Can I Oil My Clock or Watch Myself? (And Why You Probably Shouldn’t)
A vintage mantel clock sits on a wooden workbench beside the blog title "Can I Oil My Clock or Watch Myself?" with key points highlighted, illustrating the risks of DIY lubrication and the importance of expert care.
Blog Title:
Can I Oil My Clock or Watch Myself? (And Why You Probably Shouldn’t)
Series: Time Well Spent – Caring for Your Clocks & Watches
By John Haines, Liberty Clock Repair
It’s a question I hear a lot:
“Can I just oil it myself?”
With all the DIY videos online, it’s easy to believe that maintaining a clock or watch at home is just a matter of adding a drop of oil here and there. But when it comes to precision timepieces, even a small mistake can lead to major damage.
Let’s break down why self-oiling isn’t as simple — or safe — as it seems.
🛠️ Why Oil Matters (But Only the Right Way)
Clocks and watches rely on very small, carefully calibrated parts. Proper lubrication:
Reduces friction between moving parts
Extends the life of pivots and bushings
Maintains accurate timekeeping
But too much oil attracts dust and dirt, forming a gritty paste that can grind down gear teeth. Too little oil results in metal-on-metal contact and premature wear.
🚫 Common DIY Mistakes
Here are the most common problems I see from well-meaning owners who tried to oil their clocks or watches themselves:
Using the wrong oil (WD-40 or sewing machine oil is never okay)
Over-oiling (more is not better)
Missing critical lubrication points
Damaging the movement by applying pressure in the wrong place
Oiling without first cleaning — which traps dirt and accelerates wear
Even a good-quality oil won’t help if the old gunk isn’t removed first.
🔍 What Professionals Do Differently
At Liberty Clock Repair, I fully disassemble the movement, clean each part with horological solutions, and then apply oil only where needed — using specialized tools like capillary oilers, magnifiers, and decades of experience.
Lubrication is just one part of a larger process that includes:
Inspection for wear or cracks
Ultrasonic cleaning
Reassembly and regulation
Testing for accuracy over several days
A clock or watch that’s simply “oiled” without this care might run briefly — but it’s not really serviced.
💡 Want to Help Your Timepiece? Here’s What You Can Do:
Keep it in a stable, dry environment
Gently dust the exterior, but avoid getting inside the case
Wind it gently and regularly (if mechanical)
Schedule professional maintenance every few years
🕰️ The Bottom Line
Unless you’ve been trained in horology and have the proper tools, it’s best not to oil your clock or watch yourself. A well-meaning DIY attempt can easily cause hundreds of dollars in damage — or shorten the life of your treasured timepiece.
📫 Need professional service or advice?
I’m here to help. Contact me at second.wind.japan@gmail.com or visit www.LibertyClockRepair.com to book a maintenance visit or ask a question.
Next in the series:
Common Clock Problems and What They Mean
