Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick Hacko
Inside the watch 'things' move, but the oil actually does nor 'circulate'.
The amount of oil required to lubricate and reduce friction between moving part
is actually very, very small.
After 4-5 years oil basically 'dries out' - it no longer stays where it is supposed to stay -
between pivots and bearings. It really does not matter if watch is running or not,
the oil simply no longer act as lubricant.
Suppose you decide not to service the watch after that period but instead continue to wear/ wind it.
From that moment on, the watch is actually 'running on dry'.
Both larger and smaller components are affected, but usually components in the middle of the gear train
suffer the most because they turn relatively fast and are close to source of power (mainspring).
This could go on for another 5-6 years. Surprisingly enough most watches not only run on dry but actually still keep reasonably good time. (The only indication of stage 2 is low power reserve).
In stage 3, metal particles and dust are grinding away finely polished pivots and jewels. After 15 years with no cleaning and lubrication, most pivots, jewels, balance staff, centre wheel and cannon pinion, barrel and barrel arbour, rotor post and auto wheels are worn out and although your watch is still ticking (+/- 30 sec per day) the damage is done.
This damage is now permanent and irreversible and cleaning and oiling alone would no longer be sufficient
to restore the movement to chrono specification.
In reality most watch owners could not care less. They are like chain smokers who no longer
pay attention to grim TV anti-smoking ads. "If it aint brkoe dont fix it".
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Thanks!!! for the clarification, my thoughts now [as its time related not useage] might as well wear and enjoy it 24/7 come rain shine and "patina"
come 5 years still gonna need a service even if its not really been "worn" !!!! as a watch should and enjoyed otherwise whats the point of firstly a "nice watch " secondly , WELL actually dont think there is a secondly!!!!
steve