Mechanical Clock Winding: Step-by-Step Instructions
Winding a Clock, Demystified
Let's dive into the creative and intriguing world of antique and vintage mechanical clocks. This handy guide will show you how to wind your classic timepiece. Follow these steps, and you'll gain the know-how to properly take care of this enchanting beauty.
First, let's lay some groundwork.
What's What: Winding Arbours and Their Functions
On your clock's dial (excluding cable-driven tall case clocks), there will be one, two, or three holes, often called "winding arbours." Each arbour serves a specific purpose, with the number of holes indicating the number of gear trains (or sets of gears) in the clock.
For example, a clock with one arbour is a time-only clock. Two arbours typically signify a time-and-strike clock, which strikes on the hour and may also strike on the half-hour. Clocks with three arbours chime on the quarter-hour, creating a delightful musical tone.
Some clocks have a smaller hole near or above the 12 o'clock position. This hole is also an arbour, used for regulating the clock’s speed.
Strike vs. Chime: What's the Difference?
A strike or chime simply refers to the clock sounding the time. An antique time-and-strike clock indicates the hour by striking once for each hour, while a chime produces a musical tone.
Classic "time-and-strike" clocks signal the hour with a single strike, while chimes create a melody, such as the Westminster chime, usually found on three-arbour clocks. Some clocks have additional strike options on the half-hour or variety of tunes to choose from.
Older clocks typically don’t strike on the half-hour, preserving the wind on the strike side.
Where's the Action, you ask?
Let's take a look at a spring-driven Seth Thomas mantel clock as an example below. The left arbour winds the strike side, and the right arbour winds the time side. The smaller hole just below the centre cannon is for regulating the clock using a double-ended key.
Now, on to an Ingraham clock. It only has one set of gears, so it’s a time-only clock, with a single arbour (or winding point). The nearly invisible smaller hole in the loop of the "2" on the number 12 serves as the clock's speed regulator.
If the strike is bothersome or interrupts guests, you can simply wind only the time side, and the clock will still run perfectly fine without the strike side being wound. However, to ensure even wear and proper maintenance, it's generally a good idea to wind both sides of a striking clock.
Time on Your Hands: Clock Running Time
Most clocks are designed to run for eight days. Some older clocks run for as little as 30 hours or as long as 30 days on a wind, while anniversary clocks can run for 400 days on a wind.
For eight-day clocks, wind once a week to keep them running smoothly. Establishing a routine, such as winding your clock(s) on the same day each week, will be helpful. Don't forget to occasionally adjust your clock's speed to account for seasonal changes. Details on regulating your clock can be found in my article.
Keys, Keys, Keys!
It's common for a new clock to come without a key, and if it does have one, it's often a replacement. Finding a clock with its original key is quite rare. The key that accompanies the clock is likely to fit, but if your clock has a speed adjustment arbour (marked F-S) on the dial, typically located near the top, it should have a double-ended key.
If your clock has a one-ended winding key, the key is not original to the clock. Double-ended keys are necessary because the speed adjustment arbour is considerably smaller than the winding arbour.
Key Size Matters
All mechanical clocks need a winding key, except for alarm clocks and some carriage clocks, which have built-in keys. Keys come in various sizes, so it's essential to have the right size for your clock's arbour. The key should fit snugly without being too loose.
If your clock came without a key, it can be purchased from clock supply houses like Perrin, Timesavers, or Merritts in Canada and the USA.
Flipping the Script: One common myth is that over-winding a clock can lead to issues. In reality, a clock that "seems" over-wound stops due to old oil and dirt buildup in the mainspring coil, making the coil stick and impeding proper operation. Regular servicing of a mechanical clock helps maintain its functionality and longevity.
Wind Forward, Little Colonel!
If the dial is covered by a glass door, open it to access the clock face. Insert the key into one of the winding arbours and use your non-dominant hand to steady the case while winding. Wearing a cotton glove on your non-dominant hand will help protect the finish of the case.
Next, turn the key clockwise. If it doesn't turn clockwise, try turning it counterclockwise. If the clock requires the key to be turned in both directions, it is normal and nothing to worry about. Avoid forcing the key; apply minimal pressure, and continue winding until you feel resistance. Once you feel resistance, stop winding and do not force the key further.
Below is a cautionary example of an owner exerting excessive force while winding the movement in the wrong direction, causing the right spring barrel to become unhooked from the main wheel.
If you lose the key, simply purchase a replacement. Never use pliers or any other hand tools to wind the clock.
The clicking sound while winding the arbour is the "click" engaging the ratchet on the mainspring. The purpose of the ratchet is to secure the mainspring with each turn of the key.
An eight-day clock usually requires about 14 half turns of the key, as the arbour completes one turn per day.
Allow the key to return gently to its click, and on rare occasions, the click may slip or break. Resist the urge to release the key suddenly. Instead, let it slowly unwind in your hand to prevent potential damage to the teeth, gears, and even your hand. Never do so forcefully, as this could cause collateral damage to other parts of the movement.
Clocks Weighing In
Not all clocks utilize springs, such as grandfather clocks and one-day Ogee clock, which rely on weights. To wind weight-driven clocks, you must raise the weights to their designated position at the top. This can be done by either using a crank key inserted into the winding arbour on the clock face or by manually pulling the chains to lift the weights.
For tall case clocks with cable drives, use a crank key to wind by inserting the key into each winding hole on the clock face. Turn the key slowly until the weights are raised to their resting position at the top.
All three weights on a chiming grandfather clock descend together through the week.
On older tall case clocks with concealed weights behind an access door, open the door to watch the weights rise as you wind the clock. As the weights near the top, slow down and stop when you feel resistance.
30-hour time-and-strike clocks should have their weights wound to the top of the case daily at around the same time.
The Final Tick Tock
In conclusion, take pride in your mechanical clock's craftsmanship and enjoy its beauty. Remember to wind it regularly, care for it, and service it when necessary. If you choose to not run the clock, appreciate it as a valuable piece of horological history.
Stay tuned for more fascinating insights about antique and vintage clocks!
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References & Resources
[1] Perrin – Industry-leading clock repairs and supplies in Canada.[2] Timesavers – America's premier suppliers of clock and watch repair tools.[3] Merritts – A trusted name in clock and watch repair equipment across the United States.[4] All About Clocks – An informative article explaining the inner workings of strike mechanisms.
Additional Reading
My Antique Clock Stopped, What Do I Do?
An in-depth article on troubleshooting and repairing your antique clock when it suddenly stops working.
Over-winding a Clock is a Myth
A clarification on the misconception of over-winding a clock and its true root causes for unexpected mechanical issues.
Related Articles:
My Antique Clock Stopped, What Do I Do?Over-winding a Clock is a MythThe Myth of Over-Winding: Clarifying a Common Misconception
- While the world of clocks has evolved significantly with the advent of smart-home devices and gadgets, a fondness for antique grandfather clocks, mechanical clocks, and vintage clocks remains.
- These traditional clocks are a testament to the history and art of horology, with modern mechanics offering no direct comparison to the intricate designs of antique timepieces.
- As horology enthusiasts delve deeper into their collection, they may find themselves looking for alternative ways to complement their antique clocks, such as incorporating them into contemporary smart-home setups.
- However, it's important to remember that antique clocks require proper care and routine maintenance, while smart-home devices offer convenience, automated functions, and technologically-driven advancements.
