How To Lubricate A Pocket Watch Main Spring

You should know how to lubricate a pocket watch main spring because it is a vital part of any spring driven clock. Regardless of the size, the process of lubricating the main spring of most mechanical clocks is similar. Before you start this process, you need to determine whether or not you need to lubricate the pocket watch main spring.

Things you will need:

• Jeweler’s screwdriver
• Good hearing

1. First, you will need to find out if the pocket watch main spring needs to be lubricated. Put the watch up to your ear and listen to the clicking. Keep it up to your ear until you hear a snapping sound. Use the jeweler’s screwdrivers to access the components. You will need the screwdrivers for some of the next steps.
2. Remove the back cover of the pocket watch. Some watches require you remove the front panel to get to the clogs and springs.
3. Find the main spring. The largest spring is usually the main spring. You may need to clean the dirt and dust off of it. You can do this with an air duster. Now you can move on to the final step of lubricating the main spring.
4. Put a little amount of lubrication on the main spring. Spread it evenly over the spring. To see if it worked, put the cover back on the pocket watch and wind it up if needed. Now listen to it to see if it is still making the snapping sound. If not then you have successfully lubricated the main spring of a pocket watch.

Note: Teflon is used in most new watches. If the springs are Teflon, then they do not need to be lubricated.