Placing a new mainspring

[Khan]

Hi

Are new mainsprings already lubricated and ready to be pushed in the barrel by hand?

[MrRoundel]

Yes, I believe that this is usually the case. NOS may not be lubricated, but I have read that new production mainsprings don't need to be oiled/greased. And yes, when they are contained within the aluminum ring, they should drop into the barrel. Just make sure you know which way it goes in so you don't have to take it out and wind it in. Good luck.

 

 

[JohnR725]

as long as you're talking about a standard Swiss end mainspring you can just shove it in. if it's an automatic watch you still need the breaking grease on the barrel wall.

the lubrication is always an interesting subject. Some of the old package actually say that their self lubricating. Others will indicate the metal slide effortlessly and don't need lubrication. But typically standard operating practice on modern mainsprings that you don't have to worry about lubricating the spring itself.

Which then brings up the amusing thing of students in watch schools are taught how to lubricate mainsprings?