My Smith Astral clock does not Wind.

[TheodoreMan]

An overwound clock stored for 20 years. I tried to bring it back to life and I used electric contacts cleaner (Spray) 
I sprayed where the Windinding key hole is.

It started working and it lasted for a week when it stopped.
I re-wound it and 2 days later it stopped- I tried to re-wind it but it does not wind.
It rotates, I can hear the clicking sound, however it does not wind (it keeps rotating without producing difficulty in the winding).

Hard to find repair shops in Greece and I was wondering if it may be feasible for me to try to repair it (if it does not require sepcial skills or parts).

Any suggestions are welcome.

[clockboy]

Hi restored a couple of these movements this year. They are very well made with a balance escapement (see pic).

The movement will need stripping down, cleaning and lubrication. Also the balance assembly needs stripping, cleaning and lubrication.

[watchweasol]

Hi there is no short cut to fixing clocks in the state you describe ( overwound),  this is a state when the mainspring is wound tight and either because it’s dirty or no lubrication it jams up. On the other hand it could be the movement is the same, dirty and lacking lubrication. Only one way and that is to dismantle the clock and escapement  clean everything reassemble. Use Windles clock oil on the movement and a good watch oil on the platform escapement.

[oldhippy]

You cannot over wind a clock it is a myth. You can only wind a clock up to its full, if it doesn't go then there is something wrong with it. Sorry watchweasol I disagree with the watch oil for the escapement pocket watch is best that is what I would use on such as this type of escapement. You will need to check the pivots of all the wheels and the holes for wear. You will also need a clock mainspring winder to remove the spring from the barrel and check the ends for sighs of wear, sometimes the end of the spring that hooks on the barrel can split. Pivots need to be smooth and burnished.  

[clockboy]

For the platform escape I used 9010 for the remainder of the, ie clock pivots I used Windles.  For mainsprings now I use a  spray lubricant grease with PTFE  and so far it is working well.  I noticed  that " Tommy Robson" was  using it he was also using HP1300 for the large pivots.  I do this as well and I have had no issues so far!!!!

Edited December 4, 2023 by clockboy

[watchweasol]

Hi. Yes on the oil I should have said pocket watch not just watch there is a difference.  GT 85. That takes me back a year or two, magic stuff. It has many applications as far as lubrication goes, clock springs tools etc .