Yes, I collect old clocks, among
my other obsessions—but they
are not just objects of art. I find antique
clocks comforting; their gentle ticking
and chiming are agreeable reminders of
the passage of time. Here I’ll share basic
aspects of clock care that keep things
running smoothly.
The placement of an antique clock
is critical. Heat, direct sunlight, and
humidity quickly take their toll both on
the case—bleaching wood and drying
any veneer—and the mechanisms. A
common mistake is to place a clock on a
mantel directly over a working fireplace,
where heat and smoke will cause dam-
age; too close to a window or a radiator causes problems as well.
Cigarette, pipe, and cigar smoke damage clock movements.
Make sure the clock is securely held in position, as any move-
ment will throw off the balance. Don’t hang your wall clock from
a nail or string, but rather use wall bolts. Remember to secure
the bottom, as opening the door and winding will cause the clock
to move. Screwing a long case or wall clock to the wall stud (or
using a molly bolt if a stud isn’t available) helps keep it secure
and running smoothly.
A clock that uses a pendulum must be level to function;
you can tell it’s running properly when you hear an even gap
between each tick and tock. Otherwise, the clock verge may not
clear the escape wheel teeth as the pendulum swings, and the
clock could stop. Use a level to get it “in beat.” For small adjust-
ments, a shim may be used for shelf and tall-case (grandfather)
clocks; coins and washers sometimes do the trick. If a significant
tilt is required to get an even beat, this usually means an adjust-
ment in the suspension is needed. That’s work for a professional.
Avoid areas with a lot of vibration such as loose floorboards
when placing a tall clock. The vibration may cause the weights to
slowly swing, counteracting the movement of the pendulum and
making the clock stop.
If your clock starts slowing down after running well, or if the
strike becomes sluggish, stop the clock and have it looked at by
a repairman. Don’t put off maintenance! Basic upkeep means
having the clock oiled every three years, and completely cleaned
every 10 years. This involves disassembling the movement,
cleaning the parts, and evaluating everything for wear. Cracked
mainsprings may need replacing, worn pivot holes in the move-
ment plates may need bushings installed, and gear pivots can be
polished on a lathe. Be prepared to pay between $200 and $350
for a clock overhaul.
The secret to keeping an antique clock working is to keep it
running and not let it stay idle, as the mechanism will dry out
and the clock will be harder to repair. Wind firmly to the point of
resistance: the key will stop when the clock is fully wound. AnCaring For
Your Antique
Clock
Old clocks are a popular
collectible; commonsense
guidelines keep things ticking.
By Brian D. Coleman
Photos by William Wright
A Low Art Tile clock, ca. 1880, keeps time on a brass hall table of the period.