Timekeeping Solution by Fleet Time Clock - overseeing operations and subsequent calamities
In a recent repair project, a vintage Fleet Time mantel clock was brought in with a non-functional movement due to mainspring damage. This common issue in clock servicing often leads to further complications, such as damage to the barrel or the second wheel.
The movement was set aside to consider next steps, and the reconditioned case and rod gong were installed. Upon closer inspection, it was found that most of the bushings installed were on the strike side of the movement.
Common issues during servicing a Fleet Time mantel clock movement typically include worn bushings, mainspring barrel problems, gear wear, and timing inaccuracies. These are addressed by cleaning, inspecting, and repairing or replacing worn parts, carefully rebushing pivot holes, and adjusting the escapement and timing mechanisms to ensure proper operation.
In this particular case, worn or elongated pivot holes, deteriorated mainspring barrels, and dirty or dried lubricants were found. The rack, snail, levers, and strike hammers/levers were all attached after cleaning and bushing work.
During disassembly, the escape wheel was found to be a fair distance from its correct position, and the pallets were contacting the very edge of the wheel. The escape wheel was adjusted to contact the middle of the wheel as it should. However, during testing, the mainspring broke again, causing more damage to the barrel and the second wheel.
A donor movement will be located to replace the damaged one. In addition, the clock will undergo refinishing, bezel attachment, dial cleaning or replacement, new glass installation, and movement servicing. A dial and broken glass from a Blackforest clock were swapped in during the process.
The Fleet Time mantel clock, with its walnut finish, flat front, a slightly domed top, and step-side features on corner feet, is a classic piece that will shine once more after the repairs. A clock friend suggested collecting movements for donation in such cases, which will help in the future restoration of other vintage clocks.
| Common Issue | Typical Solution | |----------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Worn pivot holes (bushing wear) | Install new bushings to secure pivots | | Deteriorated mainspring barrel | Repair or replace barrel if in poor condition | | Dirty or dried lubricants | Perform thorough cleaning and re-oiling | | Escapement/timing irregularities | Adjust escapement and regulate timekeeping |
These typical maintenance steps are aligned with expert experiences in clock servicing described in vintage clock repair discussions. Although there are no direct published details about Fleet Time mantel clock-specific issues, the common points for mantel clocks and German vintage clocks provide a reliable framework for expected problems and their solutions.
In the process of repairing a vintage Fleet Time mantel clock, it was discovered that the rack, snail, levers, and strike hammers/levers needed to be replaced after cleaning and bushings work were done. There's a suggestion that collecting donor movements for vintage clocks would be beneficial in future repairs, as it can address issues like the one encountered with the mainspring breaking again.
The repair process also highlighted the importance of maintaining smart-home-devices like gadgets and technology in good condition; the damage to the barrel and second wheel due to a broken mainspring in this instance could have been prevented with regular check-ups and proper maintenance.
