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Clocks, Watches/Junghans mechanical clock

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Expert: - 11/22/2009


Question

Hello,
I recently brough home my great-grandmothers old mechanical wall clock. It' s a Junghans, from about 20's or 30's. I'm quite thrilled to have it working. Though I've always loved antique in a way, I never had much interest in mechanical clocks before, but now I really like the sound and atmosphere such things create.
Well, one my problem is that as all antique, it's woodwork needs cleaning since it's become quite "oily" and dusty. Also the metal parts have some dust on it that doesn't seem to come off that easy. What is the best way to refreshen the wood and clean the metal ?
Also, I'd like to ask adcive on an other thing aswell. A clock like this, as I've read, should keep working for 7-8 days before I would have to wind it up again. My clock on the other hand, struggles to keep going for 3 days. It was serviced about 10 years ago and after that, it hasn't been run, just stood in the attick. Does that mean that the clock's just beginning to wear out?

I'll try to post some pictures, just in case they could help.

Answer
my recommendation is to leave the finish and metal exactly as it is. The metal is very sensitive to cleaning efforts - the woodwork you can use any furniture polish you have on it


wind it up tight- the tendancy is to "baby" them and not fully wind them. It might could use a professional lubrication but I would just keep doing what you are doing. Wear will occur regardless of what servicing you do and can always be corrected.

Kenneth Saunders

Expertise

any mechanical clock question -no watches- no battery clock questions and no appraisals-ie: "how much is my clock worth?" type questions please! Attach a photo if possible and note all markings on the rear of the mechanism- thanks 40 years as a professional clock repair person- still a full time clock repair service owner

Experience

40 years as a professional clock repair person- still a full time clock repair service owner.

Organizations
NAWCC

Education/Credentials
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