Lubricating the Seiko 4R36 movement may seem intimidating, but with the right tools and techniques, you can keep your watch running smoothly for years to come. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the lubrication process.
Table of Contents
Introduction to the Seiko 4R36 Movement
The Seiko 4R36 is an automatic mechanical watch movement with hand winding and hacking seconds. It oscillates at 21,600 vibrations per hour (6 beats per second) and contains 24 jewels.
Some key features of the 4R36:
- Bi-directional winding rotor
- Manual winding capability
- Hacking seconds for precise time setting
- Parashock shock absorption system
- Diashock jeweled bearings
The 4R36 is a workhorse movement found in many of Seiko’s mid-range automatic watches. While a robust and reliable caliber, it does require periodic lubrication every 3-5 years to keep parts moving smoothly and reduce wear.
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When to Lubricate the 4R36 Movement
Synthetic oils used to lubricate watch movements degrade over time. As the oil thins out, metal parts are not adequately separated, leading to increased friction and component wear.
Signs that your Seiko 4R36 movement needs fresh lubrication:
- Watch is running fast/slow or has poor accuracy
- Seconds hand stutters or jumps inconsistently
- Rotor feels tight or gritty when winding
- Increased winding noise from mainspring
- Resistance when setting the hands
Using quality lubricants and properly cleaning/lubricating the movement every 3-5 years will maximize performance and extend service intervals. Better to be proactive than wait until major repairs are needed!
Tools and Supplies Needed
Lubricating the intricate 4R36 movement requires specialized tools, a steady hand, and patience. Here are the essential items needed:
- Set of quality JIS screwdrivers for removing caseback and disassembling
- Movement holder to securely grip mechanism
- Pair of tweezers for disassembly
- Ultrasonic cleaner with detergent solution to clean parts
- High-quality watchmaker’s oils like Mobius 9010 or equivalent
- Oilers/needle applicators to apply lubricants
- Grease to lubricate barrel arbor
- Pallets stones and jeweling cement (if replacing escapement jewels)
- Dust blower and rodico putty for cleaning
- Loupe to inspect parts for wear at high magnification
Quality tools and proper technique will ensure a smooth lubrication process without damaging any fragile components.
Disassembling the Watch
Once you have all the required tools, supplies, and a clean workspace, follow these steps to fully disassemble the watch down to the core movement:
- Remove caseback using a caseback ball or JIS driver.
- Release the stem and crown by pressing the small tab inward and pulling out.
- Remove the winding rotor by unscrewing the retaining screw in the center.
- Unscrew and remove the black plastic autowinding mechanism cover.
- Remove the winding rotor setting wheel located under the autowinding cover.
- Unscrew and remove the ratchet wheel on the main plate.
- Remove the click spring next to the ratchet wheel.
- Remove the calendar mechanism date dial and date driving wheel components.
- Remove the dial and hands from the front of the movement using dial protectors.
- Unscrew and remove the balance cock to release the balance wheel assembly.
- Unscrew the barrel bridge and main plate screws and carefully separate the two main plates.
Slow and careful disassembly will prevent losing any small screws or components. Now the movement is ready for cleaning and inspection.
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Cleaning the Movement
Before lubricating the movement, all parts must be thoroughly cleaned of old degraded oil, residue, and grime:
- Place all parts from disassembly into an ultrasonic cleaner with detergent solution for 5-10 minutes. The ultrasonic vibration and detergent will remove most surface contaminants.
- Carefully remove each part from the cleaner and inspect under a loupe. Use a soft brush and rodico putty to remove any remaining dirt and residue.
- Blow dust away using a dust blower. Repeat ultrasonic cleaning if needed until all parts are spotless.
- For pivots, pallet jewels, and other sensitive areas, use a pivoting tool or wooden stick to carefully avoid damage when cleaning.
Thorough cleaning is critical prior to adding fresh lubricants. Any dirt or residue can contaminate movement lubrication and potentially increase wear.
Lubricating the Main Bearings and Wheels
Once cleaned, it’s time to apply fresh high-quality lubricants to the 4R36 movement. Here are the key areas that need lubrication:
Barrel and Mainspring
- Apply heavy gauge grease to the barrel arbor where it contacts the mainplate. This reduces friction when winding the mainspring.
Third Wheel, Fourth Wheel, Escape Wheel
- Apply light oil to the pivots of the third wheel (center wheel), fourth wheel, and escape wheel. 1-2 tiny drops is sufficient.
Pallet Bridge Jewels
- Carefully lubricate the pallet fork slots and impulse pin with oil using an oiler.
- Lightly oil the pallet bridge jewels where the lever fork contacts.
Balance Assembly
- Oil balance wheel bearings and cap jewel pivot points.
- Avoid getting oil on the hairspring as this will impair oscillation. Use a pin or wooden stick when oiling balance pivots.
Take your time and apply the minimal amount of lubricant needed. Adding too much oil can do more harm than good!
Lubricating the Escapement
The precision of any watch movement comes down to the delicate escapement. This controls the release of energy from the mainspring to the balance wheel, discharging it in intervals to produce constant oscillations.
Here are tips for properly lubricating the 4R36 escapement:
- Use oil designed specifically for escapements like Mobius 9010 on all contact surfaces. Regular watch oil is too viscous.
- Apply the thinnest coating possible on escape wheel teeth, pallet stones, pallet bridge jewels.
- Avoid getting lubricant on the flat surfaces of the lever fork or escape wheel. This will attract excess dust.
- If the pallet stones are worn, replace them and secure with jewelers cement applied via a wooden stick. Let dry fully before reassembly.
Correct oiling is critical for the escapement to unlock smoothly and efficiently. Take your time and inspect your work under high magnification.
Reassembling the Watch
After fully cleaning and lubricating the movement, reassemble in the reverse order of disassembly:
- Gently wipe down components with a lint-free cloth before reinstalling to remove any residual oil or dust.
- Install the barrel, mainspring, and main plates, being careful with alignment and tightening down screws evenly.
- Replace the autowinding module, rotor, ratchet wheel and click spring.
- Reattach the balance assembly, train wheels, calendar mechanism and dial/hands.
- Reset the stem and crown, ensuring the movement operates smoothly.
- Test power reserve by winding the mainspring about 25 turns via the crown.
- Replace the caseback using a waterproofing gasket seal.
Take your time during reassembly, periodically testing operation between steps. Reference your disassembly notes/photos if needed.
Testing for Accuracy
Once fully reassembled, test the freshly lubricated movement:
- Check that the movement winds smoothly without grittiness.
- Allow the mainspring to run down observing that the seconds hand moves smoothly without jumping.
- Wind the mainspring about 25 turns and confirm the movement has a solid 40+ hour power reserve.
- Time the movement for accuracy on a timegrapher. Well lubricated 4R36 movements should achieve +/- 12 seconds per day dial up.
- Ensure correct calendar changeover and hand alignment in all positions.
Meticulous testing validates that lubrication was done properly before relying on it for daily wear again.
Dos and Don’ts of Lubricating the 4R36 Movement
Pros
- Use the correct high viscosity oil for gear trains and lighter oil for escapements
- Apply the minimal amount of lubricant needed
- Use a wooden peg to apply oil to cap jewels and escapement stones
- Keep pivots and pivot holes perfectly clean before re-assembling
- Take your time and avoid rushing while disassembling components
Cons
- Allow dirt or lint to contaminate lubricants or parts
- Damage the hairspring while oiling the balance assembly
- Apply excess lubricant which will attract debris over time
- Bend or distort parts through careless handling during disassembly
- Re-use old degraded oils which have lost their lubricating properties
Frequently Asked Questions
What lubricants should be used on the 4R36?
High quality watch oils like Mobius 9010 for the gear train and escapement. Use heavy viscous grease on the mainspring barrel arbor.
How often does the movement need to be serviced?
Every 3-5 years is recommended if used as a daily wear watch. Less frequent if not worn all the time.
What are common failure points of the 4R36?
Excess wear of the pallet stones and pivots which disrupts the escapement. Contaminated or degraded lubrication can also cause issues over time.
Is the 4R36 easy to service at home?
Intermediate skill is required. Proper tools and taking your time disassembling/reassembling delicate components is key.
How do you know when the 4R36 needs servicing?
Inaccurate timekeeping, stuttering seconds hand, gritty feeling when hand winding. Servicing as preventative maintenance is best practice.
Can a beginner service their Seiko 4R36 movement?
It’s not recommended. Mis-handling of small parts or improper lubrication technique by a beginner can cause significant damage. Experience working on movements is advised.
Final Thoughts
Lubricating the intricate Seiko 4R36 caliber by hand is a rewarding process that breathes new life into your watch. While requiring tools, patience, and skill, the ability to maintain your own timepieces is invaluable for any watch enthusiast.
By using quality lubricants, methodically disassembling the movement, thoroughly cleaning all components, and properly applying fresh oil, you can optimize this high-beat workhorse Seiko movement for precision timekeeping.
While a delicate procedure, don’t be intimidated to DIY. Take your time, work carefully under good lighting, follow along with these steps, and you’ll have a smooth-running 4R36 watch for years to come. Just be sure to grab some JIS screwdrivers and a loupe, and enjoy the zen-like process of lubricating your Seiko timepiece!