What is the average shelf life of watch oil. Such as Moebius 8000/4 or other watch oils? I opened a tiny bottle of Moebius and it was like tar but it also was about 10 years old. I currently use a synthetic oil formulated for the USAF turbine bearings. I am having no problems with it staying where I put it. It does not weep or run on the Piller plate or any other parts. Temperature does not effect it and it has an anti jell effect built into it. And it's only $6.00 an ounce. It's about 15 in viscosity.
I got curious about shelf life after I learned that Shellac has a shelf life. I have discussed this oil with a higher power in the club and he loves the stuff. What oil do you use? Do you use a different oil for different parts like Hairspring oil and Main spring oil and pivot oil and stem grease?

What oil do you use? Do you use a different oil for different parts like Hairspring oil and Main spring oil and pivot oil and stem grease?

Pat what do you use to oil hairsprings?

Just ordered my first set of oils. They're non-synthetic (organic? Mineral?), but they're rated for 3 year shelf life. I'm guessing they'll go bad before I use them up.

Moebius rates their synthetics for 6 yrs.

I'm guessing both shelf lives are very conservative, since watches can go 5 to 10 years before cleaning an oiling.

I agree with Evan on the shelf lives.

Below is how I’ll oil the next watch I COA and the Mobius 9020 was just purchased to use in some areas that were previously getting 9010, D-5, or light clock oil. The oils will be adjusted as needed. I’m only a hobbyist and would also like to learn what members use especially the experienced watchmakers.

RR

Mainspring- Mainspring grease: Mobius 8200
Barrel arbor- Pressure resistant oil such as Mobius Microgliss D-5
Center wheel pivots- Fine watch oil: Mobius 9020
Third wheel pivots- Fine watch oil: Mobius 9020
Forth wheel pivots- Fine watch oil: Mobius 9020
Escape wheel pivots- Fine watch oil: Mobius 9010
Pallet arbor pivots- Fine watch oil: Mobius 9010
Balance pivots- Fine watch oil: Mobius 9010
Pallet stones- Fine watch oil or preferably Mobius 941 escapement oil
Crown wheel- Pressure resistant oil such as Mobius Microgliss D-5
Click- Fine watch oil: Mobius 9020
Stem pilot, square and bearing- Thick grease like KT-22
Clutch wheel and winding pinion ratchet teeth- Thick grease like KT-22
Yoke pivot- Pressure resistant oil such as Mobius Microgliss D-5
Yoke/setting lever fiction surfaces- Thick grease like KT-22
Set bridge (set lever spring) Thick grease like KT-22
Setting wheel pivot point- Light clock oil: Mobius 9020
Cannon pinion outside surface- light clock oil: Mobius 9020
Cannon pinion/center shaft friction surfaces- Thick grease like KT-22

Hairspring???

Yea, hairspring? I manage to oil them but not on purpose.
Which brings me to my question. How do you oil the balance cock jewel without removing the balance wheel?

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Which brings me to my question. How do you oil the balance cock jewel without removing the balance wheel?

You could, but it isnt recommended as something is bound to be damaged. Thats because the upper balance jewel and cap jewel should be removed from the balance cock to be cleaned. Leaving the jewels in place makes it impossible to clean out the old oil/dried oil/dirt between the balance and cap jewel.
Then a drop of oil is applied to the cap jewel before it is reinserted after cleaning. Getting those jewels in and out with an attached balance wheel would be near impossible without damaging the hairspring or possibly the rest of the balance as they most often need to be pushed out.

Thanks Jim,
I figured this was the proper answer. I find this to be one of the most difficult in disassembly.

quote:

I currently use a synthetic oil formulated for the USAF turbine bearings.

David, As I stated in the above I currently use an USAF turbine oil
for all parts except the Main spring. For it I use a mobius MS oil or grease; pressure points, stems I use the MS oil.