One of the most common mistakes in clock maintenance is oiling a movement while it is still in the case. It seems convenient, and many people believe they are helping the clock, but in reality, you cannot properly inspect or oil a movement until it has been removed from the case and examined, where you … More Never Re-Oil a Mechanical Clock Without Removing the Movement First
I have never been completely happy with how the movement runs in this Junghans Crispi wall clock. When I got the clock in 2017, I jumped right into restoring the case because it was an interesting challenge to put the clock together from a bunch of parts. Now, eight years later, the clock continues to … More Crispi Wall Clock Movement by Junghans | My Nemesis
As a clock repairer, there are several compelling reasons to keep the original mainsprings if they are still in good condition. Keeping the original mainsprings ensures that the clock remains as close to its original condition as possible. Collectors and enthusiasts often value clocks with original parts, as they maintain the authenticity and historical significance … More Mainsprings dilemma | To Replace or Not To Replace
I am currently working on a mantel clock from the Hamburg American Clock Company. This is Part II in a two-part series. For Part I go here. The Hamburg American Clock Company is otherwise known as Hamburg Amerikanische Uhrenfabrik or HAU and in many parts of the world, it is simply known as HAC. In … More Hamburg Amerikanische Uhrenfabrik | Servicing an 8-day Countwheel Strike Movement – Part II
Among clock collectors and admirers, the Hamburg American Clock Company is a well-known German company. It is otherwise known as Hamburg Amerikanische Uhrenfabrik or HAU and in many parts of the world, it is simply known as HAC. About the Company The company was formed in Germany in 1873 by Paul Landenberger and Phillipp Lang. … More Hamburg Amerikanische Uhrenfabrik | Servicing an 8-day Countwheel Strike Movement – Part I
A clock spring barrel is a cylindrical component found in spring-driven clocks. Its primary function is to house the mainspring, which stores energy to power the clock. The mainspring barrel works like this The mainspring is a tightly coiled strip of metal that, when wound, stores potential energy. The barrel holds the mainspring in place … More How to Remove and Service a Mainspring Enclosed in a Clock Barrel
In the fascinating world of horology, many terms and expressions are often misunderstood or misused. A classic example is the frequent confusion between the words “mantel” and “mantle” to describe certain types of clocks. While “mantel” refers to a shelf over a fireplace, “mantle” is something you wear, like a cloak. Another pervasive myth is … More The Myth of Over-Winding: Clarifying a Common Misconception
Mechanical clocks, especially older or larger ones, can pose various dangers during operation and maintenance. In this post, we will cover some of the risks and hazards. Mainsprings Do not underestimate the power of a clock with mainsprings. Mechanical clocks often use powerful mainsprings to drive their mechanisms. If these components are mishandled, they can … More How to Safely Operate and Maintain Mechanical Clocks: Tips and Hazards
Kienzle might not ring a bell for many clock enthusiasts, but it was a major German producer of clocks for the general public. Kienzle Uhren GmbH, was founded in 1822 by Johannes Schlenker in Schwenningen, in Black Forest region. Jakob Kienzle joined the family by marriage in 1883 and became the sole owner in 1897. … More Troubleshooting a Time-Side Mainspring Issue in a Kienzle Wall Clock
Among clock collectors and admirers, the Hamburg American Clock Company is a well-known German company. It is otherwise known as Hamburg Amerikanische Uhrenfabrik or HAU and in many parts of the world, it is simply known as HAC. In this post, I will outline the procedures involved in servicing the movement of a HAC mantel … More Servicing a HAC Clock Movement
Last week I began working on a Junghans round top mantel clock. For first impressions and background information about the clock itself, you can find the article here. During this segment of the maintenance process, my attention will be focused on the mainsprings. Upon my initial assessment, it appeared that the movement was found to … More Junghans round-top mantel clock – servicing the mainsprings
Something causes tooth damage. But what? The example is a Fleet time and strike mantel clock from the 1930s. Fleet Time Company of Montreal, a company that was operating four short years, sourced movements from Germany prior to the Second World War. It was a very common mantel clock sold through department stores across Canada. … More Mainspring barrel tooth damage – how does that happen?
Let’s clear something up right away: I am not a “Dunkin Swish” enthusiast. If you’ve been researching the clock-collecting world for a while, you might have come across this term. If you haven’t, consider yourself lucky—it’s something best avoided at all costs. “Dunkin Swish” (apologies to those named Duncan) refers to the practice of placing … More Cleaning an antique/vintage clock movement – Ron’s method
About a year ago I picked up two clocks. I had my eye on one, an Arthur Pequegnat Canuck shelf clock, and the other was “thrown in” as part of the deal. We completed the transaction on the Pequegnat clock and the seller asked me if I wouldn’t mind looking at a mantel clock stored … More Fleet Time mantel clock with Gufa movement – servicing the movement
Over-winding a clock is a common myth. The world of horology reveals an assortment of interesting expressions as well as the misuse of words and terms. For classic example; why do some refer to shelf clocks as Mantle clocks when a mantel is something you wear like a shawl or a cloak? Mantel, such as … More Over-winding a clock is a myth
Most refer to the name “Horse Crown” when describing this clock and it is easy to see why. Many would also consider it a Vienna Regulator style of clock. I have been putting off servicing this movement for a while and a long time has passed since it was properly serviced. So, let’s get started. … More FMS Mauthe “Horse Crown” wall clock – servicing the movement
I had just completed servicing this German Mauthe time and strike wall clock and everything seemed to be going well. It was keeping good time,striking on the half hour as it should and maintaining a consistent an 8-day cycle. During my regular Saturday clock winding ritual, I decided to begin with this clock. I inserted … More Sometimes working on clocks can be a pain – literally!
Some folks collect clocks without actually working on them. Collecting clocks and repairing them are two very different things. I know people who would gladly send their clocks out for servicing and don’t seem to mind the extra cost. I like to do my own work. If you work on your own clocks or service … More What is this clock thing for? #3 – the let-down key
An antique clock stopping unexpectedly can be frustrating, especially if it has been running smoothly for years. However, a stopped clock doesn’t always signal a major problem. In many cases, the issue can be resolved with a little troubleshooting and basic maintenance. Whether it’s a cherished family heirloom or a recent addition to your collection, … More My antique clock stopped, what do I do?
There is no maker’s mark anywhere on the case or the movement The clock is an unsigned 8-day carriage clock in a rectangular brass case. This attractive little clock has a white enameled dial with Roman numerals, blued steel hands and a spring driven time-only movement with platform lever escapement visible through the top beveled … More French Carriage Clock – servicing
We often cruise the HiBid sites. While they may be wholly Canadian I am sure there are similar sites in the US. HiBid are a hosting service for antique online auction companies and from time to time clocks come up on estate sales. One day in early February 2017 we were on a Nova Scotia … More Jauch Drop Octagon – one problem I cannot address…..yet!
In a precious article I wrote about my frustrations getting this clock to run reliably. No matter what adjustments I made it ran poorly. “You’ve got to be very careful if you don’t know where you are going, because you might not get there”, Yogi Berra This time and strike movement (Hermle?) has been out … More Dugena mantel clock revisited
In this age of everything electronic, it may surprise some people that a newly acquired mechanical clock bought at the local garage sale, flea market or antique store needs to be wound on a regular basis. Winding a mechanical clock takes a level of care but a few simple guidelines should have you on your … More Winding a mechanical clock – A How-To Guide
This is Part II of a multi part series on the Sessions Westminster A chiming mantel clock. Inside the plates they are a conventional Sessions clock. Outside the plates is an entirely different story Sessions Westminster A clocks are true chiming clocks that play the Westminster chime sequences on the quarter hours and strike the … More Sessions Westminster A mantel clock Part II – Dis-assembly
This is an antique German Junghans time and strike spring driven clock made in the style of a Vienna Regulator. It came to me as a box of parts. To some a box of clock parts and pieces is discouraging but to me it is a challenge. Part II of a three part series on … More Halifax Explosion and the Junghans Crispi clock – Part II – servicing the movement
Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
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