But it runs slow. I have a couple that I think you should check out: 1) Check that the clock is "in beat." After the function of the clock, you need to look at the condition of the wood. Hi, The chime hammers don't play the 1/4 hour correctly. The clock seems to be wound. Includes key, clock was not tested. Free shipping . If. Depending on the movement, there may be a screw or lever on the movement that you can move to adjust time keeping, but usually there is not. It sounds like not enough power is getting to the pendulum. var year = today.getFullYear() Specifically, this clock had a walnut case, burl walnut accents, and a pagoda top, which are reminiscent of the older clocks. You can thin the spring yourself by gently pinching it with very fine emory paper and stroking it a few times. .tick . As you probably know by now, the Seth Thomas Clock Company made clocks for a long time, of different shapes and sizes. There are several ways clocks can count the hours, but a common strike system is called the rack and snail. Ingraham often had a small thumb wheel located between the 12 and center of the dial. I have got it running and fixed the striker but it only strikes once on each hour. Quite a bit later than other clocks, but it had other things going for it. If the rack tail falls to the narrowest part of the snail shell cam, the rack drops a long ways (twelve teeth) and the clock strikes twelve times. Clock Type: Seth Thomas Crystal Regulator Model No. If the clock has a pendulum, use the nut on the bottom of the pendulum to adjust the clock. To simplify the process some clocks have a rate adjustment arbour on the dial, typically at the 12 o'clock position. Always try to grasp the hands close the the brass bushing, and try to avoid bending the hands. Lastly, the hole to the right powers the chime, which makes a musical tone every 15 minutes. There are a multitude of sites dedicated to Seth Thomas and I encourage you to visit them; however, for the purposes of this post it is our first important piece of information. Assuming you have an old one, the adjustment is by a 3-pronged 'spider' which sits on top of the balance wheel (the one that moves back and forth as the clock ticks). Check to see if there is a threaded rod projecting from the pendulum or if there is a pendulum nut in the bottom of the case.If this is the case, your clock needs some professional help. Ive stripped down and cleaned the movement and re-oiled all the pivot holes. Any advice would be gratefully received. I have a nutcracker German Clock; I can turn with key clockwise, but does not seem to turn counter clockwise; how do I slow the pendulum down and how do I keep it going; and how do I move the hands to set initially? In their version of an atomic clock, Seth Thomas uses an internal chip to offer the same autosetting features of true, radio-controlled atomic clocks. 7 Valuable Nintendo Games You Just Might Still Have. Seth Thomas Collectible Desk, Mantel & Shelf Clocks 1920-1949, French Clock . Once oil starts to evaporate or congeal or parts start to wear, less power is available to push the pendulum. The beginning of the week it is fast and by the end of the week slow. Examine the following: Once you know as much as possible about your collectible mantel clock, take a look at recently sold examples for value. 7-8 minutes a week loss seems like a lot. Seth Thomas used different materials at different times in the clock maker's history. The plate should have a Seth Thomas label etching, and possibly a patent number. Also, the clock runs approximately 20 minutes fast even at the slowest setting. Do you possibly have an idea as to why the clock is not working as it should, as I know this is a long shot asking you a question when you can't see physically what is occurring at my end. Any suggestions? Customer Service available Hamilton West Mister Chime 8 day Wall Clock and its running to slow. I removed the Second Hand and tried again. I can send pictures and try to answer any questions you may have. So, a well-maintained Thomas clock will yield the highest profit! There are people who rebuild rotors. 1) Unpack the clock Take clock and key carefully out of carton. The bushing has a square hole in the center that fits onto a square at the end of the clock's minute arbor (the shaft that sticks out from the center of the clock dial). Any thoughts on why my clock is still running slow? Place the key in the center hole to adjust the time on the clock face. Now that you are familiar with the history of these clocks, Its time to learn how to identify whether you have one, and how old it is. Pendulum or windup. Antique Seth Thomas Sonora Chime 4 bell Chime set complete . You must log in or register to reply here. It can also happen if one or more escape wheel teeth are bent or broken. Take heart there's nothing wrong. to adjust the speed, open the back and remove the weight at the bottom of the pendulum. That in turn means there is wear and/or dirt in the train that is robbing power and needs to be corrected. Thanks so much for your information regarding clocks running fast or slow. If not, there are many great clock repair technicians out there. Both of these issues are best adressed by a competent repair person. there is a nut which lets you adjust the weight up or down up clock runs faster. 20"l x 6"w x 9"t. estate & personal property > 1/23 . Many thanks The most common reason is that the pendulum is simply way too short. Why does a clock run fast when it isn't getting enough power? verge and escape wheel combos Home Escape Wheels and Verges Escape Wheels and Verges Escape wheels such as Kieninger escape wheels and Seth Thomas escape wheels are available here at Perrin's. We also have an array of different verge combinations to suit your clock repair needs. I have a little bit that I can shorten the spring. I have a 6 column mantel clock with the name Seth Thomas on the face between the 12 and the center of the face where the hour and minute hands connect. Free shipping for many products! Some of the clocks Thomas built had his name on them, right above the number 6 on the dial. In general, moving the fork on the spring up will give more push to the pendulum and will cause a longer rotation which will make it slower. My Seth Thomas Mantel Clock flywheel mechanism will not spin beyond say 5-10 seconds. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Vintage / Antique Seth Thomas Round Wall Clock No 10 Movement Walnut Case at the best online prices at eBay! Either the pendulum is too short or it isn't getting enough swing. It will have ST with a circle around it for a logo. The "newer" bob had evidently been added at some point in the clock's life to replace the stripped gear. If it sounds like the bird has laryngitis there might be a hole in the bellows that needs repair. Thank you. This beautiful 4-sided clock is estimated to be worth up to 20 million dollars. So, if you still happen to have one, you can expect it to be rather valuable. Most likely, you will find a full paper label (or remains of a label). I put a small file upside down in a vise so the tang is pointing up. If it does not, open the back door and start the balance wheel swinging by either of these two methods: 1) Quickly rotate the clock in the plane of the balance wheel to impart motion to it. I tried screwing it back on but could not do it. This is something that you can find either on the back, inside, or bottom of the clock case. What are the Most Valuable Seth Thomas Antique Clocks? Needs cleaning and adjustment. Open front door and remove the plastic safety bushing (see picture 2). If so, this would detract from the clocks worth. If you happen to be the owner of one of his early clocks, you know youve got a valuable piece of history on your hands. Setup Balance Wheel Mantel Clock: This type of clock usually starts by itself upon winding. A pendulum with too little swing will tend to run fast. Is this just because it's a little older? I am passionate about restoring and repairing antique clocks. You then need to gently nudge the clock to get the pendulum swinging. Perhaps you or your family still have such an old clock from past generations. My clock is running fast/slow. The most important factor other than the date is the condition of the clock. Any advice or instruction on how to put this adjustment nut back? Mike. Open the hinged glass cover of the clock's face to access the clock's hands. Mike. This clock winds up with the key and appears to be in good condition. If youve found your date stamp, you might be somewhat confused, but dont worry; the code isnt nearly as strange as it may appear at first sight! PDF Subject: SETH THOMAS CLOCK REPAIR MANUAL It's immensely important to begin read . Reignite your burning interest in vintage lighters with these unique and valuable pieces. $20.00 . To regulate your clock, hold the pendulum disc and turn the rating nut located under the disk to the left to make the clock run slower and to the right to make the clock run faster. The key here is to ignore clocks that are still for sale. It has very small wheel positioned below the 12. You should call the service center and see what suggestions they make. . What do I do to fix it.? Turn the nut to the left to lengthen the pendulum and to the right to shorten it. If you do use glue, be sure it is completely dry before replacing the hands a final time. I have worked in the electronics field for over 40 years. Moving the fork down will make it faster. If you have any other questions or remarks, feel free to comment below! Clocks are designed to run and keep time with the pendulum having room for adjustment. I had it oiled a while back, and It runs fine, but the problem is that even with the F-S adjustment at full F it still loses about a minute or two a day. What next I can do ? Thanks again! Having some vintage-looking items would definitely help with that. I figured I can try to adjust that again once I get the speed figured out. But would moving the fork closer to or farther away from the regulator pivot do more? If your clock is in excellent condition, it might be worth a lot! Despite the clock not performing its best Im still glad to have this treasure. Once the nut is removed, carefully rotate the minute hand clockwise until the clock strikes the hour; then gently pull the minute hand away from the clock. The rack has at least 12 teeth and usually a few more. If you have any problems, it might be a good idea to find a clock repair services that have experience with the kind you have, such as the pendulum or balance wheel ones. Warning: the hands are often very light and bend easily. tock) the clock is "out of beat" and will run fast. Someone also applied an excessive amount of oil to the clocks works. ? Does it still keep time properly? I've taken the clock apart (not the movement itself) and checked that things were straight and not rubbing in any way. Total:2,856 (members:76, guests:2,780), Most visitors online was 4107 , on 14 Jan 2023. If not, have you ever seen the Grand Central Terminal Clock in New York? First of all, there is the function of the clock. 6 Vintage Hair Accessories to Rock Your Retro Look. If you can set the number of beats per minute, and if you know how many beats per minute your clock does, you are set. Contact Us Drop us a line or give us a call. I have recently stripped, cleaned and lightly oiled a 1940/50s Smiths mantle clock. Thank you very much for the reply. You probably need to have your clock serviced. Id also like to mention when I got the clock the seller had placed a lot of packing material (cotton fiber) inside of the clock. Thanks. . 5 Count the number of strikes. This clock was sold in an outstanding original condition, and its case was constructed from walnut wood. Normally a fast clock with a balance wheel means that the balance wheel is not rotating far enough on each stroke. Is your clock weight or spring driven? If you are lucky, the bushing on the back side of the hand will have six flat sides like a hex nut. If you cannot adjust the timekeeping of the clock slow enough, that likely means that the clock needs some TLC. belonged to my gradfather, but net time. At first, as a carpenter/joiner apprentice, Thomas work consisted of building houses and barns. Thank you for any advice. The F or S is too small for me to see. I am trying to slow down a smith clock with balance wheel. The curved part of the pallet is called the locking face or the dead face. If the curve of the locking face is made correctly, the escape wheel rides against the curved face for most of the swing of the pendulum and only moves once the tooth slips off of the locking face onto the flat angled impulse face that gives a short push to the pendulum. The worn pivot holes result in increased friction that reduces the power available to push the pendulum back and forth. A short swing takes less time, so the clock speeds up. I had forgotten we had two going in the same thread. Ship package to us Repair Services - Clean/Overhaul - Full restoration - Mechanical repair More Repair We can service any style of clock. Seth Thomas Collectible Desk, Mantel & Shelf Clocks 1920-1949, Seth Thomas Collectible Vintage Alarm Clocks & Clock Radios 1920-1949 Time Period Manufactured, Chiming Wall Clock, Collectible Antique Lamps, Description: This lot includes a mantle clock made by Seth Thomas, featuring a 1/4 hour striking Westminster chime movement. I was hopeful it had done the trick, it was a small device for the extention attached to the pendulum at the top end. Cuckoo clocks generally tend to run faster as they become worn. The rack looks kind of like part of a gear (say a fourth). Or you can always bring the clock in. If you cant find one, you might also be able to tell from the paper label or construction. Adjustment nut on the pendulum, if your clock has a small nut on the bottom or another place on of the pendulum, then use this method. 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