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Clock Care at Muhlheim Watch Factory: Attending to the Mechanisms of Mueller & Co Box Clocks

Time for maintenance on the precise German U. M. Muller box clock. I've been delaying this task for far too long. I'm a bit apprehensive because the last time I attempted to tinker with a similar clock, the strike tension spring malfunctioned (my mistake). This time, I'm vowing to be more...

Refurbishing the Mechanism of Müller & Co's Mühlheim Box Clock
Refurbishing the Mechanism of Müller & Co's Mühlheim Box Clock

Clock Care at Muhlheim Watch Factory: Attending to the Mechanisms of Mueller & Co Box Clocks

The intricate workings of a 1930s U. M. Muller box clock, purchased in 2013, recently underwent a thorough restoration. The clock, adorned with wood carved inlays, a metal dial, and a fixed wood carved crown, among other features, presented a unique challenge due to its count wheel strike movement.

Upon initial inspection, a slight bend in the fly arbour was discovered. Contrary to initial concerns, this minor bend wouldn't halt the train. However, it was decided to examine the issue further to assess its potential impact on the clock's operation. The fly arbour was spun on a lathe, revealing the extent of the bend.

The disassembly process, a critical step in the servicing of such antique mechanical clocks, proved to be more challenging than anticipated. One issue encountered was the count wheel could not be removed from its arbour. This was likely due to the buildup of old lubricant and dirt over the years.

The movement, a well-made German design, required careful handling, particularly when dealing with the tiny pivots. Unfortunately, during the disassembly process, one of the pivots on the governor was bent. As a result, the train would not turn, and the fly was "stuck" in one spot.

Other issues arose during the restoration. The strike lifting lever spring snapped during disassembly, and the clock appeared to have been opened at least once before, possibly sprayed with solvent, leaving it oily. A new fly spring was fashioned from 19 gauge wire to replace the original one that was lost.

Despite these challenges, the clockmaker, with horological expertise, approached the restoration with meticulous care. The process involved complete disassembly, thorough cleaning, inspection, lubrication, and reassembly of the clock movement, including the count wheel mechanism.

Each part was cleaned using appropriate non-corrosive solutions to remove old lubricant, dirt, and oxidation. The gears, pivots, bushings, and count wheel were inspected for wear or damage, with worn parts replaced or repaired as necessary. Proper clock oils were applied sparingly to pivots and other friction points to ensure smooth operation without over-oiling.

The reassembly process was carried out with care, ensuring the correct engagement and timing of the count wheel strike mechanism to ensure correct striking of hours. The timekeeping and striking functions were then regulated, ensuring smooth and correct operation. The clock was tested over several days to confirm reliability and accuracy.

Given the clock's antique status and specialized count wheel strike movement, servicing should ideally be done by a professional clockmaker experienced with early 20th-century German clocks and count wheel mechanisms to avoid damage.

In the end, the clock's mainsprings were in good condition with no splits or cracks. The movement is now running and striking as it should, and the clock's case, reflecting excellent quality, remains undamaged. This incident serves as a hard lesson for all clockmakers, highlighting the importance of careful handling and meticulous work when restoring antique mechanical clocks.

  1. Amidst the restoration process, it was noticed that the vintage clocks, specifically this 1930s U. M. Muller box clock, featured a unique count wheel strike movement that required special attention.
  2. The challenge of servicing home-and-garden items, such as this antique wall clock, often involves careful examination of minute components like pivots and gears, as was demonstrated during the restoration.
  3. Upon completion of the restoration, this vintage clock showcased its intricate design, reminding us that an appreciation for lifestyle items, like vintage clocks, also involves an understanding of their history and technology, as well as their aesthetic appeal.

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