Repairing a rounded top alarm clock by Seth Thomas
In the realm of American clockmaking, few names hold as much prestige as Seth Thomas Clock Co. One such masterpiece, the Seth Thomas Round Top Clock, recently underwent a restoration process to breathe new life into its intricate mechanics.
This clock, a large round shelf clock from the 1870s, is a fine example of the 1870s design, embodying the design aesthetics of its era. Among the clocks in the collection, it stands out as one of the finest examples of this iconic design.
The restoration process began with the removal of the movement from the case. This was necessary to access the mainspring barrel safely and work without risking damage to the clock or case.
The mainspring mechanism in this particular clock came with a broken mainspring that was not reusable. A new alarm mainspring was ordered from a clock supplier, and the old one was carefully removed from the barrel.
The mainspring barrel was then dismantled, and the new spring was installed, ensuring the spring hooks and coils were correctly positioned. The barrel and movement were then reassembled, with special care given to the Geneva stops, which regulate winding travel.
The lubrication of the mainspring and barrel was crucial to prevent future issues. After the lubrication, the clock movement was tested out of the case for proper function before being reinstalled.
The alarm mechanism, located just below the movement and connected by wire to the alarm adjustment wheel, was also given attention. Disassembly and cleaning took less than a minute, followed by 15 minutes in the ultrasonic. The pivots of the alarm mechanism were in good condition, indicating it was not used often.
Interestingly, the clock's alarm mechanism does not have a shutoff feature. It can ring until the power is depleted or until it is damaged.
This Seth Thomas Round Top Clock is part of a collection that includes 6 clocks representing several styles from 1865 to 1930. One of these clocks was acquired at the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors conference.
Each of these clocks is a testament to the craftsmanship of the Seth Thomas Clock Co, with the clocks from the 1870s considered the pinnacle of the company's work. This particular Seth Thomas Round Top Shelf Clock, with its vibrant and timeless design, is no exception.
For those unfamiliar with clock repair, consulting a professional clockmaker is recommended to avoid damage during the restoration process. For exact replacement parts, forums such as NAWCC can provide advice on equivalents or measurements needed to source the correct mainspring or barrel.
[1] For more detailed information on Seth Thomas mainspring barrels and their numbering system, please refer to the NAWCC Mainspring Database.
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