Seth Thomas model number 2 has ceased operation, anticipated cleaning and bushings will restore its functionality.
Restoring a Seth Thomas Regulator #2 Clock: A Case Study
In a recent repair project, a well-preserved Seth Thomas Regulator #2 clock was brought back to life, overcoming its intermittent stopping issue. Here's a closer look at the process.
Diagnosing the Problem
The first step was to diagnose the cause of the clock's irregular running. A thorough inspection revealed that dirt and worn pivot holes might be the culprits, with the possibility of weak mainsprings contributing to the problem.
Bushing Repairs and Part Replacement
The worn pivot holes were addressed by using bushings – small brass inserts that repair worn pivot holes where arbors (rotating shafts) of gears turn. These were installed during a full movement servicing to ensure smooth operation and prevent further stopping.
In addition, weak mainsprings were replaced to help the clock run continuously for its designed cycle. Authentic replacement parts were used to preserve the clock's value and function.
Disassembly, Cleaning, and Reassembly
The movement was then disassembled, cleaned, and inspected. The pendulum and escapement were cleaned and checked to ensure they oscillated freely. After the necessary repairs and replacements, the movement was reassembled and tested.
Regulation and Testing
The clock's speed was then regulated using pendulum or balance wheel adjustments to correct timing errors. Continuous monitoring after repair ensured that the intermittent stopping issue was resolved.
Notable Features of the Restored Clock
This particular Seth Thomas Regulator #2, produced between 1922 and 1929, features a mahogany veneer and stands at a height of 36 1⁄2 inches. It has Arabic numbers with spade hands and a seconds hand 2 inches above the center cannon, although it does not run a true seconds hand, completing the "minute" in 80 beats.
The clock's pendulum is mounted in the rear, a feature shared by most but not all #2 versions. The brass cable used in the clock, which has a nylon core to prevent coiling, improves its appearance after polishing. The maintaining power spring in the clock was replaced with a 3/64 inch brass weight cable.
Conclusion
The restoration of this Seth Thomas Regulator #2 clock demonstrates the care and precision required to bring these timepieces back to life. With proper maintenance and repair, these clocks can continue to provide accurate timekeeping for generations to come.
The restored Seth Thomas Regulator #2 clock, showcasing a vintage aesthetic with its mahogany veneer, stands tall at 36 1/2 inches. Its movements, now smooth and reliable after bushing repairs and part replacement, were tested for continuous operation.
In the realm of fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden enthusiasts, this antique clock with its Arabic numbers and spade hands might serve as a unique addition, emphasizing a blend of the past and present in one's lifestyle.
Food-and-drink enthusiasts may find a new appreciation for time as they savor every minute with a well-functioning clock, such as the Seth Thomas Regulator #2. Its reliable mechanism guarantees that minutes won't fly by unnoticed.
Clock repair and preservation have become not only a practical skill but also a fashionable hobby, as enthusiasts revive vintage clocks like the Seth Thomas Regulator #2, bringing a touch of antique charm to modern homes.
