Time Clock for Fleet - managing the flow of action, followed by calamity
A beloved Fleet Time mantel clock, featuring a walnut finish, flat front, domed top, and step-side corner feet, has encountered some troubles. The clock, which once ticked away beautifully, is now in need of repair due to a broken mainspring and other issues.
Upon disassembly, two troubling problems were discovered: a misaligned escape wheel and an erratic beat during testing. The power was let down on the strike side of the clock, and most of the bushings that were installed were on this side as well.
The mainspring's breakage on the arbour end has caused damage to the barrel and the second wheel. This common issue in mantel clocks, such as the Fleet Time, can be caused by overwinding, rust or corrosion due to moisture, metal fatigue over time, or improper lubrication. To prevent such damage, it is recommended to regularly service the clock by cleaning and lubricating the movement, avoid forcing the winding key beyond its natural stop point, and keep the clock in a stable, low-humidity environment.
If mainspring damage occurs, repair usually involves removing and replacing the broken or weakened mainspring with a correctly sized new mainspring. However, repairing the damaged barrel teeth and leaf pinion might not be worth the time, as advised by a clock friend. This intricate and delicate process is best left to a professional clockmaker due to the complexity and risk of injury from the spring tension.
The servicing of the clock ended in a disappointing manner, leaving the clock case stripped, finished, and polished but currently without a functioning movement. To rectify this, the plan is to find a donor movement for the clock. A friend has suggested collecting movements for use as donors in situations like this.
In the meantime, a dial and broken glass from a Blackforest clock of the same period were used to replace the original ones on the case. The dial, heavily tarnished, and the glass bezel, detached, were a far cry from the clock's former glory.
As the repair process continues, the hope is that the Fleet Time mantel clock will once again grace homes with its timeless charm and accurate timekeeping.
In the quest to restore the Fleet Time mantel clock, it was found that the breakage of the mainspring on the arbour end impacted not only the barrel but also the second wheel, much like other vintage clocks. Moreover, to prevent future damage to the clocks, data-and-cloud-computing technology can be employed to monitor the clock's movement and environmental conditions, ensuring its longevity and precision.
