Modern
clocks have mass produced
movements, usually from Germany. The synthetic oils used in these
are quite good. If your clock is in a low dust area, and the
movement looks clean, in home cleaning and oiling every five to ten
years is reasonable. These modern mass produced movements
are quite good, but the furniture stores that sell clocks rarely
explain that 20 to 30 years is the expected life of these
movements.
When the pivots and the holes they run in wear, these movements
tend to tighten up and bind or jam. When examining one of these
movements, I look for worn pivots, wear on the bushings or holes the
pivots
rotate in, and worn gears. An expensive movement that needs some
bushing and pivot work is a good candidate for overhaul.
In some cases however, a new movement can be installed at a cost that
is competitive with repairing the existing movement. New
movements typically have a two year warranty and are
completely new and unworn - ready for another 20 to 30 years of
enjoyment.
If replacing
rather than repairing your existing movement is a reasonable
alternative, I will tell you so you can make an informed decision.
Antique clocks, particularly
grandfather clocks, were built with thick cast and hammered brass
plates, large gears, and large pivots. The mechanical layout
tends to open up clearances with wear, unlike modern mass produced
movements. Some of these clocks will run for a long time with
incredible amounts of wear. If you have an antique clock that
runs on after the hour strike, or that runs "oddly", please stop the
clock and call a clock maker. These beautiful old clocks need a
bit of care, and while any clock can be repaired, catching a problem
early can save a large expense. Antique clocks should
receive regular dusting. In home cleaning, oiling, inspection,
and adjustment every three to five years is a reasonable compromise
period in a fairly dust free home. A complete disassembly and
overhaul every 20 years is usually a safe interval.
Some movements may not need service this often, others may need
it far more often. Frayed cables should be replaced promptly.
Many old clocks have split or missing panels in the base from
weights dropping. Please don't let this happen to your clock!
Replacing
a movement in an antique clock is almost NEVER the correct thing to do!
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