Expert: William J Perkins - 12/12/2008

Question
Hi Mr. Perkins
I have a clock marked manufactured by the E.Ingraham Co.
in Bristol Conn. USA on the dial(which the face is in Arabic
numbers) Also after removing the dial I found the same marks
stamped on the movement with no.#s 97 and 25 on the plate.
The problem is that the click that winds the mainspring is
broken. It winds but cannot engage the mainspring to keep
it from engaging the movement. The chime part of the movement works and can be wound. My question for you is can
I fix this by trying to repair the click from the front of the movement or do I need to take the movement out.
                           Thanks Tom

Answer
If it is click spring only, you can repair from the front without removing the motor from the case.  If the click pawl needs replacing that is another matter.  You not only have to remove the movement from the case you also have to take the movement apart so that you have free access to the winding gear.  You will have to install and rivet a new click pawl.  This is not a job for the faint of heart.  Since you would be working with two very powerful springs the job is dangerous, not only, to the clock but the repair person as well.  The considerable power of the springs must be contained before any restoration can commence.  I really believe such work should be placed in the hands of a properly trained technician.  Regards WJP