Smiths Empire RAF 1943

[StuartH]

Hi I have just got one of these clocks from my elderly farther, it is in good working order. Never had one, simple question what should I do to keep it wound up...? Wind it every day, wind it once a week, I want to make sure I don't over-wind it etc. Any advice would be welcomed.

[StuartH]

2 minutes ago, StuartH said:

Hi I have just got one of these clocks from my elderly farther, it is in good working order. Never had one, simple question what should I do to keep it wound up...? Wind it every day, wind it once a week, I want to make sure I don't over-wind it etc. Any advice would be welcomed.

 

[watchweasol]

I would think its an eight day so once a week would do.  Can you post a picture of the movement  .  I should think also that it will require a service to get the best out of it.

[oldhippy]

That's an 8 day clock I bet. Wind it once a week. Just for the record you cannot over wind a clock/watch movement. 

[HectorLooi]

On 5/21/2018 at 5:07 AM, oldhippy said:

I never used that type. This is the type of winder I had.

I just took out my English pattern winder to take a look at it. I've never actually used it before as it looks too small. I don't know if this is a clock winder or just a pocket watch winder on steroids.

I took a photo of it next to a clock barrel that I was working on just for comparison. I'm not sure how to place a containment ring on the spring when using this type of winder.

[StuartH]

18 hours ago, watchweasol said:

I would think its an eight day so once a week would do.  Can you post a picture of the movement  .  I should think also that it will require a service to get the best out of it.

Thanks, the movement is the same as the one posted earlier the EMPIRE 151.

[oldhippy]

This is a good video for you about the winder.

 

[HectorLooi]

1 hour ago, oldhippy said:

This is a good video for you about the winder.

 

That looks really scary. Just using a long nose plier to hold the end of the spring looks like a really unsafe practice. Have you ever let the spring slip out of your grip while adjusting the barrel?

[oldhippy]

Funny enough no. It is safer then it looks. I still have both hands with all fingers and thumbs and my eyes.  Start with something simple first. 

[HectorLooi]

On 11/25/2020 at 5:47 PM, oldhippy said:

This is a good video for you about the winder.

 

Thanks OH for teaching me this technique yesterday. I just used it to remove a damaged clock spring because the eye of the spring had a tear and was on the verge of total failure. Had I used my usual method with my Webster winder, the hook would have torn off the eye and sent the spring flying off. You saved me an eye and probably some fingers.