CHELSEA CLOCKS , ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS:
The centerpost on some Chelsea ships bell clocks comes apart at the center.
It only goes on one way ; it will be crooked if it is put on 180 degrees off. Set the time
gear train up first and fasten the middle plate. Then set up the strike. Keep in mind
that the mainspring barrels are reversed ; so be sure to make a note somewhere as
to which way the mainsprings hook. The self correcting and the hour vs half hour
levers should not have to be filed or otherwise bent unless someone has altered
them. Chelsea clocks are very well made and do not need excessive adjustments
unless tampered with. If it is necessary to rebush a Chelsea ships clock , be sure
to support the bushing from the bottom as you may inadvertently push it out in
the process of installing a new bushing.
DUTCH CLOCKS:
If you are going to work on dutch clocks it will be particularly helpful to
have a place to hang them where it will be easy to access the suspension and the
impulse arm as these clocks can be very difficult to put in beat. The chain retainers
that prevent the chains from slipping inside the case are usually an the weight The
hands are very thick and the hub in the minute hand usually will not slip:
so if the centerpost strike strike trip cam has been removed; be absolutely
certain to check the trip position before the cam is driven back on the centerpost. If this is
not checked there will be a major problem in that the minute hand trip position
will be off at the final stage of the repair; and you will have to either destroy the
minute hand or partially disassemble the thing just to get the minute hand to line
up at the hour and half-hour trip. Be aware that there are 1 day and 8 day models.
If the chain does not fit correctly IE: if the links are too large , the chain may climb
up on the sprocket teeth. The side that has no weight will not be able to hold the
chain tight and this will allow for the chain to climb the sprocket teeth which will
result in the clock stopping mysteriously occasionally. When the chain and
mechanism are mounted in the case , it is almost impossible to see whether or
not the chain is bound up. When the clock is moved to inspect the mechanism ,
the chain slips back down to the correct position before you can see it and the
clock will run fine when it is hung back up on the wall. You will never know that
the chain bound up , or exactly why the clock stopped.