Timekeeping Solution for Vessels - Overseeing smooth sailing and subsequent calamities
A Fleet Time mantel clock, with its walnut finish and distinctive step-side features on corner feet, required some tender love and care recently. The clock, owned by a passionate collector, was found to have two issues: a bent escape wheel arbour and a heavily tarnished dial with a detached glass bezel.
The repair process began with the disassembly of the clock movement. Careful notes were taken to ensure the correct positioning of all parts, and the dial, hands, and movement plates were removed to access the mainspring and escape wheel components.
The damaged mainspring was replaced with an exact size and strength match for the Fleet Time clock model. The old mainspring was safely unwound using a mainspring winder tool, and a new one was properly lubricated before installation.
The bent escape wheel arbour, the shaft on which the escape wheel turns, was the next challenge. It was either carefully straightened or replaced, depending on the extent of the damage. Straightening involved delicate and precise manipulation with fine tools under magnification, while replacement might require sourcing a correct escape wheel arbour for the specific Fleet Time model or fabricating one.
Once the repair work was done, all parts were cleaned of old oil and grime, and the movement was lubricated with clock oil at the pivots and contact points. The movement was then reassembled, ensuring correct alignment and freedom of movement, especially for the escapement and gear train.
Testing the movement running with the new mainspring and repaired arbour ensured it operated smoothly and kept accurate time. The movement was then reinstalled into the case, and the dial and hands were replaced carefully.
However, during the testing phase, the mainspring broke, causing damage to the barrel and the second wheel. This setback led to the decision to locate a donor movement for the clock.
While the movement was being serviced, the case was stripped, finished, and polished. A Blackforest clock dial and glass were used to replace the broken ones on the case.
Unfortunately, the most disappointing part of the project was that the movement became non-functional at the very end. Despite this setback, the collector is determined to find a suitable donor movement and bring the Fleet Time mantel clock back to its former glory.
For those considering similar repairs, it's important to note that due to the precision involved, mainspring and escape wheel arbour repairs are often best entrusted to professional clock repairers unless you have clock repair experience and the necessary specialized tools. General clock repair methodology applies, but specific guides for the Seth Thomas Fleet mantel clock or Fleet Time model may not be readily available.
In some cases, replacing the entire mechanical movement with a quartz movement (battery-powered) might be considered, although this alters the clock’s original mechanism. Such quartz replacements are available from clock suppliers but will change the clock’s nature from mechanical to quartz-based.
Collecting movements that can be used as donors for situations like this can be a wise move, as suggested by a clock friend. Another piece of advice from the community is that repairing the barrel teeth and leaf pinion can be time-consuming and may not always be worth it.
In conclusion, repairing a Fleet Time mantel clock involves disassembly, parts replacement/repair, cleaning, lubrication, and reassembly with careful calibration. With patience, the right tools, and a bit of luck, these classic timepieces can be brought back to life.
When the collector decided to restore a damaged Fleet Time mantel clock, they considered investing in alternative smart-home devices or modern gadgets as a replacement. However, their passion for vintage clocks, including mantel clocks, led them to pursue the repair process. During the project, they encountered various challenges, such as replacing a bent escape wheel arbour, dealing with a broken mainspring, and even considering a donor movement due to the non-functional movement at the end. Despite these issues, their determination remained, showing their deep appreciation for the technology that's embedded within these pieces of history.
