Expert: William J Perkins - 1/5/2010

Question
QUESTION: "I have the above clock on a 1922 Franklin. The clock runs but it is looses about an hour every 24 hours. I took off the back cover (three screws) and could not find any place to speed up the clock. I did not go any further not knowing if I would remove the wrong screws Any help will be greatly appreciated


ANSWER: Is this a wind up or battery driven clock?  Regards WJP

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QUESTION: This is a wind up clock. Setting the time and winding the clock is by using the brass rim. Winding the clock is by turning the rim and setting the time is by pulling out the rim and then turning.

Answer
Automobile clocks, particularly of this vintage are notorious for their lack of time keeping abilities.  Yours is one of the better.  When they get to the time keeping, you speak of, they need the attention of a qualified clock repair person.  Although your clock is well designed and well built it has two strikes against it before it begins the duty it is designed to perform.  1/  When the car is running the clock is subjected to constant shaking and shock, (This was a problem with early wrist watches as well.) resulting in very rapid wear and damage, particularly in the area of the escapement.  Because of this single factor alone, they were constantly in need of servicing and adjustment.  2/  Dirt (dust) surrounded and was absorbed into the clocks workings to a rather high degree making it necessary to be cleaned very often.  The Phinney Walker clocks were probably the best designed to avoid that problem.  The fact remains, very few automobile clocks maintained a good time keeping record and those that did required constant servicing.  I wouldn't do it myself but If you want a reasonably accurate clock, have if converted to Quartz.  Wish I could help you on this, but their is no real nor lasting solution, the best that can be done is to service, service, service-------------          Regards WJP