Simplest Box Vedette Yet Unveiled
In this week's Tick Talk Tuesday, we delve into a common issue faced by owners of Vedette clocks - a mechanical timepiece with French roots that resembles a typical German box clock of the period, boasting an attractive oval beveled lower window and lacking side windows.
Recently, a reader shared their experience with a Vedette clock purchased at a silent auction in June 2019. The clock, though plain in appearance compared to typical Vedette clocks, mysteriously stops after a few minutes. Upon closer inspection, it was found that the pendulum rod of the Vedette clock was hitting the chime rod retainer, causing it to stop.
The sound of the chimes on the Vedette clock is reverberating, but the chime medley is out of sync. This issue is not uncommon with Vedette clocks, and it can be attributed to misalignment or wear in the chime mechanism.
General horological knowledge suggests that improper assembly or adjustment of the chime hammer and rods, wear or damage in the chime rack, snail cam, or lever systems that control the timing and sequence of the chimes, or clock running out of synchronization after winding, transportation, or after the clock has stopped could be the culprits.
To fix the issue, one might consider resetting the chime sequence by letting the clock run through a full hour cycle, or manually advancing the minute hand slowly through a full hour, allowing the chime mechanism to realign and resynchronize. Adjusting the chime hammers to ensure they strike the rods cleanly and neither too hard nor too soft is another solution. In some cases, servicing the clock movement by cleaning, lubricating, and replacing worn parts inside the movement may be necessary.
For complex internal mechanism calibrations, consulting a clockmaker familiar with Vedette or similar mechanical clocks may be necessary. Unfortunately, the search results did not yield specific information about why Vedette clocks sometimes have issues with the chime medley being off or how to address this problem.
The Vedette clock in question is a quarter hour Westminster chime, and its longest chiming rod extends all the way to the beat scale. The case, rough, dull, and faded overall with nicks and scratches from frequent moves, adds to its vintage charm.
This article is part of a series called Tick Talk Tuesday, where we discuss various issues related to clocks. If you have a clock-related issue you'd like us to address, please get in touch!
The article does not discuss the sound of ticking driving the author crazy, nor does it mention a dedicated clock room or a 400-day clock. It also does not focus on a specific antique or vintage clock wish list.
We hope this article helps you in maintaining your Vedette clock or troubleshooting any issues you might encounter. Happy clock-keeping!
The reader's Vedette clock, which was purchased during a silent auction and sports a quarter hour Westminster chime, could benefit from a home-and-garden upgrade, considering its vintage charm and potential need for servicing. To blend seamlessly with a technologically advanced lifestyle, one might consider pairing this antique timepiece with gadgets that complement its intricate design.
