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Clocks, Watches/How to properly wind my clock

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Expert: - 12/31/2010


Question
Hi John,

I just purchased my first wind up clock today and need to know the correct way to rewind it when the time comes.  The clock is  Waltham 31 day chime and has two holes in the face of the clock for winding.  Since the clock was purchased 2nd hand, it did not come with any instructions.  The clock is currently running and I suspect I should leave it alone until it stops?

Thank you for your time.

Jen

Answer
Jen, there is very little consistency in the winding directions of the Asian clocks.  The general rule is to try winding the mainsprings in one direction and then the other.  One way will not give at all, the other way will turn and give a clicking sound.  They should be wound once a month.  Wind it until you feel a definite resistance to winding.  The right winding arbor is for the time and the left one is for the strike.  Contrary to popular belief, you cannot wind a clock too tight unless you really try to force it after it has increased in resistance.  One caution in winding spring wound clocks, particularly, the Asian 31-day clocks, be careful.  Hold the key firmly and wind 1/2 turn, let the key turn back a little, THEN release your grip and repeat.  I have heard of and seen people with damaged hands because they tried to wind a clock too fast and the key slipped.  I had it happen to me twice.  Once because the key was cracked and it let go.  Which brings up a point.  Make sure the key fits the winding arbors.  It should have enough play to insert it easily, but not too loose, as it can slip and do the damage to the clock and your hand.  Good luck and I hope you enjoy the clock.  If you have any more questions, get back with me.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama  

Clocks, Watches

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John Newman

Expertise

As much as I would like to offer values of clocks, I am not a certified appraiser and will not venture into giving an unresearched guess. There is very little published information on what I consider to be the value of "modern production clocks". Considerations are what the clock originally sold for, the condition of the case and movement, and particularly the area in which you live, the demand and the economy. ALSO, WATCHES ARE NOT MY FIELD. However, I can advise the clock owner on proper maintenance of a clock to keep it running, small corrections and adjustments and how to move a clock without damaging it. I can also advise on obtaining parts for clocks. It helps if you can send any information on the clock movement which is usually found on the back plate of the movement. I have been a clockmaker for about 35 years and was plant engineer in the mid 90's and later operations and engineering consultant at Emperor Clock Company in Fairhope, Alabama. I now have my own clock shop.

Experience

One of my greatest accomplishments was traveling to China to assist a clock factory in building clocks to the standards which we required. With the proper specifications and quality control, some beautiful clock cases were built. The factory people from the wood carvers to the plant manager were very congenial, friendly and I left a lot of wonderful friends when I returned from my trips.

Organizations
Chamber of Commerce Small Business Committee

Publications
Horological Times, a publication of the American Watch and Clockmakers Instute. Collaberated column author, with Photos and ideas for clock movement conversion article.

Education/Credentials
Associate of Science Mechanical Engineering Technology Emperor Introductory Clock Repair (Eventually taught a portion of the class after becoming employee)

Awards and Honors
Small Business of the Quarter (Prattville, Alabama) Leadership Class of 2009 (Autauga County, Alabama)

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