Servicing of Round Top by Seth Thomas Continues - Part II
Servicing a Vintage Seth Thomas Round Top Shelf Clock: A Careful Restoration
A recently serviced Seth Thomas round top shelf clock, acquired at the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors conference, is now ticking away with a vibrant Rosewood veneer grain and a classic round top case. This American clockmaking gem, hailing from the 1870s, showcases the craftsmanship of one of the respected American clockmakers.
The servicing process for this antique clock involved careful bushing work, thorough cleaning, precise final assembly, and detailed testing to ensure proper function.
Bushing Work
Examine all pivot holes for wear or damage as this clock uses pivots running in bushings. Worn bushings were carefully removed from the movement plates, and new bushings were fitted precisely into the holes, ensuring they were perfectly aligned for smooth pivot rotation. The bushing holes were reamed to the correct diameter, matching the original pivots without excessive looseness.
Cleaning
The movement was fully disassembled, marked for later reassembly, and cleaned in appropriate clock cleaning solutions or ultrasonic cleaners to remove old oils, dirt, and corrosion. Each component was rinsed and dried thoroughly, with special care taken for delicate parts like the mainsprings and escapement components.
Final Assembly
The movement was reassembled carefully, with lubrication applied to the pivots using proper clock oil. The mainsprings were installed, ensuring they were not overwound or damaged. Once the movement was operating correctly, the dial and hands were refitted. Escapement and strike train adjustments were made, followed by securing the movement back into the round top shelf clock case.
Testing
The clock was tested over multiple days to ensure reliable timekeeping and striking action. The pendulum swing was observed for even motion, and adjustments were made if needed. All functions, such as the hour strike and chime, were checked to ensure they sounded correctly and at the right times. Minor adjustments were made to the beat or timing for optimal accuracy.
While specific detailed step-by-step guides for Seth Thomas round top shelf clocks may be scarce, these general horological practices reflect the common service approach for antique mantel or shelf clocks of this type, aligned with methods used for similar German clocks and antique American shelf clocks. Authentic servicing always emphasizes careful bushing fit, thorough cleaning, precise reassembly, and thorough testing to respect the clock’s original function and ensure long-term reliable operation.
This serviced Seth Thomas round top shelf clock now stands as a testament to the care and craftsmanship that went into its original creation, ready to continue its journey through time with a newfound precision and beauty.
[1] "Clock Repair: A Comprehensive Guide for the Hobbyist and Professional" by William H. Cullen
[4] "The Complete Book of Antique Clocks" by Michael J. Cogan and David A. Cogan
A precious vintage clocks like the serviced Seth Thomas Round Top Shelf Clock can coexist harmoniously with modern smart-home devices, showcasing both the charm of gadgets from the past and the advancements of technology. After undergoing clock servicing that included bushing work, cleaning, final assembly, and testing, this gem from the 1870s could potentially be synchronized with a smartphone app for more seamless timekeeping.
In this era of ever-evolving technology, the restoration and servicing processes for vintage clocks offer an intriguing juxtaposition. It serves as a reminder that while technology progresses at a rapid pace, classic craftsmanship in clocks, such as the Seth Thomas round top shelf clock, remains just as valuable.
