Clock mechanism maintenance for Waterbury Arion models
Waterbury "Arion" Clock: A Durable Timepiece with a Rustic Charm
The Waterbury "Arion" Small Octagon Short Drop wall clock, made around 1930, showcases a blend of durability and traditional charm. This solid oak clock case, measuring 19 inches long by 12 inches wide, houses an 8-day time-only movement with a black and gold pendulum aperture.
The movement, a key component of the clock, is steel-plated. While brass-plated movements are favoured for their corrosion resistance, steel-plated movements offer superior strength, durability, and wear resistance. However, the steel plates in this movement are prone to tarnish and rusting, a potential drawback that requires careful maintenance.
The movement, in generally good condition with minimal wear on the pallets, escape wheel teeth, and all parts in general, underwent a cleaning and the installation of new bushings. Five bushings were installed, with a 3.5 mm bushing used for the third wheel pivot hole.
However, the mainspring is a replacement and is oversized for the movement, causing excessive wear. The author advises sourcing a mainspring that is correctly sized for the movement to prevent further wear. Despite the cost, the author is not about to replace the mainspring in a $40 clock.
The clock dial, marked with "Waterbury", is 8 inches in diameter. The clock was bought in January 2016, a few years after the Waterbury Clock Company was placed in receivership.
The choice between steel-plated and brass-plated clock movements often reflects a trade-off between mechanical wear resistance and corrosion resistance, manufacturing cost, and the design philosophy of the clockmaker. In the case of the Waterbury "Arion" Small Octagon Short Drop wall clock, a steel-plated movement was chosen for its durability, even though it requires more maintenance. This choice, along with the solid oak case and traditional dial, contributes to the clock's rustic charm and longevity.
References:
[1] Clockworks Museum. (n.d.). Clock Movement Materials. Retrieved from https://www.clockworks.org/pages/clock_movements/movement_materials.html
[2] National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors. (n.d.). Clock Movement Materials. Retrieved from https://www.nawcc.org/education/learn/clock-movement-materials/
Vintage clocks, such as the Waterbury "Arion" Small Octagon Short Drop wall clock, are often found in the home-and-garden and lifestyle categories due to their traditional charm and durability. The choice between steel-plated and brass-plated clock movements in these clocks can impact their maintenance requirements, with steel-plated movements offering superior strength and durability but requiring more frequent care. In the case of the Waterbury "Arion", the use of a steel-plated movement contributes to the clock's longevity, as does its solid oak case and traditional dial. Technological advancements in clock repair, like the installation of new bushings, can help maintain the clock's functionality, ensuring it continues to keep accurate time for years to come.
