Vintage Clock Parts Guide

How to Adjust the Beat on a Seth Thomas 124 Movement — Crutch Alignment, Pendulum Setup, and Power Considerations
How to Adjust the Beat on a Seth Thomas 124 Movement — Crutch Alignment, Pendulum Setup, and Power Considerations
Introduction The Seth Thomas 124 is a compact, high‑quality 8‑day chime movement, but it is also one of the most sensitive to beat alignment. Even slight crutch misalignment or pendulum‑spring... Read more...
Troubleshooting Jauch Clock Movement Problems — Power Loss, Strike Issues, and Wear in German Mantel Movements
Troubleshooting Jauch Clock Movement Problems — Power Loss, Strike Issues, and Wear in German Mantel Movements
Introduction Jauch clock movements were widely used in mid‑century German mantel and wall clocks. While reliable when new, many Jauch movements now suffer from wear, power loss, and strike‑train issues... Read more...
How to Install a New Regula 25 Cuckoo Clock Movement — Alignment, Bellows Setup, and Cuckoo Bird Adjustment
How to Install a New Regula 25 Cuckoo Clock Movement — Alignment, Bellows Setup, and Cuckoo Bird Adjustment
Introduction The Regula 25 is one of the most common one-day cuckoo clock movements, and installing a new unit is often easier than repairing a worn original. However, proper alignment... Read more...
How to Fix Lacquer Peeling on Clock Plates — Cleaning, Polishing, and Protecting Brass Movements
How to Fix Lacquer Peeling on Clock Plates — Cleaning, Polishing, and Protecting Brass Movements
Introduction Lacquer peeling on brass clock plates is a common issue in older mechanical clocks. Heat, age, moisture, and previous cleaning attempts can cause the lacquer to flake, exposing the... Read more...
Why a Clock Won’t Strike More Than 8 or 9 Times — Count Wheel, Locking Issues, and Strike‑Train Diagnosis
Why a Clock Won’t Strike More Than 8 or 9 Times — Count Wheel, Locking Issues, and Strike‑Train Diagnosis
Introduction When a clock refuses to strike more than 8 or 9 times, the problem is almost always related to the count wheel, locking lever, or strike-train alignment. Even if... Read more...
How to Repair a Westclox Alarm Clock — Big Ben, Baby Ben, and Mainspring Power Issues
How to Repair a Westclox Alarm Clock — Big Ben, Baby Ben, and Mainspring Power Issues
Introduction Westclox alarm clocks such as the Big Ben and Baby Ben are iconic American timepieces. Their simple but rugged movements can run for decades, but dirt, dried oil, and... Read more...
Troubleshooting a Becker Westminster Mantel Clock — Chime Train Power, Escapement Issues, and Movement Wear
Troubleshooting a Becker Westminster Mantel Clock — Chime Train Power, Escapement Issues, and Movement Wear
Introduction Becker Westminster mantel clocks are well‑built German movements known for their smooth chime sequence and reliable timekeeping. However, age, wear, and old lubrication can cause the chime train, escapement,... Read more...
How to Safely Move a Grandfather Clock — Weights, Pendulum, Movement Protection, and Transport Steps
How to Safely Move a Grandfather Clock — Weights, Pendulum, Movement Protection, and Transport Steps
Introduction Moving a grandfather clock requires careful preparation to prevent damage to the movement, pendulum, chime rods, and case. These clocks are delicate instruments, and improper handling can bend arbors,... Read more...
Fixing Chime Problems on a Seth Thomas 113A Movement — Hammer Lift, Chime Wheel Timing, and Power Loss
Fixing Chime Problems on a Seth Thomas 113A Movement — Hammer Lift, Chime Wheel Timing, and Power Loss
Introduction The Seth Thomas 113A is a powerful and well‑built chime movement, but when the chimes stop, run weakly, or fall out of sequence, the cause is usually related to... Read more...
How to Fit a New Pulley Belt on a Watchmaker’s Lathe — Belt Tension, Alignment, and Safe Installation
How to Fit a New Pulley Belt on a Watchmaker’s Lathe — Belt Tension, Alignment, and Safe Installation
Introduction Replacing a pulley belt on a watchmaker’s lathe is a straightforward task, but proper tensioning and alignment are essential for smooth operation. A worn or slipping belt reduces torque,... Read more...
Fixing an Ansonia Strike Train That Won’t Strike — Warning Lever, Locking Issues, and 8‑Day Movement Diagnosis
Fixing an Ansonia Strike Train That Won’t Strike — Warning Lever, Locking Issues, and 8‑Day Movement Diagnosis
Introduction Ansonia 8-day movements are reliable and well-designed, but strike-train issues are common when wear, misalignment, or incorrect adjustments develop. One frequent problem occurs when the warning lever drops correctly,... Read more...
Repairing a 125‑Year‑Old Hamburg American Clock Movement — Power Issues, Escapement Problems, and Safe Disassembly
Repairing a 125‑Year‑Old Hamburg American Clock Movement — Power Issues, Escapement Problems, and Safe Disassembly
Introduction Hamburg American Clock Company (HAC) movements are well-built and highly collectible, but after more than a century of use, they often suffer from power loss, worn pivots, bent escape... Read more...