Clock oil

[Robert Horneman]

What is the difference between Etsyntha 859 and Nye 140-B synthetic clock oil? Where should each be used?

 

[Kevin W.]

You can google both and see what is said about them. Other than the prices, i myself would just go with the Nye synthetic oil.

 

[R. Croswell]

What is the difference between Etsyntha 859 and Nye 140-B synthetic clock oil? Where should each be used?

Etsyntha 859 uses a different chemistry from other synthetic oils. It is reportedly incompatible with other clock oils. Use if you are reoiling Hermle movements that have never been cleaned or oiled with anything else. If you are oiling anything else, you should clean the movement thouroughly before oiling with Etsyntha 859. Nye 140 is a good general use clock oil and reasonably priced. Hermle movements come oiled with Etsyntha 859 and I would say stick with what the factory used. Nye 140 should work OK in Hermle movements if you completely remove the factory Etsyntha 859 first, but why change? Cost of clock oil is really not a big consideration because, so little is required.

I use Etsyntha 859 on Herlmle movements, Nye 140 on small movements and small pivots, and Mobil-1 (zero)-W20 on larger movements. Everyone seems to have their own favorite.

RC