Wind Up Clock

tamilee · #21 02/28/10, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 65284

I have probably close to 100 of the old winders. Look on the back of your clocks and somewhere there is probably an arch shaped slot with S on one end and F on the other. You should see the tip end of a small lever visible in the slot, move it towards F if the clock is running slow, opposite if it runs fast. Movement should be in small increments until you get it right.

Thanks 65284. I never knew how to work those! I use to slide that little recessed metal flap all the way to one side or the other and because of this I had trouble getting the clock to keep accurate time.

Loquisimo · #22 02/28/10, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Windy in Kansas

The key (pun intended) word is "good". I used to always use Wesclox but haven't found one of theirs to be good for several years. Wish I had one of their old metal geared ones to get put back into good shape by a repair service. The plastic geared ones are junk in my opinion.

I'll await other answers too. I'll check out Restoration Hdwr.

Westclox went out of business in 2001, the factory in Georgia shut down then too. The name "Westclox" knocked around for a few years, then was bought by, who else, the CHINESE. Basically the same as the old "Equity" clocks now. I have one of the last Big Bens made, I bought it in January 2001 because California was having electricity problems (caused by Enron) and I wanted to make sure I'd get to school on time. It never worked right. I don't know of any currently made in USA metal gear clocks. You might search thrift stores, somebody might get rid of an old Big/Baby Ben.

Ravenlost · #23 02/28/10, 08:38 PM

I also want to recommend Big Ben brand clocks. My mom has had the same Big Ben wind up clock for 50 years!

used2bcool13 · #24 02/28/10, 08:59 PM

My Dad gave me his Grandmothers Big Ben wind up clock recently, he told me that to clean it she boiled it in a pot of water once a year, can't do that with plastic.

I just took it out and wound it, it is ticking away right now, amazing.

Windy in Kansas · #25 02/28/10, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loquisimo

Westclox went out of business in 2001
I don't know of any currently made in USA metal gear clocks. You might search thrift stores, somebody might get rid of an old Big/Baby Ben.

Thanks, I gave up buying the junk Westclox before they went out of business, but it isn't any wonder they went out with the quality of the last few I had with those dang plastic parts in them.

I don't attend many garage sales but could put an ad on our local radio Party Line trading show. I also happened to remember that I used to keep an old Westclox Big Ben out at my farm. I'll check there and if one is there it will be an old one.

Those 31 day clocks sure look nice and are reasonable when purchased at discount. Not sure I want a chiming clock anymore though.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and information.

65284 · #26 02/28/10, 09:51 PM

Windy, striking clocks have 2 separate trains, one for the timekeeping side and one for the strike side. Striking/chiming clocks have 3 trains, time, chime, and strike. That's why spring driven clocks have 2 or 3 winding arbors and weight driven clocks 2 or 3 chains and weights. If you like the looks of a clock but don't like the noise, then just don't wind the chime/strike side. It won't affect the timekeeping quality or harm anything at all.

beaglebiz · #27 03/01/10, 05:56 AM

Oh, forgot to mention, I have a cuckoo clock habit. I have three (CUCKOO CUCKOO)
they are nice on your living room wall and the Black Forest ones keep excellent time, and you can switch off the cuckoo sound at night.

mamagoose · #28 03/02/10, 06:58 AM

If you like to sleep in the quiet, then be careful. Wind up clocks usually T-I-C-K! Back in college where we all practically slept on top of each other, I would wait until one of my roommates went to sleep (I couldn't) then I would take her clock and stuff it under her pillow!