Basic Pocket Watch Care

Antique pocket watches are great collectibles and heirlooms.  They were built long before “planned obsolesce” was thought of, and by observing a few basic principles you can preserve the value of your mechanical treasure.  Future generations will thank you for your diligence.

1. First of all, do not walk across the room carrying a pocket watch in your hand.  If you stumble or drop it, the shock will damage your watch.  Assuming the watch is not beyond repair, you can end up with an expensive bill from the watchmaker.  Put the watch in your pocket or in a protective case before transporting anywhere.
2. Putting an antique pocket watch in a box or case and forgetting about it is not the best way to care for it.  These watches are not hermetically sealed.  As temperatures fluctuate, dust is pulled into the watch thickening the oil until the watch can no longer run.  The solution is to have the watch serviced every 18 to 24 months.  Your watchmaker will disassemble the works and agitate the parts in a cleaning solution.  Then he will reassemble the watch, lubricate it, and regulate it.  This service is a lot cheaper than a repair bill and it will keep your watch in top condition.
3. Just like you, (but not as often as you) your watch needs occasional exercise.  If it is left in one position the works will eventually “settle” and the watch could refuse to run even though it was cleaned within the past year.  Wind the watch and let it run at least every three months.  Run it on its back, with the face down, on its left side, right side, straight up, and upside down.  For a pocket watch to remain in good health it needs to be run occasionally in all six positions.
4. If you have an open face watch, carry it in your pocket with the dial away from your body.  This is not the most convenient way to carry a watch but if you smack into something or something smacks into your watch, a broken crystal is a lot cheaper to replace than it is for a watchmaker to try to get the dents out of a case.
5. This may seem obvious to you, but not store your watch in the barn, the garage, or the attic. Even though it is made of metal does not mean it can endure extreme environments.  The house or a bank box is a good place where your watch will not experience extremes in temperature and humidity.

October News

In case you have not yet heard, we lost a leader and a friend when Carl Quackenbush passed in August of this year.  He touched many lives in a positive way and his absence has left a hole that is difficult to fill.  The most important thing we can do is remember Wanita and his family in our thoughts and prayers.

As for the November meeting, we are in need of a topic and presenter.  Carl Barton graciously offered to fill the need but will be having surgery shortly before the meeting and will now have to postpone his presentation on Railway Watches.  If you have an idea for a topic, please consider making a presentation on it.  If you feel that you don't know the material well enough, I guarantee you that there is no way better to learn the material than to make a presentation on it.  Just pick something that interests you and give me a call at 931-922-2345 or email me at dixiechapter16@gmail.com.

Also, the December meeting will include another horological trivia quiz made famous by Gil Shumaker.  Please send me your favorite horological question (and answer) and increase your odds of winning the quiz. Who couldn't use a little extra Christmas money?

How to Care for Your Shelf Clock

A Place for Your Clock

Your shelf (or mantel) clock should be located in a place in your home that is free of extremes in temperature or humidity. For this reason, do not set your clock above or beside a fireplace, stove, or other source of home heating. Do not place the clock where it will be subjected to direct sunlight or drafts.

Leveling the Clock

In order for you clock to continue to run, it must be level.  Make sure that the surface on which your clock sets is level.  You may need to raise one side of the clock with thin cardboard to achieve this.  A small spirit level (or bubble level) will help with this task.

Hanging the Pendulum

After your clock is in a safe and level location, the pendulum may be installed. Open the case a look for a rod in the center of the clock with a hook at the bottom end. Hang the pendulum on this hook.

Remove the pendulum before moving the clock to another location. The pendulum bob is heavy and can damage the clock if allowed to swing freely.

Winding the Clock

Depending upon whether your clock is spring or weight driven, use the following instructions that are appropriate to your clock.

• Key wound
  The direction in which to turn its mainspring arbors will depend upon your clock. You will hear clicking when you are turning it in the correct direction. Do not attempt to force the key as this will damage your clock.
• Spring driven
  Unlike a watch, a spring-driven clock can be wound without fear of overwinding. Wind each arbor until the key stops.
• Weight driven
  Slow down as the weight approaches the top. As soon as you hear the weight bump against the top, STOP. Further winding will jam the weight and put tension on the clock that will prohibit it from running. Under no condition attempt to pull the weight down. This can severely damage to your clock. Get a clockmaker to lower the weight for you.

Setting the Time

Rotate the minute hand clockwise until you arrive at the current time. Each time the clock begins to chime, pause until the chiming stops. Continued turning of the minute hand while the clock is chiming will put the chime out of synchronization with the time of the clock.

If your clock chimes on the quarter hour, do not reverse the minute hand past the 3, 6, 9, or 12 hour markers on the dial.  If it chimes on the half hour, do not try to reverse the minute hand past the 6 or 12.  If it only chimes on the hour, do not try to push the minute hand backwards past the 12.  As soon as you feel resistance in turning the minute hand backwards, STOP. Forcing the minute hand backwards can damage your clock.

Starting the Clock

After the clock is wound and the time is set, you can start the clock by putting the pendulum in motion. This is done by giving the pendulum a small push to one side.  For a smaller clock with no front door, you may find it easier to pick up one end of the clock to give the pendulum a small swing. Make sure this action is smooth and gentle.

Adjusting for Accurate Timekeeping

After you have started your clock, you may discover that it is running too fast or slow. You can improve the accuracy of your clock by following this procedure: After a week's time (or sooner if the clock is gaining or losing time rapidly), compare its time with that of an accurate time source. This source may be an electric clock or a quartz watch. If your clock's incorrect you may adjust its speed using one of the following appropriate methods.

• Using the key for the speed arbor, turn the arbor toward the "F" is the clock is running slow or toward the "S" if the clock is running too fast.
• Turn the knurled wheel on the pendulum to the left if the clock is running to fast or to the right if the clock is running too slow.

Reset the hands to the correct time and let the clock run for another week without further correction. As the clock's time becomes more accurate, your adjustments will become smaller. Each time you make an adjustment, make a note of it (1/4 turn, 1/2 turn, 1mm, etc.). Keeping track of your changes will help you achieve the best accuracy your clock can provide.

Don't expect your mechanical clock to be as accurate as a quartz watch. If your clock is accurate within two minutes for a week, you have a well regulated clock. Simply nudge the minute hand to the correct time when needed or when you wind the clock.

Increasing Your Clock's Lifespan

Like any mechanical device, your clock will need periodic maintenance. After fives years, the oil will be oxidized and dirty and will no longer protect the clock's metal parts. Just like on your car, replacing oil is a lot cheaper than replacing parts. Unlike your car, with proper maintenance your clock can easily provide good service to many generations.

How to Care for Your Grandfather Clock

A Place for Your Clock

Your grandfather clock should be located in a place in your home that is free of extremes in temperature or humidity. For this reason, do not set it beside a fireplace, stove, or other source of home heating. Do not place it where it will be subjected to direct sunlight or drafts.

Leveling the Clock

Some grandfather clocks have screw-threaded leveling feet that allow you to raise or lower a corner of the clock case by turning the foot.  The clock should be level front to back and side to side.  A small leveling tool (or spirit level) may be set on the door frame or flat cornice to help achieve this.  Fine adjustments leveling may be needed up at the movement so that the clock does not stop after a few minutes.  Your clockmaker should help you with this.

Hanging the Pendulum

Grandfather clocks have a variety of designs for hanging the pendulum.  Most pendulums are suspended from a "crutch" or a fork on the back of the movement.  If a clockmaker sets up the clock for you, you will not have to worry about how the pendulum is suspended.

Always remove the pendulum before moving the clock to another location. The pendulum bob is heavy and can damage the clock if allowed to swing freely when moving the cabinet.

Hanging the Weights

The weights on most grandfather clocks vary in weight depending upon which "train" of wheels they are driving.  Sometimes, the weights are labeled on the bottom "L", "C", or "R" (left, center, and right) to help you position them on the correct chain.

Always remove the weights before moving a grandfather clock.  Free-swinging weight during the moving of a grandfather clock can break glass or damage the cabinet.

Winding the Clock

The chains must be pulled straight down; not at at an angle. Pulling the chains toward you can cause them to slip out of their ratchet wheel.

Slow down as the weight approaches the top. As soon as you hear the weight bump against the top, STOP. Further winding will jam the weight and put tension on the clock that will prohibit it from running. Under no condition attempt to pull the weight down. This can severely damage to your clock. Get a clockmaker to lower the weight for you.

Setting the Time

Rotate the minute hand clockwise until you arrive at the current time. Each time the clock begins to chime, pause until the chiming stops. Continued turning of the minute hand while the clock is chiming will put the chime out of synchronization with the time of the clock.  Some of the modern grandfather clocks are able to re-sync themselves after an hour.  Ask your clockmaker for guidance on your clock.

If your clock chimes on the quarter hour, do not reverse the minute hand past the 3, 6, 9, or 12 hour markers on the dial.  If it chimes on the half hour, do not try to reverse the minute hand past the 6 or 12.  If it only chimes on the hour, do not try to push the minute hand backwards past the 12.  As soon as you feel resistance in turning the minute hand backwards, STOP. Forcing the minute hand backwards can damage your clock.

Starting the Clock

After the clock is wound and the time is set, you can start the clock by putting the pendulum in motion. This is done by giving the pendulum a small push to one side.

Adjusting for Accurate Timekeeping

After you have started your clock, you may discover that it is running too fast or slow. You can improve the accuracy of your clock by following this procedure: After a week's time (or sooner if the clock is gaining or losing time rapidly), compare its time with that of an accurate time source. This source may be an electric clock or a quartz watch.  You may adjust the speed of your clock by turning the knurled wheel below the pendulum to the left if the clock is running to fast or to the right if the clock is running too slow.

Reset the hands to the correct time and let the clock run for another week without further correction. As the clock's time becomes more accurate, your adjustments will become smaller. Each time you make an adjustment, make a note of it (1/4 turn, 1/2 turn, 1mm, etc.). Keeping track of your changes will help you achieve the best accuracy your clock can provide.

Don't expect your mechanical clock to be as accurate as a quartz watch. If your clock is accurate within two minutes for a week, you have a well regulated clock. Simply nudge the minute hand to the correct time when needed or when you wind the clock.

Increasing Your Clock's Lifespan

Like any mechanical device, your grandfather clock will need periodic maintenance. After ten years, the oil will be oxidized and dirty and will no longer protect the clock's metal parts. Just like on your car, replacing oil is a lot cheaper than replacing parts. Unlike your car, with proper maintenance your clock can easily provide good service to many generations.  Grandfather clocks should be re-serviced every 10 years to keep them running well in to minimize the parts wearing out.

How to Synchronize your Clock's Time and Strike

Antique Connecticut-made mantel and wall clocks are very dependable and forgiving clocks. However, their strike and time will go out of sync if allowed to wind down to a stop.   When this happens (and it will happen)  you can follow these simple steps to re-synchronize the clock.

1. Wind (or raise the weights on) both sides of the clock.
2. Using your finger, turn the minute hand clockwise to the "12" until the clock starts striking the hours.
3. Count the number of strikes.  This is the "strike-time" -  the time the clock thinks it is.
4. Turn the hour hand to point at the number of strikes you just heard.  Most hour hands are held in place by friction.  You can turn them either direction and then tighten them by pushing them in around their base; close to the shaft on which they set.  The dial-time and strike-time are now synchronized.
5. Turn the minute hand clockwise until the current time is reached.  Be sure and pause each time the clock starts to strike.  Wait for it to complete its strikes before continuing.
6. If it is not already running, start the clock.
7. Done.

How to Synchronize Your Cuckoo Clock

If you are setting up your cuckoo clock or if you missed winding it before it stops, you will need to synchronize the clock.   Follow these simple steps to get the clock sounding out the correct time.  Please note: this tip will work for most Black Forrest cuckoo clocks, however your mileage may vary.

1. Raise the weights on the clock.  Be careful not to jam them against the bottom of the clock.
2. Using your finger, turn the minute hand clockwise until you reach the current time.
3. Start the clock by giving the pendulum a small push to one side.
4. On the right-hand side of the clock is a wooden door that is hung by a single nail or screw.  Push the door to one side.  This will reveal a black lever.  Each time you push this lever in and release it, it will advance the strike (or cuckoo-ing)  by one half hour.  Count the number of cuckoos you hear to determine the "strike-time".  Repeat this process until the clock is sounding out the number of cuckoos for the current hour.  If the current time is beyond half past the hour, push the lever one more time so it will sound out the bottom of the hour.
5. Raise the weights back to the top.
6. Done.

How to Care for Your Wall Clock

A Place for Your Clock

Your wall clock should be located in a place in your home that is free of extremes in temperature or humidity. For this reason, do not set your clock above or beside a fireplace, stove, or other source of home heating. Do not place the clock where it will be subjected to direct sunlight or drafts. Cuckoo clock can be particularly sensitive to drafts.

Make sure that the nail or screw on which your clock hangs is sufficient to support the clock.  Depending upon the weight of the clock, you may consider supporting it on a stud in the wall.

Leveling the Clock

The clock case must be level. When we return your wall clock, we will tell which part of the case should be used as point of leveling.  Depending upon the clock it will be the floor of the clock or some other convenient horizontal edge.  A small spirit level (or bubble level) will help with this task.

Hanging the Pendulum

After your clock is in a safe and level location, the pendulum may be installed. Open the case a look for a rod in the center of the clock with a hook at the bottom end. Hang the pendulum on this hook.

Remove the pendulum before moving the clock to another location. The pendulum bob is heavy and can damage the clock if allowed to swing freely.

Winding the Clock

Depending upon whether your clock is spring or weight driven, use the following instructions that are appropriate to your clock.

• Key wound
  The direction in which to turn its mainspring arbors will depend upon your clock. You will hear clicking when you are turning it in the correct direction. Do not attempt to force the key as this will damage your clock.
• Chain wound
  The chains must be pulled straight down; not at at an angle. Pulling the chains toward you will cause them to slip out of their ratchet wheel. If this happens, have a clockmaker reseat the chain for you.
• Spring driven
  Unlike a watch, a spring-driven clock can be wound without fear of overwinding. Wind each arbor until the key stops.
• Weight driven
  Slow down as the weight approaches the top. As soon as you hear the weight bump against the top, STOP. Further winding will jam the weight and put tension on the clock that will prohibit it from running. Under no condition attempt to pull the weight down. This can severely damage to your clock. Get a clockmaker to lower the weight for you.

Setting the Time

Rotate the minute hand clockwise until you arrive at the current time. Each time the clock begins to chime, pause until the chiming stops. Continued turning of the minute hand while the clock is chiming will put the chime out of synchronization with the time of the clock.

If your clock chimes on the quarter hour, do not reverse the minute hand past the 3, 6, 9, or 12 hour markers on the dial.  If it chimes on the half hour, do not try to reverse the minute hand past the 6 or 12.  If it only chimes on the hour, do not try to push the minute hand backwards past the 12.  As soon as you feel resistance in turning the minute hand backwards, STOP. Forcing the minute hand backwards can damage your clock.

Starting the Clock

After the clock is wound and the time is set, you can start the clock by putting the pendulum in motion. This is done by giving the pendulum a small push to one side.

Adjusting for Accurate Timekeeping

After you have started your clock, you may discover that it is running too fast or slow. You can improve the accuracy of your clock by following this procedure: After a week's time (or sooner if the clock is gaining or losing time rapidly), compare its time with that of an accurate time source. This source may be an electric clock or a quartz watch. If your clock's incorrect you may adjust its speed using one of the following appropriate methods.

• Using the key for the speed arbor, turn the arbor toward the "F" is the clock is running slow or toward the "S" if the clock is running too fast.
• Turn the knurled wheel on the pendulum to the left if the clock is running to fast or to the right if the clock is running too slow.
• Slide the bob down the pendulum rod if the clock is running to fast or up the rod if the clock is running too slow.

Reset the hands to the correct time and let the clock run for another week without further correction. As the clock's time becomes more accurate, your adjustments will become smaller. Each time you make an adjustment, make a note of it (1/4 turn, 1/2 turn, 1mm, etc.). Keeping track of your changes will help you achieve the best accuracy your clock can provide.

Don't expect your mechanical clock to be as accurate as a quartz watch. If your clock is accurate within two minutes for a week, you have a well regulated clock. Simply nudge the minute hand to the correct time when needed or when you wind the clock.

Increasing Your Clock's Lifespan

Like any mechanical device, your clock will need periodic maintenance. After fives years, the oil will be oxidized and dirty and will no longer protect the clock's metal parts. Just like on your car, replacing oil is a lot cheaper than replacing parts. Unlike your car, with proper maintenance your clock can easily provide good service to many generations.

How to Start a Rear-Access Pendulum Mantel Clock

Many mantel clocks have a door on the back of the clock.  Tambors and many cottage clocks are typical examples.  Opening this door reveals the clockworks including the pendulum.  Most people are inclined to start the clock by pushing the pendulum, closing the door, and then turning the clock around.  This method can be cumbersome and not always successful.  There is a better way.

Set the clock on the shelf or mantel on which it will be used.  Make sure it is level.  Then lift either the left or right side of the clock about a half inch and then immediately set it back down.  When done smoothly, this simple motion is enough to start the pendulum swinging.  Your clock is now running!

How to Make your Clock "Fall Back" the Easy Way

The end of Daylight Saving Time is one of the  least anticipated events for the mechanical clock owner.  OK, "Fall back".  Loose an hour.  Since I am not supposed to turn the minute hand counter-clockwise, what do I do?  Well there's two ways to tackle this less-than-cherished task.

First, you  could advance the time forward by 11 hours.  That would be keeping the rule of not turning the minute hand backwards.  However, it also means you would have to wait each time the clock starts chiming, which for a clock that chimes on the quarter-hour could seem like an eternity.  (Now just why did I want this grandfather clock?)  There is a less painful solution.

The second solution is far less nerve-racking but does require a little bit of keeping track of the time.  Stop the clock.  Yes, literally.  Stop the clock.  Go watch your favorite television program and in one hour start it back up.  Mission accomplished.  You may have to tweak the minute hand forward or back a little, depending upon how good you were at keeping track of the time, but by employing a little bit of smarts and patience you will have breezed through the end of DST like a pro.

7 Most Common Clock Owner Mistakes

1.  Forcing hands or other parts

If a minute hand or something else offers resistance, showing who’s boss is one of the quickest ways to break a clock.

2.  Pulling winding chains at an angle

A good way to jam the weights is to pull winding chains at an angle and never straight down.  Pulling them fast will also help jam the weights.

3.  Pulling on jammed weights

If a weight is jammed, pulling it free is a sure-fire way to strip a ratchet wheel.  Of course, the clock won’t wind after that.

4.  Leaving it in direct sunlight

Nothing bleaches a finish or ages wood like constant exposure to the sun.  Southern windows are typical locations for this sort of abuse.

5.  Storing it in the attic

Wide variations in temperature and humidity will loosen the joints and veneer of a clock until the case falls apart.  Basements, garages, and out-buildings are equally destructive.

6.  Spraying it with WD-40

Just because it works great on doors does not mean it will work on clocks.  When the lubricant dries your clock will be gummed up with green gel.

7.   Avoiding oil changes

Over time, the oil in your clock collects dust and copper oxide.  This abrasive sludge will grind and slow your clock’s pivots until it seizes.  This is like never changing the oil in your car and taking it to a mechanic after it stops running.

How to Extend the Life of Your Clock

By observing a few simple rules, you can dramatically extend the life of your clock.  Conversely, by not observing them you will dramatically shorten its life.  Some rules are common sense; like don’t leave it in the yard unless its a sundial.  However, many well-meaning but uninformed people can make decisions that are destructive to their clock.

Rule #1

Keep your clock in a place that has the same temperature and humidity you enjoy.  For most of us, that would be our homes.  Do not set your clock next to a source of heat or in a place where it will be subject to drafts or direct sunlight.

Never store your clock in the attic, the basement, or the garage.  These places offer extremes in temperature and humidity your clock will not like..  The joints of an antique clock are held together with hide glue.  Hide glue softens with heat and if a clock is kept in a place like this, the wood in the case will expand and contract.  These factors will cause the  joints separate.  Your clock could also experience loosened veneer, corrosion in it the movement, and whatever damage bugs and other critters might leave behind.

Rule #2

A mechanical clock is a machine.  As such, it requires periodic cleaning and lubrication.  The primary cause of a clock stopping (other than being knocked to the floor)  is a build-up of dust and oxidation in the pivot holes of its movement.  These are points upon the wheels turn and must be lubricated with clock oil.  However, oil has a tendency to collect dust as well as oxidation from the metal it lubricates.  Harder bits become embedded in the softer brass plates and grind way at the steel pinions on which the wheels turn.  As the oil thickens, the clock eventually grinds to a halt.

By the time the clock stops working, damage has already been done.  Some of the brass pivot holes will become egg-shaped with  time.  Regular cleaning can slow this process but not eliminate it.  Most pivot holes can be easily re-bushed when needed.   However, steel pivots are not as easy to repair and regular cleaning will greatly extend their life.

Frequency of servicing depends upon the type of clock.  Mantel and wall clocks should be cleaned and lubricated every 5 years.  Grandfather and anniversary clock can go for 10 years before they need to be serviced.   Please know that adding oil to a dirty clock will not solve the problem.  The dust and oxidation must be removed to keep the clock in good working order.

Rule #3

Batteries should be removed from quartz clocks that are not running or not in use.  Old batteries contain a corrosive acid that will leak into your clock and ruin it.  This is a good rule to follow for quartz watches as well.