Expert: Martin Meyer - 1/5/2009

Question
My Seth Thomas ship's clock (German Movt) is about 33 years old.  I've always used it in the strike mode.  It now stops running a few days after a fresh winding.  It usually stops somewhere between 10 and 15 minutes after the hour.  Over the years, I've had several clock repair people attempt repairs to no avail.  The most recent repairman reported that he thinks the strike mechanism is worn and is causing the stoppage.  He needs a part (or a new strike mechanism) but does not know where to find it.  Can you help with either part (mechanism) information or with information on how to do a repair without a new part (mechanism)?  The clock runs continuously with the strike set to OFF.  Many thanks for your help.
Tony  

Answer
Hi Tony,

This is really a technical repair issue for which I would have to have the clock in hand to provide a definitive answer. So, I will have to answer your question rather generally.

If the clock runs reliably when the strike is set to Off, there is a very strong indication that the problem is strike related. However, a ship's clock strikes on the hour and half hour, so stopping at :10 to :15 is unusual for this movement. A strike problem would be more likely to stop the clock at :25 or :55 approximately.

Later Seth Thomas ship's clocks used Hermle German movements, rather than the original Seth Thomas-made American movements. Parts for Hermle movements are widely available. However, a 33 year old Hermle movement is very likely worn, and may need to be replaced. Replacement movements are available.

One thing you need to be sure of is that you wind both keyholes once a week AS FAR AS THEY WILL GO. Inadequate winding is the most common cause of clocks' stopping.

Even if the strike mechanism is stopping the clock, the underlying cause may be wear in the movement's bearings. This wear causes increased friction and weakens the power being delivered to the balance wheel. If the clock is barely making enough power to run, the slightly increased resistance caused by the strike mechanism's operation may be enough to stop the clock. Again, this situation calls for a movement replacement.

If you would like to be sure what movement is in your clock, send me a followup with all numbers stamped on the back plate of the movement (Not the back of the clock itself).  http://www.clockmasteronline.com