Time Clock for Fleet - managing operations and subsequent catastrophes
In the realm of antique clock restoration, each timepiece presents its own unique challenges. A recent project involved a Fleet Time mantel clock, featuring a walnut finish and a detached glass bezel, which required attention due to mainspring damage. Here's a comprehensive guide to the repair process.
## Tools and Parts Needed: - Mainspring winder - Brass bushing tools (if necessary) - New mainspring - Clock cleaning solutions - Precision screwdrivers
## Steps to Repair:
1. **Disassemble the Clock:** - Remove the clock hands and the dial to access the movement. - Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the clock's back panel or case.
2. **Locate the Mainspring:** - Identify the mainspring within the movement. It is usually coiled around the center of the clock's gear system.
3. **Remove the Damaged Mainspring:** - Carefully unwind the mainspring with a mainspring winder to avoid breakage. - If the spring is broken, remove it completely.
4. **Clean and Inspect the Movement:** - Use clock cleaning solutions to clean the movement and inspect for any other damage.
5. **Replace with a New Mainspring:** - Wind the new mainspring using the mainspring winder. Ensure it is not over-wound. - Secure it into place according to the clock's design.
6. **Reassemble the Clock:** - Reattach the back panel or case. - Reinstall the dial and hands, ensuring proper alignment.
7. **Test the Clock:** - Wind the clock fully and check that it keeps accurate time.
## Additional Tips: - **Use Proper Tools:** Avoid using regular tools that could damage the clock's components. - **Consult a Professional:** If the repair seems too complex, consider consulting a professional clockmaker.
The repair process also involved addressing two troubling issues discovered during disassembly: a misaligned escape wheel and an erratic beat. The focus was on servicing the movement, which was found to be dirty and in need of a good cleaning.
The strike side of the movement required partial disassembly to properly position the star wheel. The escape wheel was moved closer to its correct position using a hammer and punch. After cleaning and bushing work, the rack, snail, levers, and strike hammers/levers were attached.
The erratic beat was caused by a bent escape wheel arbour, which was straightened with care. The movement was tested for two eight-day cycles and is now ready to be returned to its case. However, due to the non-functional movement, the clock case will remain empty.
In the final stages of the repair, the power was let down on the strike side, and the case was stripped, finished, and polished. A Blackforest clock dial and glass were swapped into the reconditioned case, marking the completion of this antique clock's restoration journey.
In the pursuit of restoring vintage mantel clocks like the Fleet Time, one might find the need to incorporate modern gadgets and smart-home-devices to enhance their functionality. For instance, a wireless pendulum synchronizer could be installed to ensure precise timekeeping. Moreover, as technology advances, antique clocks may undergo a transformation, combining traditional aesthetics with contemporary functionality, thereby bridging the gap between the past and the future.
