watch oil and clock oil life

[MWNAWR]

I have bottles of watch and clock oil. Three years. Is it perfectly fine for use ?

[Geo]

If they were new when you bought them there won't be a problem.

[canthus]

Mineral oil should be ok for 5yrs and synthetic for 10 years providing:-

Keep in sealed container, preferably glass.  Metal containers may deplete any anti-corrosion, passivating additives in the oil. Plastic maybe ok but some oils will react with plastic so best avoided.

Keep stored in cool, dark place which stays fairly constant  (heat will oxidise the oil  quicker and very cold may cause water crystals as most oils have some very low levels of water in them).

Try and keep the container as full as possible to reduce the amount of air (the air will enable oxidation).  I always store mine upside down to avoid ingress of air through the cap, (the air could be moist), believe it or not air will get in as the temps change and the air 'pumps' in and out but the oil will not leak out !!  As long as the cap is covered internally with oil then this is ok.

Pour or drip the oil out when required and avoid putting anything in the oil as this will likely introduce dirt.

High quality oils should last longest.

[MWNAWR]

Many thanks indeed as I was worried that using the oil would ruin my repairs. I will keep the bottles upside down, and store as advised.