When servicing old Pocket Watches, Traditional or Moder Oils

[Paul80]

Hi all

As subject really but when servicing old Pocket Watches, especially low end models with metal bushes (Jewels) and pin pallets is it best to use a more tradional oil as the manufacturer used ie D5 and 8000 or is it better to use their modern synthetic equivalent ie HP 1300 & 9010

Thanks

Paul

[mbwatch]

No reason not to use modern synthetic oils. They will perform as well or better, and they will last longer. One thing to watch for when the train pivots are not jeweled - old watches tend to have worn out and egg-shaped pivot holes with excessive sideshake. Light oil like 9010 can run right out of them - they do a poor job retaining lubrication in the oil sink. If I find that happening and cannot close the pivot hole adequately, I may go to HP1300 for all of the train except the escape wheel since it stays in place a little better.