Is it reliable to say that the watch is maintained every 3-5 years?
How often should a mechanical watch be cleaned and maintained? There are different opinions on the answer. The common saying is that it should be maintained once every 3-5 years. However, in fact, there are not a few watches that have not been washed for more than 10 years but still run normally. How often should the correct maintenance cycle be?
In fact, as long as it is a mechanical structure, it is inevitable that regular maintenance and lubrication are required. As for the statement that oil needs to be washed for 3-5 years, it is naturally justified, because the lubricating oil in the movement will gradually dry out with time and produce sludge, which will affect the smoothness of the movement. At this time, oil washing maintenance is required. However, the frequency of oil washing is inconclusive, and it depends on the lubricating oil used and personal wearing conditions.
Generally speaking, the amplitude of the balance wheel when the new watch is full is about 280 to 310 degrees. However, as time goes by, the lubricating oil in the bearing of the travel wheel gradually evaporates, the amplitude becomes smaller and smaller, and the efficiency of power transmission is also reduced. Therefore, it is generally recommended that oil cleaning and maintenance should be performed when the amplitude is lower than 250 degrees. There are also many watches that have not been oil-washed for more than 5 years, and the amplitude can still be maintained above 250 degrees. However, even if it runs normally, it is best not to wash the oil for more than 8 years, so as not to cause damage to the movement.
Wearing conditions will also affect the frequency of oil washing. In principle, the more often worn the watch movement, the easier it is to wear; on the contrary, the less worn it is, the less likely the movement will be worn out, but do not ignore if the watch is left for too long. But don't ignore the situation that the lubricating oil will naturally volatilize if it is put on hold for too long.
In fact, the oil washing of mechanical watches is the same as the need for car maintenance, which is closely related to the conditions of the watch itself and the situation of use. However, in any case, good maintenance habits can add points to the state of the watch and prolong the service life; therefore, it is absolutely beneficial to wash and maintain it once every 3-5 years.
