Elliott clock question

[Rixy]

I have been working on a 1960s/70s Elliott dual chime mantel clock. The case was poor but the movement seemed OK. I took it apart and cleaned all the wheels and the pivot holes (which were in good condition). It has a platform escapement which I did nothing to because it looked alright. When I reassembled it, the clock ran for a few hours then stopped. It got going again when I moved the hands but the most it has run for is about a day. I have taken it apart again to check I didn't bend a pivot by mistake but they look okay. Could it be the platform escapement? Not sure how to go about cleaning it and where to oil it. Does anyone have any advice?

Have attached photos of the platform if that helps.

[oldhippy]

Its late for me. Its my bed time I will give you all you will need to know tomorrow. 

[Willow]

Until oldhippy gets back to you have a look at this it will give you an idea what needs doing

Servicing a Platform.pdf

[oldhippy]

It sounds like the contrite wheel is not at the correct depth to the escape wheel. Make sure the teeth on the contrite wheel are good and make sure it has hardly any end shake. Cleaning and oiling the platform is needed, The screws that hold the platform to the movement gives you opportunity to also adjust depth.  

[MikeEll]

5 hours ago, Willow said:

Until oldhippy gets back to you have a look at this it will give you an idea what needs doing

Servicing a Platform.pdf 628.19 kB · 3 downloads

This is a really nice instructional guide, thanks for sharing

[Rixy]

Thanks for the advice and the instruction guide. To clean the platform will I need to get one-dip? Do I follow all the instructions about removing and cleaning jewels? For oiling, I have some Moebus pocket watch oil and a fine oiler. Do I oil the escape wheel teeth or the pallet jewels? Having never done this, I am a bit apprehensive about taking it apart.

[oldhippy]

If you don't have a watch cleaning machine. Clean all the parts with Ronsonol lighter fluid, after cleaning put the parts on some tissue and use your watch blower to dry the parts. If jewel caps can be removed then do so. Pocket watch oil fill be fine. Oil the pallet jewels and every other tooth on the escape wheel but do not over oil. 

[Rixy]

Thanks OH.

[oldhippy]

Rixy Elliott also fitted platforms that run silent just in case you don't like hearing clocks tick. Here is a photo of such a type, note the thick like hairspring fitted onto the escape wheel the escape wheel is different as well. My self I have some Elliott clocks 5 timepieces and 2 Westminster/ Whittington  chimes all with platforms 

 

Edited February 7, 2024 by oldhippy

[watchweasol]

Hi @oldhippy that’s a clever innovation, I take it that the spring on the escape wheel has a damping effect as regards noise softening the whole action without effecting performance. Clever.

[oldhippy]

All I know is it works. I have a timepiece with it and it is silent, apart from seeing the hands move you wouldn't think it was working, the trouble is I forget to wind the thing up. 

[Rixy]

Thanks for your encouragement. I went for it. Reassembly was a tense moment but it's all together now and has been ticking since first wind and for over an hour - fingers crossed! This one isn't silent but very quiet.

The picture doesn't really show anything other than it being back together but thought I'd share it.

[watchweasol]

Hi Roxy.  Well done these clocks are delicate to work on  need care.

[oldhippy]

These clocks are high quality, first class design and easy to work on. The only weakness I have found is with some platforms in the real older types they are not fully jeweled and you get wear in the pivot hole of the escape wheel. The really old Elliott movements are very dark in colour. 

Good job Rixy.