GREASES, OILS, AND ADHESIVES

Greases and oils are primarily used for lubrication. Grease is notably thicker than oils, which also come in different viscosities. In watchmaking, lubrication becomes more fluid as one moves away from the mainspring barrel and closer to the balance wheel. It starts with grease and ends with the thinnest oils.

Grease is sometimes used as a protective layer to prevent oxidation. For example, on a lathe.

Adhesive and abrasive pastes, on the other hand, are mainly used for polishing. It can also involve what might paradoxically be called “matte polishing.” The Diamantine abrasive paste, used for achieving the highest quality of polishing known as black polish, often consists of diamond powder mixed with olive oil.

In the past, watchmakers took advantage of the winter cold. They placed their oil bottles outside, to separate the liquid inside into thicker and thinner oils.

OILS

Oils reduce friction between moving parts. In watchmaking, the rubies from the wheels and pinions are oiled. Oils are important in watches because they allow the parts to function properly, reduce operating losses and reduce wear.