How to Wind and Set a Waterbury Mantel Clock
- Swing the hinged glass cover open. Move the minute hand clockwise, Pause at the 12 o'clock position if the the clock strikes the hour.
- Move the minute hand clockwise until it indicates the minutes before or after the hour.
- Insert the key into the winding aperture on the face of the clock. ...
- Remove the key when you have finished winding the clock. ...
How to wind a clock properly?
The left keyhole is for winding the strike mechanism and the right one is for the clock’s mainspring. Start on the left and wind both completely. If the clock has run down all the way, it’s extremely important to wind it before touching or moving the hands. If, after you wind it, the minute hand is locked, this means that the mechanism has jammed.
Can I move the hour hand on my antique mantel clock?
1-It's ok to move the hour hand (gently and if it is hard to move stop) to set time or correct bell ring on your antique mantel clock but NEVER move the minute hand other than clockwise. Moving it counter-clockwise will damage your antique mantel clock's mechanism.
How do you fix a clock that keeps running down?
If the clock has run down all the way, it’s extremely important to wind it before touching or moving the hands. If, after you wind it, the minute hand is locked, this means that the mechanism has jammed. To fix the jam, re-wind both sides fully before moving the minute hand backward one hour or more.
How do you set a bell chime on a mantel clock?
Another method of setting the correct bell chime is to move the minute hand to the 11 and then back to the 9 until the clock strikes properly. Generally to set time only use the minute hand, stopping slowly just before the hour and half hour of your antique mantel clock, giving the bell a chance to set up.
What are the two winders on a mantel clock?
Mechanical mantel clocks typically at least two winders: one for the mainspring that keeps time, and the rest for the chime and strike mechanisms.
Which winding hole on my clock does what?
The middle hole will wind the spring that powers the timekeeping function of the clock. The right hole, as you're looking at the clock, powers the chimes of the clock. Finally, the left winding hole, as you're looking at the clock, powers the hourly strikes of the clock.
How do you set an old wind up clock?
How to Wind a Pendulum ClockLocate the winding points on the clock face. ... Insert the key or crank into a winding point. ... Continue turning the key or crank until it won't turn any further. ... Wind the other one or two winding points the same way if your clock chimes on the hour or quarter-hour.
How do you set an old mantle clock?
Mantel Clock Setup: Place clock on table with back facing you. Open the back door, hang the pendulum on the hook, and close the door. Carefully place the clock where it is to be used, on a stable, level surface. Lift one side of the clock gently two inches, then put it down to start the pendulum swinging.
How do you wind a clock with two key holes?
If there are two holes, one is for the time spring and one is for the hourly chime. Some clocks also have a third hole, which governs the quarter-hour chime tones. Movement length should be specified by the manufacturer in the original packaging when you buy the clock.
How do you fix an overwound clock?
Fixing An Overwound ClockClean The Clock. Sometimes cleaning your clock will get it working again. ... Lubricate The Mechanism. Like cars, all mechanical clocks need regular oiling. ... Replace The Springs. ... Find A Professional.
Why won't the pendulum keep swinging?
Have you recently moved your clock? The reason a clock pendulum often stops swinging, after being moved, is because the clock case now leans at a slightly different angle then it did at its former location. Don't worry about making your clock absolutely level with the floor and don't use a level.
Why does my mantel clock keep stopping?
A clock that is out of beat is likely to stop because the pendulum is not receiving the optimum impulses to keep it swinging. If it's badly out of beat it will stop within a few minutes. If it's only slightly out of beat it could run for days but will eventually stop earlier than it should.
How often do you wind an antique clock?
Wind firmly to the point of resistance: the key will stop when the clock is fully wound. An eight-day clock should be wound once a week, as the mainspring loses power after seven days. A 30-hour clock should be wound daily; a good routine is to wind it every night before bedtime. The key should fit tightly.
How do I identify an old mantel clock?
The name may be:Engraved or printed near the center face of the dial.Engraved or printed around the edge of the dial's face and may be covered by the bezel.Stamped or engraved on the clock movement's backplate.A paper label pasted on the back of the clock.A paper label pasted to the inside of the clock case.
Can you turn clock hands backwards?
The truth is, some mechanical clocks cannot be set backwards, but most actually can! So why is this such a common misconception? Many of the American clocks made around the turn of the century were the kind that you can't turn backwards.
How do you balance a pendulum clock?
0:050:52Pendulum Adjustment - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTurn it to the left. To speed your clock up. Turn it to the right. One turn equals approximately 1/2MoreTurn it to the left. To speed your clock up. Turn it to the right. One turn equals approximately 1/2. Minute check your clock after 24 hours to see if and further adjustment needs to be done.
How do I stop my pendulum clock from chiming?
Take a look at the clock controls. Look for a lever or setting called "Chime Silent" or similar. The setting may be on the clock face and not near other controls. If you'd like to shut down the Westminster or other chimes, select the "Silent" option.
How to wind a clock with a key?
If the dial is covered by a glass door, open it to access the face. Insert the key into one of the winding arbours and with your non-dominant hand, steady the case while you wind the clock. I recommend wearing cotton gloves to preserve the finish of the case.
What is the arrow on a Seth Thomas mantel clock?
On this spring-driven Seth Thomas mantel clock (next photo) the left arbour (arrow) winds the strike side and the right arbour (arrow) winds the time side. The smaller hole just below the centre cannon is for regulating the clock.
What is the arbour on a clock?
On a clock with three arbours, the centre arbour winds the time train and the left arbour, the strike side and the right, the chime side. On some clocks, there is a smaller hole on the clock face near or above the 12 o’clock position. It is also an arbour but a smaller one used for regulating the speed of your clock.
Why do clocks have two ends?
Two ends are required because the speed adjustment arbour is smaller than the winding key arbour.
How many half turns does an 8 day clock need?
An 8-day clock usually requires 14 half turns of the key as the arbour does one complete turn per day. Mainspring ratchet and click. The ratchet locks the spring in place during each wind of the key. Allow the key to gently rest back onto its click.
What is a winding arbour?
Each winding arbour has a function. The number of winding arbours corresponds to the number of gear trains (or sets of gears) on a clock. For example, if there is one hole it is a time-only clock; 2 holes mean that it is a time and strike clock, that is, it strikes the appropriate hour on ...
How old is the Ingraham Huron winding key?
Ingraham Huron winding key. Home-made but functional and over 120 years old
How to wind a British clock?
Although British dial clocks are meant to be wound using a key, using a crank is much easier. To wind the clock simply place the key, or crank, into the winding point and turn clockwise sixteen revolutions. When the clock is fully wound an internal mechanism will prevent you from winding any further. You should be able to turn the key ...
How to wind a clock with a key?
The most effective way to wind your clock would be to open the front door, insert the crank, hold the clock steady with your left hand, and turn the crank with your right hand.
How to wind a clock in silent mode?
The lower the weight hangs, the closer it is to the end of the cycle. To wind, simply insert the crank into the winding points turning clockwise approximately thirteen revolutions. As you turn the crank you should see the weight rise.
Why do clocks have three winding points?
The reason clocks have multiple gear sets is so a clock can chime on the hour and quarter hour while it keeps time. All clocks require at least one set of gears dedicated to keeping time.
What is a British dial clock?
WINDING AN ANTIQUE BRITISH DIAL CLOCK. British dial clocks are time-only spring driven clocks. They typically have one set of gears with one winding point. A clock with only one set of gears is correctly referred to as a timepiece. Timepieces only keep time; they don't chime on the hour or quarter hour. To be called a clock, a devise must both keep ...
How to set time on a clock?
After winding the clock, set the correct time by moving the minute hand either clockwise or counterclockwise. If the clock is running too fast, or too slow, adjust the nut on the bottom of the pendulum rod.
How many winding points does a clock have?
This is because there are different types of clocks and some can have more than one winding point. Most clocks will have one, two, or three winding points. Some clocks are wound using a key or crank, while others are wound by pulling on a chain.
How to wind a clock when it's run down?
In this case just move the minute hand gently counterclockwise until the hands are out of the way of the arbor. Then you should be able to wind the clock as you normally would. If the clock is completely run down, it’s likely that the strike may be jammed, so moving the minute hand in reverse will release the strike safely and allow you to wind it once it’s free. Let us know if we can help with anything else!
How to set a clock?
To set the time, gently turn the minute hand clockwise to the correct time, stop ping at each hour and half-hour point to allow the bells to strike their full count. Never move the hour hand manually — all adjustments should be done by carefully moving the minute hand. Take caution not to force the hands when setting the time. If the hands appear to lock at any point, move the minute hand backward through one striking position, then continue as described.
What is the keyhole on a clock?
The left keyhole is for winding the strike mechanism and the right one is for the clock’s mainspring . Start on the left and wind both completely. If the clock has run down all the way, it’s extremely important to wind it before touching or moving the hands.
How long before a chime strikes?
Keep in mind that, ten minutes before each chime striking point (20 minutes past and 10 minutes ’til the hour), the gears and levers of the striking mechanism begin to fall into the correct positions. ...
How to set the time on a bell?
To set the time, gently turn the minute hand clockwise to the correct time, stopping at each hour and half-hour point to allow the bells to strike their full count. Never move the hour hand manually — all adjustments should be done by carefully moving the minute hand.
When to adjust clock?
For safety’s sake, it’s best to do all adjustments when the clock reads 5-to-15 minutes past the hour or 25-to-15 minutes before the hour. Now let’s look at how to wind a clock regularly:
Do Chelsea clocks have to be wound?
Every Chelsea clock leaves our factory fully wound. However, if you live outside of the Eastern Standard time zone, have purchased a vintage clock or have inherited a family heirloom, you may need to initially set the time yourself. Therefore, let’s start with how to correctly wind chime clocks for the first time.
The History of the Antique Mantel Clock
Mantel clock (around 1800) by Julien Béliard, Paris, maître horloger recorded on the rue Saint-Benôit and rue Pavée in 1777, still active in 1817, or Julien-Antoine Béliard, maître horloger in 1786, recorded on the rue de Hurepoix, 1787–1806. (Credit: Wikimedia)
Types of Antique Mantel Clocks
A quick way to identify antique mantel clocks is by understanding the different types. Long before manufacturers started leaving signatures on their products, they had unique styles. Experienced collectors can tell a brand by looking at the design, and now you would too.
Identifying Antique Mantel Clocks
At this point, you should have sufficient knowledge of antique clocks, so identifying one should be a piece of cake. But there are a few more hurdles to jump. Once you study the fine print, you’ll assess an antique mantel clock like a seasoned collector.
Antique Mantel Cocks Value Guide
Now to the final step in your training – how do you know when to bid higher or fold? Antique mantel clocks sell between $100-$10,000 depending on certain qualities.
Concluding Thoughts
Please give yourself a round of applause; you made it to the guide. You can identify and value antique mantel clocks now. Before you go, let’s refresh your memory with a few key points;
How to wind a clock?
To wind a clock that requires daily adjustment, establish a routine by winding the clock at the same time each day. You'll get the feel of how far to wind the clock if you do this daily. Turn the key slowly in the direction it winds, which is typically clockwise. Avoid applying too much vigor or force as you wind the clock. Wind the clock until the spring is tight but don't turn the key beyond that point. If your clock has two winding pegs, the left one typically works the strike or chime while the right wind manages the clock's timekeeping.
How many turns does an eight day clock take to wind?
For consistency, choose the same day and time to wind the clock. Eight-day clocks usually require about seven turns to wind, but yours may differ. Follow the same procedure for winding an eight-day clock as you do a one-day clock, winding until the spring is tight. Hold onto the key carefully to avoid it snapping back in your hand.
How to regulate clock speed?
Regulating Speed. The type of clock you own might have one of several methods for regulating its speed and how fast it keeps time. Look on the clock's face for a small lever or winding peg. Turning the lever toward the "F" speeds the clock up, and moving it closer to the "S" slows it down. If your clock has a winding peg for regulating speed, use ...
What happens if you don't wind a clock?
Clocks that require winding also need careful handling. If you don't wind the clock correctly, you can overwind or break the internal clock spring , which will require a clockmaker to repair it. Start by adjusting the time on the clock face by moving the minute hand slowly. Pause at the half-hour and hour markers to let the clock chime, ...
What clocks use a Gilbert key?
The clock movements in antique, vintage and reproduction clocks require the use of a Gilbert key to keep them operational. While the Gilbert key was designed to wind the Empire-style shelf clocks and other spring-wound clocks made by the Gilbert Clock Company from the mid-nineteenth century through the 1960s, Gilbert keys work on most antique ...
How many pegs does a clock have?
Some clocks might have only one peg for winding but others may have as many as three pegs. Typically made from brass, the Gilbert key has two large ears and a short round shaft. If it it includes a smaller shaft that juts out between the two ears, its use is for regulating the clock's speed.
How to clean old clocks?
Dial glass can be cleaned by applying a very small amount of Windex directly to a clean cloth and the glass carefully rubbed and then wiped dry with a clean paper towel or soft cloth.
How to set time on antique clock?
Another method of setting the correct bell chime is to move the minute hand to the 11 and then back to the 9 until the clock strikes properly. Generally to set time only use the minute hand, stopping slowly just before the hour and half hour of your antique mantel clock , giving the bell a chance to set up.
How to adjust a chime hammer?
In order to achieve the tone and resonation you desire, firmly hold the hammer rod at the middle with a needle nose pliers and use your free hand to raise or lower the hammer head end of the rod, allowing a minor space between the hammer and the bell.
Can you put a marble clock on its side?
3-Never put a marble antique clock on its side as they are cemented together and built to stand erect.
How long is a manual wind clock?
That depends entirely on your clock. Some manual wind clocks are 24 hour clocks, others are 1 week clocks.
How many days windings are there in a French grandfather clock?
1. French Grand Father Clock : eight days winding. Need to give key once in eight days. we have two weight and three weight clock. 45 days windings are also there .but its really a rare piece. its one month grandfather clock.
How many weight clocks are there in the cuckoo clock?
8. cuckoo clock : in that there are 2 weight clock and 3 weight clock . In that one day winding is there nd seven days windings are also there. Its a german Clock.
Why do watches have longer reserve?
The reason for this (and the reason that they don’t usually make watches with longer reserves) isn’t because they can’t, but because it typically makes the watch more accurate. You see, a mainspring gives a different amount of power depending on how wound up it is. When you wind it up in the morning, it’s putting a lot of power into the works. This makes the balance wheel (the part that actually meters out the time) swing farther with each beat, which makes each beat take a little longer then normal. By the end of the day however, the mainspring has unwound quite a bit, and is delivering far less power, which means the balance wheel swings less, and the watch runs faster.
Why don't they make watches with longer reserves?
The reason for this (and the reason that they don’t usually make watches with longer reserves) isn’t because they can’t, but because it typically makes the watch more accurate. You see, a mainspring gives a differen
How many days is the Grand Mother clock winding?
4. Grand Mother clock also there. In that also there is two weight and three weight clock.. that clock is also eight days winding.
How to change the rate of oscillation of quartz crystals?
Short of changing it for a crystal of a different resonant frequency, you can change the rate of oscillation by changing the temperature. Those quartz crystals generally have a temperature coefficient of +/-10 to +/-100 ppm per degree C.
