Watch Movement Maintenance for the Fleet Time Mantel Clock, featuring Gufa Movement
In the world of horology, discovering a piece of history is always an exciting endeavour. Recently, I had the pleasure of acquiring a mantel clock made by the Fleet Time Company of Montreal, a lesser-known Canadian clock manufacturer active between 1936 and 1940.
The clock, which I purchased a year ago, features a Gufa Westminster chime movement, a testament to its era. During the pre-war years, these clocks were sold in department stores across Canada. The Fleet Time Company, specialising in mantel clocks, produced a range of two and three-train movements between 1936 and 1940. Interestingly, the movements for these clocks were sourced from Germany.
Upon acquiring the clock, I noticed that it required some servicing. The strike paddle was ending the strike sequence hanging off one of the star points, and the chime sequence needed adjustment, specifically the main chime wheel's set screw needed to be loosened and the drum rotated to align the quarter strike with the sequence's beginning (1-2-3-4).
Further inspection revealed that five new bushings were needed for the three-train movement, and the chime strike lever was found to be sticking on the strike warning pin and needed to be polished to function correctly. Additionally, the clock needed servicing, with new bushings required on the second wheels plus the motion works arbour.
Three-train movements, like the one in my clock, are labour-intensive and often require major work after a few years. In many cases, it is more cost-effective to replace a three-train movement rather than repair it. However, parts for these movements, except for modern movements, are almost impossible to find.
The Second World War took a heavy toll on this company, as the source of movements dried up, and so did the company's fortunes. With limited publicly available information detailing Fleet Time's full history or production beyond the four-year production window, it is clear that the company was a minor player in the clock manufacturing field.
Despite the challenges, I am delighted to have this piece of Canadian horology in my collection. I look forward to re-adjusting the strike paddle and enjoying the rhythmic Gufa Westminster chime movement once more.
Although my clock is a vintage piece of history, its maintenance requires modern gadgets such as small hand tools for servicing the movement's intricate parts. In the quest to preserve the antique clock's charm, I've also incorporated it into my smart-home-devices setup, enabling me to listen to the chiming remotely. Technology, though seemingly distant from antique clocks, has a surprising connection, bridging the gap between the past and the present.
