The oil of the clock is the key to it running properly. You can miss one pivot on the clock and it won't run right. I have read on some sites on the web where some say that there are 100's of places on a clock to oil. Or as the professional's call it "LUBRICATE". Just a big word for oiling. Anyway there is places on the movement that needs oil, and just as many that don't. Oil in the wrong places is just as bad as no oil in the right places. The pivots are what need oil. Think of it as a bearing with no oil. It might run OK for a few days but as the mainsprings start to let down they will not have the power to continue to drive the gear train. Then it stops. A good rule of thumb is every 5 years your clock should be cleaned and oiled, I mean lubricated. The oil is a special type that is very thin. It will only last about 5 years before it starts to break down and metal to metal contact starts to wear on the bushings and the pivots of the clock. That will lead to a higher repair bill. The mainspring on the clock requires a thick lube that is almost like grease. It has to be tough so that when the clock is wound it will not be forced out of the mainsprings. PLEASE don't use WD40. In a bind it will work for a while. But in the long run it will attract every piece of dust and dirt that even gets close to the movement. Then there is the cap of Kerosene in the bottom that Granddad said will keep it running forever. It has the same effect as WD40. Its vapors will coat the clock. Then you have a gummy clock that's even harder to clean. When you pick up your clock ask how often it should be oiled. Most will tell you every year in the effort to try to sell you a little oilier in the hopes you will do it and gum it up so you will be back to get it fixed again. So ask. Just like the old saying. "The only dumb question...I think we all know the rest.