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A day marked as successful in accord with the performance of a clock.

A fruitful clock day, in my opinion, is one where plans unfold smoothly. Lately, I've received inventoried items from a clock vendor, which included some recent arrivals. Among these goods was a premium pivot oiler, a mainspring for the time section of a mantel clock, an upgraded set of...

A day marked as successful due to the precision and regularity of the clock's functioning.
A day marked as successful due to the precision and regularity of the clock's functioning.

A day marked as successful in accord with the performance of a clock.

In the picturesque town of Nova Scotia, Canada, a retired educator named [Name] has found a new passion in collecting, repairing, and maintaining vintage and antique clocks. One of his recent projects, a Fleet Time Company clock, was picked up in the fall of 2019.

The clock world, much like any other, presents its share of challenges and frustrations. But for [Name], there are also days when everything goes perfectly, as was the case with the Fleet Time Company clock. The mainspring for the time side of the mantel clock was received from the same supplier, ensuring a proper fit for the delicate mechanism.

However, the mainspring needed replacement due to a breakage. The process of replacing a mainspring in an antique clock is a delicate one, requiring careful disassembly of the clock movement, safe removal of the broken mainspring, cleaning and inspection of parts, and the installation of a correctly sized replacement mainspring. [Name] ensured the new mainspring was of high quality, opting for a German-made one for its durability in antique clocks.

Proper lubrication is essential for ensuring a long life for a timepiece. [Name] applied appropriate grease to the barrel walls before installing the new mainspring, reducing wear and helping to smooth the operation. After reassembling the movement, testing, and regulating the clock's timing, the Fleet Time Company clock was back to its ticking glory.

Another challenge was met with the Waterbury York clock, which was also happily ticking and striking after the repair. The holes in the clock plates can become enlarged and misshapen when the bushings wear out. [Name] addressed this issue by using a smoothing broach to complete the bushing process in the clock movement, ensuring a proper fit between components.

The bushing process is crucial, as it helps maintain the precision and longevity of the clock. Over time, the original brass bushings in clock movements can wear out due to friction and other factors.

In his blog post reflecting on the year 2017, [Name] shares his horological adventures, discussing interesting clocks, clock stories, and areas of interest when searching for new acquisitions. Whether it's a Waterbury York or a Fleet Time Company clock, [Name]'s dedication to preserving these timepieces is evident in each repair.

While [Name] has the skills to repair most clocks, he acknowledges that replacing a mainspring involves both mechanical skill and safety precautions. For those who are inexperienced, consulting a clock repair specialist is advised.

In the end, [Name]'s passion for antique clocks shines through in each repair, bringing these historical timepieces back to life for future generations to enjoy.

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