Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks

I typically refrain from endorsing products on my blog, but my daughter recently brought to my attention something she believes would greatly benefit me as a clock enthusiast. She mentioned a “neck reading light,” which her husband suggested for her. It seems that during their evening TV sessions, he found the ambient room light she used for reading to be distracting and thought a more focused light would be less intrusive.

In the past, I have used a magnifier as depicted below, and found it to be very beneficial. It features a convenient LED light on top that is very handy for extra illumination but the light has a short lifespan and it is a hassle finding and replacing the button battery. While a magnifier remains an essential tool for me, I do not use the light for the reason I mentioned.

The flexible reading light has now become an additional lighting tool.

The reading light has flexible arms. It comes in 3 Colors, has 6 brightness levels, has adjustable color temperature, is rechargeable, and is perfect for reading, knitting, camping, and in my case repairing clocks.

In addition to the above items two more devices are essential not only for clock repair enthusiasts but also for any hobbyist; a lamp with a flexible neck and a small flashlight.

My old light was excellent for my needs and it lasted quite a while.

However, when the fluorescent ring tube eventually burnt out, the expense of replacing the tube surpassed the cost of investing in a high-quality new light.

To replace it, I bought a flexible magnifying light equipped with adjustable intensity and the capability to modify the color temperature. I don’t use the magnifier but the light is perfect for my needs.

The last essential lighting tool is a flashlight. I Use a pocket-style flashlight that is very bright and helps illuminate those very dark areas when working with clock movements.

All of these items can be purchased at your local hobby store or through an online retailer such as Amazon.

In clock repair, good lighting is essential. It’s not just a matter of preference; it significantly impacts the accuracy and efficiency of the repair process. Whether you’re dealing with fragile gears and pivots, making critical adjustments, or handling small components, proper illumination is crucial.

Good lighting helps you see the details clearly, preventing errors that can arise from poor visibility. A well-designed light source is not just a convenience but a practical necessity and is one of the tools on the path to effective restoration.