Care and Maintenance
This Section by:
David LaBounty, Certified Master Clockmaker AWI, Fellow BHI
Winding
This clock should be wound on a regular basis and once per week is acceptable. The clock may run for twelve to fourteen days but it is important to avoid having the weight settle on the bottom of the case. Damage to the escape wheel teeth could occur if all power is off of the train (as in the weight resting on the bottom of the case) and the pendulum continues to swing. If winding the clock before it stops is not a possibility, it is preferable to stop the pendulum by gently touching it and bring it to rest rather than letting the clock run down.
Great care should be taken when winding the clock to be sure none of the hands will interfere in the winding process. This may require winding in stages to avoid the second hand which will get in the way every 20 seconds or so. Letting the second hand come into contact with the wind key will have the same results as letting the clock run down…i.e. damaged escape wheel teeth.
When winding, be sure the key is completely and securely on the wind arbor before turning the crank. Rotate the crank clockwise until the top of the weight starts to pass behind the dial. This is fully wound and quite preferable to “cranking until it stops” which causes the dents and dings found in the weight cap and may also cause the cable to break. If it is necessary to pause in the winding process be careful to gently let the crank back against a stop before letting go or removing the key.
Setting to Time
When setting the clock to time it is only possible to move the minute hand. The hour hand is set by rotating the minute hand until the proper hour is indicated. This may be done either forwards or backwards, being careful not to catch and drag the second hand in the process. Never move the hour hand or the second hand! It is also advisable to move the minute hand from close to the center of the dial rather than the tip of the hand. This will avoid any chance of bending the hand due to accidentally catching the tip on something.
Sometimes it is necessary to set up the clock so that it is synchronized to the second. This may be accomplished by stopping the pendulum and then restarting it so the second hand is synchronized with the other device.
One point of perfectionism is having the minute hand reach a minute mark at the same instant the second hand reaches the twelve position.
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