Posted 8 years ago
SpiritBear
(813 items)
This one is from later 1919 to early 1920 as they are mostly seen with a 1920 patent also listed on them, whereas this one has only the 1919 patent and "Other Patents Pending" on it.
Missing actual stamp.
I've gotten it to run quite accurately. I last adjusted time/speed 5 days ago. Currently, it is only a minute off (running fast, partially corrected by how it stops with every wind).
An 'accurate' mechanical non-quartz clock is one that is off by a minute or less every day. To correct the offness, most came with a feature that let you adjust their speed. I will adjust it a few more times and settle with what comes of it.
I like old clocks because they were put together by hand. Smaller ones are even cooler to me, because they were so difficult to make.
A great little clock even as it sits. I will continue to use it. To be honest, it runs more accurately than any of my other antique clocks.
Very cool clock.
Nice SpiritBear. Thanks for sharing it with us. I've been told that an acceptable error rate for a mass produced mechanical clock is around 3 minutes plus or minus in 1 week (for an 8-day movement). Your timestamp clock must use some type of balance wheel or platform movement. They can be very accurate although a well made and adjusted pendulum regulated movement can achieve accuracy to within 1 minute per week. High-end, weight powered Regulators can do much better than that. Depending upon the condition of the mainsprings, one might have to adjust it to run slightly fast after a full wind in anticipation of it running a little slow as the week comes to an end.
Fort Apache, thank you.
Bruce, thank you for viewing. It uses a balance wheel. Most of my clocks do. I've read up a little on weight- and spring-driven clocks.
This one runs about 20 hours on a wind, which is longer than expected.