This includes bulkhead clocks (ship’s clocks), station or school clocks, postman clocks, cuckoo clocks, other weight driven clocks such as Vienna regulators. The most common energy provider is a spring: the most accurate have a Fusee which is a tapered coil designed to provide even driving force as the spring unwinds and usually delivers progressively less torque which will affect accuracy.
Most wall clocks have a pendulum and will require setting up to give an even beat. Some will have a platform or balance-wheel escapement and these will operate at any angle, which is why this mechanism is included in Ship’s clocks.
Moebius oils and grease are used in all our work. Manufactured and tested in Switzerland, Moebius lubricants are considered by many to be the finest in the horological industry.
Interim Service: In this, the movement remains whole. Where possible, the old dirt and grease is removed. The movement and springs are oiled and greased as necessary. Strike or chimes are adjusted. The rate is set using electronic assessment. The clock is tested for 8 days in the workshop before return.
This is the usual service: the movement is completely stripped to its component parts. All parts are cleaned in an ultrasonic tank using a special cleaning fluid or using isopropyl alcohol. Any wear in the pivots is removed by abrasion or burnishing. Any wear in the pivot holes in the brass plates is resolved by the insertion of brass bushes. These are reamed and burnished to give the correct amount of clearance to the arbour pivots. New parts can be made or supplied from specialist suppliers and manufacturers. Strike and/or chimes are adjusted as necessary and the rate is set electronically. The clock is tested in the workshop for 8 days before returning.
Each timepiece will be unique and any restoration work is undertaken following full consultation with the client. Often there will be work required on the case in addition to the movement. The scope of work and cost will be agreed before commencement of the work. Whether it is replacing damaged wood or the design and manufacture of missing brass or steel components, we have the facilities to handle most work.
If the demands of the restoration are beyond our capacity we would rather be honest and decline the commission than run the risk of causing damage to a valuable timepiece.
Copyright © 2020 South Hams Clock Servicing - All Rights Reserved.