Jax 1930s clock

[gary17]

hey guys never messed around with a clock before, Wandering were i can get some general info on them. The clock i am  starting from is a french 1930s mantle clock it has Jax on the dial , Cannot see maker mark on movement. Thought this would be easy after doing watches, but i am wrong. Got the movement out and i just do not no which screws or parts i need to remove first.

Any youtube or anything that may help apppreciated,

cheers

gary

[oldhippy]

Hello Gary, can you post some photos of the movement and the case I'll be able to advise you. 

[gary17]

Yer no prob

Do not know which side to remove 1st.

[watchweasol]

Hi Gary,  first remember to let down the power of the mainsprings before attempting to do anything,  Normally I would remove the barrel bridge and the barrels ,  then the balance assy ,  It looks like it may be a cylinder balance so be very careful when doing so. Then the train bridge and wheels. Turn over and take plenty of picture# of the front and the levers, and Homer before removing anything.  This clock looks to have fixed arbours the way they are riveted at the front, it may/maynot have open springs one can’t tell from the pictures, post some more pictures when the plates are removed for further help.

 

[RichardHarris123]

Hello @watchweasol, like Gary I know very little about clocks but if it was a watch, I would of guessed at pin pallet.  Why do you think cylinder?  

[watchweasol]

Hi Richard , basically the age of it and the style of the balance rim, it may well be a pin pallet but it it’s indestinct in the picture , I mentioned it because if it is it would be irreplaceable as a balance and persons capable of repairing them are at a premium not only that costly so extra care required .

[oldhippy]

Sorry for the late reply it was some problem with the forum yesterday according to Mark. You should first remove the balance and put it out of the way. You can let the alarm spring down just by setting the alarm. The mainspring can be let down by the means of putting the key back on the arbor, hold the key firmly in you hand as if you are going to wind it and and with your other hand and and a piece of thick peg wood or a screwdriver move the click away from the ratchet and let the key slip in your hand  until all power is off. Take plenty of photos this will help you. Remove the alarm plate and all its workings, look for signs of wear. Them remove the main plate and do the same, you are looking for damage to wheels pay attention to pivots they must all be smooth, look for wear in holes, put each wheel in its place and see if the pivots move about from side to side, if they do you will need to re-bush them. The springs need to be removed from there barrels and do not muddle them up keep them away from each other. If the springs look out of shape they should be replaced. If you have a watch cleaning machine you can clean the movement in that, if not then hand cleaning is all you can do. 

[gary17]

Hey

What are the chances of getting parts for this watch?. It looks like i need a balance strait away. It just says jax on the clock face and nothing on the movement.

cheers

gary

[oldhippy]

If you mean balance staff. The chances are very slim. You could have one made but it will be expensive.

[gary17]

no the balance spring itself.

[watchweasol]

Hi Gary.  The spring , you can get an assortment from Cousins and sort one from there, what’s wrong with the old one  is tr beyond repair.  Remember Any  new spring will need timing to your balance otherwise it’s guess work even to get close.  Good luck.

[oldhippy]

Can you post a photo of it. I would like to see how bad it is. Those assortments are a waste of money. 

[gary17]

Hey got it all apart how do these bits come off

Hey some more pics of balance and all the parts i now I have took pics while taking it apart. Just wandering is it worth cleaning

[oldhippy]

You don't need to take those parts off. The hairspring looks worse then it is. Have you done any hairspring work? First you need to unravel it, Use a pin or a fine oilier, start near the collet and work out. Then take a photo so I can see it. 

[gary17]

Hey

Never done hairspring work. Do you want me to straighten the hairspray

Gary

[oldhippy]

I think you need to get some practice first on some old hairspring first. When you are confident then you can try this one. 

[gary17]

Kk ty