Molly Ayala
Timex electric watches are known for their durability and longevity, but even these timepieces require occasional maintenance to keep them in optimal condition. One aspect of watch care that is often overlooked is lubrication. Proper lubrication of the internal mechanisms is essential to ensure smooth movements and reduce friction on delicate parts. While modern Timex watches have permanent lubricating coatings, vintage Timex watches may require additional lubrication to function correctly. This guide will explore the steps involved in lubricating a Timex electric watch, including disassembly, cleaning, and the application of lubricants to the appropriate areas. We will also discuss the recommended frequency of lubrication and provide insights into troubleshooting common issues associated with these timepieces.
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning a Timex watch with lighter fluid
Timex watches are designed to be easy to clean, requiring little disassembly. They also have a permanent coating on the mainspring that both lubricates and protects from rust. This means that Timex watches can be cleaned in a machine without harm, unlike other brands.
To clean a Timex watch with lighter fluid, one method is to place a small pool of lighter fluid in an old but clean white saucer. Straddle the watch over the pool of fluid and leave it overnight. The lighter fluid will attract the muck, grit, and grime, and the watch will be ticking over regularly and smoothly afterward.
Another method is to add a small drop of lighter fluid to the mainspring. This will dissolve the thickened oil in the mainspring, and your watch will start keeping perfect time again.
Yet another method is to snap off the back of the watch, squirt it full of lighter fluid, shake it to spread it around, and snap the back on.
You can also use lighter fluid as a rinse after cleaning your Timex watch with household ammonia.
When cleaning your watch, it is important to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the finish of certain materials. You should also detach the watch's strap to make it easier to clean both the strap and case.
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Oiling pivot points
To oil the pivot points of a Timex electric watch, you will first need to disassemble the watch. This involves removing the dial, which can be done by bending the tabs that hold the dial in place. Be careful not to bend these tabs too much, as they can become brittle and break. If you need to remove the dial again, try to remember to bend different tabs.
Once the dial is removed, you can access the pivot points. Apply a small amount of watch oil to a thin tool, such as a toothpick, and carefully lubricate each pivot point. Be sure to oil all of the pivot points and moving parts before replacing the dial.
It is important to note that the process of disassembling and oiling a watch may vary depending on the specific model and age of your Timex electric watch. Some older Timex watches may require a complete teardown, while others may only need partial disassembly. Additionally, some sources suggest using lighter fluid or naphtha to clean the watch movement before oiling. Always exercise caution when handling lighter fluid and other chemicals, and be sure to work in a well-ventilated area.
Regularly winding your Timex electric watch will help to distribute the lubricant and ensure smooth movements. It is recommended to wind your watch daily if worn every day, or at least once a month if worn less frequently. If you notice that your watch needs winding more often than usual, it may be time for a service.
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Removing the dial
To remove the dial from a Timex electric watch, you will need to carefully bend the tabs holding the dial in place. On a Timex, the dial is usually held on by tabs that bend over the movement plate. It is important to bend these tabs as little as possible, and you can typically remove the dial while only bending two tabs. If you need to remove the dial again in the future, try to remember to bend different tabs.
Using a screwdriver, gently push the tip between the tab and the plate. Then, lever the feet upwards so that they sit at a 90-degree angle to the dial. This will release the dial and allow you to remove it.
If your watch is a vintage Timex, the process may be slightly different. Vintage Timex watches often have three dial feet, which are small tabs that poke through holes on the movement's top plate and are bent over to secure the dial in place. These tabs can become brittle and break off if they are overused, so be careful when removing them.
To remove the dial on a vintage Timex, simply push the tip of a screwdriver between the tab and the plate. Then, lever the feet upwards to a 90-degree angle, just like with a modern Timex.
It is worth noting that some people choose to remove the movement from the case before cleaning it. This involves taking out the whole movement and soaking it in a shallow bath of cleaning fluid. However, this is not necessary for all Timex watches, and you can decide whether to remove the movement based on your specific watch's needs.
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Winding the watch
Winding a Timex watch is essential for keeping it ticking. It gives the mechanisms momentum to rotate the hands around the clock face, ensuring the timepiece stays on time. Winding also ensures that the lubricants within the mechanisms are evenly spread, reducing friction on the delicate parts.
If your Timex watch is a manual wind model, it will need to be wound regularly. If worn daily, it should be wound each day, and if worn less frequently, a monthly winding should suffice. Incorporating winding into your morning routine is a good habit to get into.
If your Timex watch is an automatic model, a watch winder can be used to keep it running smoothly.
To wind a Timex watch, you will need to release the tension in the mainspring. This will allow the cleaning solution to penetrate and clean any gunk sticking the coils of the spring together. Insert the crown back into the movement to secure it and prevent the mainspring from becoming fully unwound too quickly, which could damage it. You will need a firm grip to slowly let the spring down.
To release the tension, you must first locate the "click". This is a small component that prevents the mainspring from unwinding, usually found on the dial side of the movement. Hold the movement with one hand and the crown with the other, and use your thumb to push the "click" into an extended position. Now, slowly let the stem unwind. If you begin to lose your grip, let go of the "click" while you regain your hold.
If your Timex watch is a vintage model from before 1961, be aware that these watches use full brass movements and may require a complete teardown for servicing.
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When to service your Timex watch
While cleaning your Timex watch is fairly straightforward, servicing is best done by a qualified repair shop. Timex watches are important to their owners, and the sentimental value often outweighs the monetary value. Expert watchmakers can ensure that your watch can be worn for many years to come.
Depending on how often you wear your watch, you should clean it regularly, aiming for at least every few weeks. You can bring your watch to a professional for servicing every few years. They can perform thorough maintenance and ensure that the internal mechanisms are properly lubricated and functioning correctly.
If you wear your watch daily, wind it each day. If you wear it less frequently, wind it monthly. If you notice that your watch needs to be wound more often than normal, it might be time for a service. No matter how often you clean and wind your watch, the internal mechanisms occasionally need more specific care.
If your Timex watch has a battery, it will need to be changed every 1-3 years on average, unless your watch starts acting differently, such as losing time or dying prematurely. A dead watch battery needs to be replaced as soon as possible to prevent it from leaking and corroding the delicate inner workings of your timepiece.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to lubricate your watch every few years when you bring it in for servicing.
If your watch is losing time or not working correctly, it may be time for a service, which includes lubrication.
Depending on how often you wear your watch, it is recommended to clean it every few weeks.
You will need a soft cloth, mild soap or specialised watch cleaner, a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush, and lukewarm water.
First, remove the watch from your wrist. Then, detach the watch strap and use your soft cloth, lukewarm water, and mild soap or specialised watch cleaner to gently clean the strap and case.
