Featured Miniature Brass Carriage Clock (Waterbury Clock Co.)

Picked this up today:



It runs, but it's very sluggish, so I'm going to get it serviced.

I researched the Waterbury Watch Co, but couldn't find any models mentioned that look like this. I found an identical one online (in very bad condition) which the seller dated to 1901. This clock (while needing servicing) is in mint condition.

 

Like it! That will fit just about anywhere.
What's the face made out of?

 

But very cute.

 

The Waterbury timepiece is a cheaper version of the well known French design, made for the domestic US market.

It may cost more than it is worth to have any work done, but just by using it it may become more 'lively', if it has not been run for a long time old oil can gum up the spring, but runiing it down and winding it again may improve this. Try this first.

This applies to any long neglected watch or clock.

 

Very attractive clock!!

Davey, yours is adorable!

 

I have had a miniature French carriage-clock before (I sold it). This one just appeals to me more. I know it's not the best quality (one glance behind suggested that) but I just think it's so cute.

Short of sending it to a watchmaker, what could I do to improve its performance? I have spoken with my watchmaker and he's given me a quote...which is eeexpensive. If I do have that kinda money, I'd rather save it for one of my pocketwatches to get that serviced instead. Or unless I sell a LOT of stuff and suddenly have a windfall to blow.

 

There is an old wives' trick for reviving clocks (lucky I proofread that) and that is the get a bucket, pour a shallow layer of parrafin (kerosine) into the bottom, and stand the clock on a brick in the bottom (above the liquid level), cover it over airtight-ish, and leave it for a week, and the idea is that the oil vapour softens any old oil in the clock, making for less friction. I suspect diesel fuel or for that matter JP2 from your private jet, would do as well.
I have never tried this but there is a grain of sense in it.

 

Lighter fluid rinse of the works, rinse with hot water, rinse with alcohol, put in warm draft to dry

 

RIIIIIIIGHT...

(Cue in Rod Serling music)

(LOL! Now I wish I had a grubby watch!)

 

thanks, but i'll....'stick' to my watchmaker...!

 

I'm undecided about what I want to do with the clock at the moment. I don't wanna touch anything in case I damage it. Other things I'm usually more daring, but clocks and watches scare me with their complexity.

I've sold a few things recently. If I can sell a few more, I may have enough to justify blowing some on my watchmaker. But we'll see.