Solar mantel clock repair encountering minor setbacks, with a few issues cropping up
In the midst of a challenging year for clock collectors, the owner of antiquevintageclock.com managed to secure a remarkable find - a German time and strike mantel clock, sold under the Solar name in Canada. The clock, though adorned with a blue sticker on blue tag day, cost just $5.00. Despite being a goodwill find, it boasted a Hermle movement, a testament to its quality.
Upon closer inspection, the clock, with its 6'' dial and dark walnut case, revealed signs of wear and tear. The movement, a type 141 German movement from Hermle with a recoil escapement and a 11cm pendulum (220.8 bpm), had been worked on in the past, as indicated by mars and scratches on the backplate. Two bushings and the star wheel, backplate, and the lower drive wheel rear plate were worn and needed replacement.
One of the challenges faced during the restoration was replacing the brass washer on the Hermle mantel clock center arbour with a brass Bergeon bushing. A search online did not offer specific instructions or detailed guidance for this task. However, drawing upon horological repair knowledge, the owner was able to successfully replace the worn washer with a Bergeon bushing.
The process began by removing the movement from the clock case and, if necessary, the clock hands and face. The brass washer, functioning as a bearing or spacer, was carefully removed without damaging the arbour. The area was then cleaned and lightly polished, ensuring no debris or damage remained. A Bergeon bushing that matched the diameter of the original washer and the arbour pivot was selected. Using appropriate horological tools, the bushing was gently pressed into place, and the clock was reassembled.
The replacement of the brass washer with a brass Bergeon bushing ensured a precise fit and smooth operation, making the clock a treasured addition to the antiquevintageclock.com collection. The half-hour strike on a bell is now loud enough to be heard across the house, a delightful sound that marks the passage of time.
In the end, the clock, despite its age and wear, proved to be a worthy investment. As the owner proudly declared, it was the best find of the year. With the restoration complete, the clock continues to keep accurate time, a testament to the quality of Hermle movements.
The vintage German time and strike mantel clock, now a prized possession of antiquevintageclock.com, showcases the seamless blend of aesthetics and craftsmanship that spans various lifestyle categories, including fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden. The clock, with its high-quality Hermle movement, is not merely a timepiece but also a marvel in the realm of technology and gadgets. The successful replacement of the brass washer with a brass Bergeon bushing during the restoration further underscores the precision and craftsmanship that goes into maintaining and preserving vintage clocks, thereby ensuring their continued functionality and value for future generations.
