Expert: John Newman - 1/1/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have a nautical, chiming Trend ships wall clock. I originally rescued it from a garage and removed the tarnish and it has worked well for some time. Unfortunately it has begun to stop well before the number of hours it formerly would run and I suspect it needs cleaning. My problem is that I am unsure how to get at the clock works. It has 4 screws holding on the glass door which I have removed but that did not do anything but release the door and bezel around the face. On the back there is a single screw to stop the chimes and 3 small bolt heads which I have not fooled with yet. My concern was that the 4 rivets around the edge of the brass at the rear prevented access. The clock looks exactly like the one shown on this website even thogh it is a different brand  http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260711884130
Would appreciate any assistance in getting at the clock works and suggestions for cleaning. [in the past I have used ether used to start cars as a cleaner]. Thank you, Jack

ANSWER: Jack, to service the clock properly, it should be cleaned, inspected, broken or worn parts replaced or repaired, lubricated, adjusted and tested.  Sometimes general cleaning and oiling of a movement does help get it running again, but I do have to caution anyone not to get into breaking a movement down unless they understand the procedure.  For example, letting the mainsprings down and handling them properly is essential.  Handled improperly, they can cause damage the clock inflict personal injury.  Also, cleaning solutions should be the types that are approved for clocks.  I never recommend any flammable chemicals such as ether.  Good grade clock oils and greases should be used.  Even though the movement you have referenced on eBay looks identical to yours, there can be some differences, but I think I can tell you how to get the movement out. Actually, I have seen differences in the Schatz Royal Marner movements in the same looking case.  But let's try this.  I will describe the nomenclature of a Schatz royal Mariner I am working on right now that looks like your example.

In referring to the rivets, are these actually grommets with holes in them?  Do not remove them.  The 3 bolt heads should secure hex standoffs that support the the back of the movement to the case.  On the circular plate on the front you should find 2 screws near the edge of the plate.  Now, to start, remove the hands.  Then remove the 3 bolts on the back.  Place the case flat on its back and remove the two screws on the edge of the plate.  It should lift out still attached to the movement.  You can remove the remaining screws on the circular plate and the nut on the bell to access the movement.  Good luck and if you have any more questions, get back with me.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi, thanks for your response. Yes they are grommets at the edge of the case and would need to be drilled out which is why i stopped trying to acess the works until asking you. The only other question I have concerns the 2 screws you mention near the edge of the plate. Can I assume that they are located underneath the face plate that has the numbers painted on? Will that plate come off when I remove the hands?? Also, on the rear do I need to remove the screw that silences the bell? Thanks again and Happy New Year. Jack

ANSWER: Jack, if you didn't understand, the grommets DO NOT have to be removed or drilled out, unless this is an altogether different arrangement, which I don't think this is.  I don't think a manafacturer would install a movement in a case with rivets that would have to be removed when accessing the movement.  As far as the 2 screws are concerned, you will see them when you remove the hands and dial.  I will double check when I return to my shop on Monday.  Do not remove the screw that silences the bell.

John Newman    

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well John, I took the small knurled nut off and removed the hour hand but I am unable to get the second hand to budge. Is this on with a press fit or am I missing something? I am beginning to understand why you guys earn your money. Jack

Answer
As a point of information, when the knurled hand nut is removed the minute hand (long one) comes off.  The shorter one is the hour hand.  To remove it you can gently twist and pull.  I have found some clocks with the hour hand frozen on from a small bit of corrosion or just being tight.  Sometimes I have had to use special tools to remove them.  In some instances I have used a very small drop of WD-40 or similar product applied to the hand bushing joint and let it sit for a couple of hours (This is one of the few times that I actually use WD-40 in clock work).  Occasionally I have actually damaged the parts removing them, but that was the only way to get them off and I have had to replace the parts.  Let me know.  I will be glad to continue to help you, but I would appreciate it if you can reply to my shop email address below to free up the Allexperts question queue, as it is limited to so many per day.  Thanks.

John Newman
The Village Clocksmith
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

klokdok@juno.com

Note:  Because of my commitment to answering Allexperts questions within a prescribed time limit and the large backlog of clock work at my shop, I regret that I cannot answer personal email questions on a timely basis, other than Allexperts follow up questions.