watch oil with a yellow or light brown tint, intended for general use. But such a lubricant is rarely used for the whole mechanism, since it has a low tensile strength and is retained at the nodes only due to capillary force. Nevertheless, such watch oil has some advantages over other types of similar products. For example, it is more frost-resistant and holds well in the device even at temperatures above 100 ° C. That is why such a lubricant is best applied only to micro-nodes, and not completely to the entire watch mechanism.
Oils of foreign production
There are many lubricants from a foreign manufacturer, but the most popular is Moebius. This is a Swiss-made watch oil, which is of the highest quality and resistant to temperature extremes. That is, in fact, it can be used in any conditions, regardless of climate and place of residence.
From the main products of this manufacturer we can distinguish:
- Moebius 8000 watch oils are natural products that are designed to be applied to the main parts of the device. In addition, it is often used to lubricate transfer mechanisms and alarm springs. The main feature of this oil is that it does not spread when applied. Simply put, such a lubricant has sufficient rigidity.
- Moebius Synt-A-Lube 9010. This is a synthetic oil that is highly resistant to temperature extremes (from +70 ° C to -29 ° C) and a degree of viscosity. Typically, Moebius Synt-A-Lube is intended for stones, triggers, bearings and balances of medium-sized and large devices. For example, they are smeared with antique wall, floor or wall clocks. It is also popular among craftsmen who repair counters and various mechanical measuring instruments.
- MOEBIUS D5 is a universal oil for minimizing friction and significant load on the clockwork. Designed for sedentary parts of small and medium-sized devices, as well as for the lubrication of pallet stones and gears.
Oil Recommendations
As mentioned earlier, the accuracy of the watch will largely depend on proper lubrication. Therefore, it is important to follow some rules. For example, lubrication should be applied only with the help of special devices, oilers, which reduce the chances of useless fluid flow. And before proceeding with the repair of the clockwork, it must be thoroughly cleaned of dust.
The application of oil is carried out in nodes: starting from the main mechanism and ending with balance stones.
Lubrication Procedure
Application of oil is carried out in stages:
- Lubrication of the main mechanism. Oil is supplied to the spring, then to the places of interaction with the drum and between the wheels. For this, it is recommended to use MTs-3 or an analogue.
- Wheel lubrication. To work with a manual or pocket watch, MZP-6 and MCHM-5 are usually used. Oil is applied to eight points on the wheel system (four trunnions on top and four on the bottom).
- Repair lubrication. As a rule, such devices are most often used in pocket watches in order to get them without a key. To work with it, you can use oils MTs-3 or RS-1. But it must be borne in mind that the RS-1 is not used for the entire mechanism, but only for its part. For example, with such oil you can lubricate the transfer lever (a small protrusion in the device). MTs-3 is most suitable for gears, a crown and a pin.
- Lubrication of the switch gear and the descent system. For this procedure, MZP-6 and MBP-12 are used. This oil lubricates the bill and central wheel or its upper part, as well as the descent system. It is worth remembering that MBP-12 does not need to be applied to the trunnions of the anchor fork, because then the clock will stop and will have to be repaired.
- Grease balance stones. In this process, MBP-12 oil or a similar liquid is used. It is important to apply grease before starting the assembly procedure on clean stones without mud coating.
And most importantly, when performing all of the above operations, it is worth carefully monitoring the amount of oil. Too much grease can damage the watch and will have to be repaired. The recommended amount of fluid in the grease fitting is 1/3 of the height of the appliance.