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Clocks, Watches/New Haven mantel clock

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Expert: - 12/5/2010


Question

New Haven Clock
Hi Michael,
Just read your answers from a couple years ago. Thanks, taught me alot already. I too have one of these. It is passed down from to the #1 son in each family. I am the fourth generation.
Can you tell me if you wind the time on right and the chime is on the left? Clock just traveled home from Chicago to Cincinnati and I am trying to get it going again. Can I overwind it, what precautions should I take?
My father had some fine lubricating oil with clock too. When, where should it be lubed? how often?
Thanks in advance,
Mickey

Answer
Hi Mickey, I'm happy to hear that you looked through my old answers and benefited by them. The main reason I write for this website is so that other people can read the responses rather that it being a closed one on one conversation.
Usually the strike is on the left as you face the clock. If you turn the key on the time side you should be able to see the minute hand move a little bit backwards for a moment. That is a sure way to tell what side is the time.
If the clock is in good running condition you should be able to wind it all the way up until you can't wind any more. Just before you reach the end of the wind the key should feel extra hard to turn, this is a good point to stop. You will get used to the feel after you wind it a few times. You can also look in the back. The mainsprings in this clock are probably exposed. When they are fully wound they are in a tight spiral coil. The the clock is run down the coil opens up and you can see spaces between the coil.
Here is a YouTube video I made on lubricating a clock movement similar to yours:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9YrBcKiHA4
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Michael
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThanks for your timely response Michael.


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Michael Radi

Expertise

Clock repair and clock parts questions

Experience

I have been professionally repairing clocks for 11 years. I owned and ran a clock shop for 6 years. I have been the owner of a clock parts supply company for the past 11 years.

Organizations
National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors

Education/Credentials
High school graduate, some college, graduate of Niles Bryant School of Piano Tuning and repair.

Past/Present Clients
I perform about 20 clock repairs per week.

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