Lubricating Oils, Grade and Function Question

[GMTJOHNNY]

Being a chemist, I understand different grades of lubricating oils are used on different parts of the watch.

Typically what are the oils used? Naturally derived, synthetic?

I assumed natural because of the mention of oxidation and "becoming thick with age and exposure to air".

Any references, websites, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

[oneillba]

Well, I know what oils aren't being used. I was at my AD on Saturday sending my Rollie off to get serviced by the RSC. Anyway, we got to talking about old pocket watches and how when you open some of the old ones you get an unusual smell... yes, old time sperm whale oil! Things have come a long way since those old days. I have a bottle of sperm whale oil from some old gun cleaning kits from yesteryear. I'm sure some of the forum's experts can help you on your technical aspects. Me, I just liike to add color comments to the posts whenever I can.

[abigsecret]

Hi Johnny

They do use synthetic oils inside the movement.
Here's a link with which kind they use (some of them have changed by now, but most of them are still the same.)

http://www.horologist.com/rolex_lubrication.htm

[GMTJOHNNY]

Thanks for the web link!
Way more information than I expected!!
Should have gone into this business years ago....All my Rolexes would have been "right offs"!

[oneillba]

abigsecret, thanks. a very informative site.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

You sure know how to pour oil on troubled waters, Mireyna!

[Lol-x]

I guess a lot of us are guilty of thinking that lubricating a watch is like changing the oil in a car.

Well it isn't, it's more like totally striping the engine under a microscope, checking each part for microscopic wear and tear. Relubing every microscopic part with 1 of about 6 or so different kinds of lube and putting it back together so that it keeps 99.999% accuracy, running 24/7 over the next 5 or so years.

Man that is truely amazing

[Jedi]

Great link, thanks Mireyna.

Edit to add: Have you used their services or know of someone who has?

[Bobareno]

Thanks for the info.

[MrClean]

Originally Posted by oneillba

Well, I know what oils aren't being used. I was at my AD on Saturday sending my Rollie off to get serviced by the RSC. Anyway, we got to talking about old pocket watches and how when you open some of the old ones you get an unusual smell... yes, old time sperm whale oil! Things have come a long way since those old days. I have a bottle of sperm whale oil from some old gun cleaning kits from yesteryear. I'm sure some of the forum's experts can help you on your technical aspects. Me, I just liike to add color comments to the posts whenever I can.

interesting, i remember an aerosol sperm whale oil for motorcycle chains being offered up thru mid 1970s