Melbourne Antique Clock Repairs

What does the pendulum do and do all antique clocks need one?

A pendulum is comparable to your heart. It drives the clock by allowing power to be released at a precise rate. The potential energy, stored in the weights, is evenly converted into kinetic energy much like the beat of your heart circulates blood throughout your body. Longer pendulums swing slower than shorter pendulums. Not all clocks require a pendulum to provide power; some clocks have a small wheel that oscillates against a spring.

What is Horology?

Horology is simply science that studies time. So a clockmaker or watchmaker is known as a Horologist.

My clock stops after running a short time. What's wrong with it?

It is very important that clocks with mechanical movements be cleaned and oiled regularly! If you're using the clock on a daily basis, it should be serviced every few years. What happens is that the oil in the movement becomes gummy. When this happens, in addition to causing additional drag on the gear train, the oil holds dirt and metal shavings that act as an abrasive on the brass plates of the movement. Eventually, this causes the bearing holes to become worn and out-of-round.

What exactly is involved in a clock service?

Providing nothing is missing or broken, servicing your clock starts with taking the clock apart down to every nut and wheel, flirt, lever, bracket etc. Then it is cleaned in an ultra-sonic cleaner. The pivot is polished, the main springs replaced if metal fatigue has sent in and it is obvious they need replacing. Pivot holes are re-bushed. Every part is inspected and maliciously cleaned and polished. Wheels are checked for end shake and side shake. Clock then goes through its final clean.

Can I move my clock hand backwards in daylight savings?

Simple answer, no! Only move the clock hands forward. Moving them backwards puts the chimes and strike out of synchronisation with your time, and causes damage inside the clock movement.

I am moving, what is the best way to move my antique clock?

Since antique clocks are one of a kind and can easily be damaged during transport, we recommend that you employ a clockmaker, we have extensive experience in shipping clocks and know how to secure your clock for a safe transport to your new home, ask John from Melbourne Antique Clock Repairs for help.

Can you over wind a clock?

The answer is technically no. But what happens is that the main spring grease has lost it lubricating properties due to wear and its age and oxidation. So now the grease becomes sticky and will need to be taken out of the clock and the barrels and main springs and clock serviced.

What is an ultra-sonic cleaner?

Ultra-sonic cleaning combines the sciences of engineering and chemistry working together to provide unsurpassed cleaning. Ultra-sonic cleaning occurs when ultra-high frequency sound waves are passed through a cleaning solution, creating cavitation. Cavitation is the implosion of microscopic bubbles collapsing into them. This creates a high-energy vacuum effect which safely pulls debris, foreign particles and contaminants from the surfaces being cleaned.

Who should I take my clock to have it repaired or serviced?

Your precious clock is part of your life and family. And it will probably be handed down to your kids or loved ones. So make sure the service or restorations are undertaken by fully qualified clockmakers or Horologist. Melbourne Antique Clock Repairs are accredited and members of various industry bodies, qualified to undertake your service or repair.