Clock servicing: Focusing on Junghans bracket clock's mechanical components

Clock servicing: Focusing on Junghans bracket clock's mechanical components

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A Junghans bracket clock from 1911, a time and strike bracket clock, required servicing due to several issues. Here's a detailed account of the common issues found, recommended solutions, and additional tips for servicing antique clocks.

Common Issues

1. Worn or Broken Mainspring The mainspring, after years of use, had become weak, causing the clock to stop running.
2. Dirty or Dried Lubrication The movement's oil had hardened and attracted dust, impeding the gear train and escapement function.
3. Worn Bushings and Pivots Continuous use had worn the pivot holes and arbor pivots, causing excess play and inaccurate timekeeping.
4. Damaged or Misaligned Escapement The escapement, crucial for controlling the release of energy, had worn out or become misaligned, causing the clock to stop or run inaccurately.
5. Pendulum Issues The pendulum suspension spring was fatigued, and the pendulum bob was displaced.
6. Case and Dial Wear The wooden case had minor damages, affecting aesthetics and structural integrity.
7. Chime or Strike Mechanism Problems The striking system was jammed or out of synchronization.

Typical Solutions

1. Mainspring Replacement or Servicing
2. The mainspring was carefully replaced with an authentic part.
3. The correct tensioning was ensured.
4. Cleaning and Re-oiling
5. The movement was fully disassembled.
6. All parts were cleaned using appropriate clock cleaning solutions.
7. High-quality clock oil was used to lubricate pivot points and the escapement.
8. Bushing Replacement
9. Worn holes were re-bushed with properly sized brass bushings.
10. Escapement Adjustment
11. Pallets and escape wheel teeth were inspected for wear.
12. Pallet clearance and alignment were adjusted for smooth tick-tock.
13. Pendulum Repair
14. The suspension spring was replaced if damaged.
15. The pendulum length and alignment were checked to ensure proper regulation.
16. Case Restoration
17. The wooden case was cleaned and polished, repairing minor damages.
18. Chime/Strike Mechanism Repair
19. Broken components were inspected and replaced.
20. The strike was synchronized with the time.

Additional Tips

• Use Specialist Services: Given the age and value, consider having the clock serviced by a professional clockmaker experienced with early 20th-century German clocks.
• Maintain Regular Service Intervals: Antique clocks usually require servicing every 5-10 years.
• Handle Delicately: When moving or handling the clock, protect it from shocks and keep it upright.
• Document Repairs: Keep a log of maintenance work to track the clock’s history and condition.

If you plan to service the clock yourself, ensure you have the right tools (mainspring winder, screwdrivers, cleaning solutions) and patience, as antique clocks require precise and delicate work.

After several small adjustments, the movement is now running and striking as it should on the Junghans bracket clock. The mainsprings are in good condition, but there is more oil than necessary within the barrels. Seven bushings were installed during the reassembly process, with three on the time side and four on the strike side. The largest one was a 4.5mm (OD) bushing for the count wheel. The paddle was hanging off one of the points of the star wheel, and the count lever dropped in the middle part, not the beginning of the deep slot, causing the half-hour strike issue. The motion works centre arbour pivot was "stuck" in the backplate, possibly due to previous attempts to enlarge it or the plates never being separated. The clock's Regency style veneered mahogany case is in reasonably good shape, except for a small piece of veneer missing on the front right corner and replacement chrome feet. The clock is currently on a test stand after cleaning and a few new bushings.

1. To maintain the accuracy and functionality of the vintage Junghans bracket clock, it might be beneficial to explore the integration of smart-home-devices that can monitor the clock's performance, such as smart sensors for detecting potential issues with the mainspring, lubrication, or escapement.
2. In addition to traditional gadgets for servicing antique clocks, consider incorporating modern technology, like high-resolution cameras or mobile apps, to aid in the precise and delicate work required for maintaining the clock's vintage clocks mechanism, ensuring that every small adjustment is made with utmost precision.

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