Clock mechanism of LaSalle Dura restored and operating smoothly
In the world of vintage clock collecting, the Westclox LaSalle 61C (401) is a treasure worth exploring. This article follows the journey of a reader who recently acquired a second LaSalle clock and the challenges they faced in restoring it to working order.
The Westclox Clock Company, known for its iconic Big Ben and Baby Ben models, also produced the Art Deco styled LaSalle series. The LaSalle series consists of six models, all using the Westclox type 61 Baby Ben, one-day movement. The reader in question sent a second Westclox LaSalle 61C (401) alarm clock, a model also known as a Dura clock.
Before diving into the restoration process, it's important to note that the condition of the new clock was known to the reader beforehand. The clock arrived with a broken crystal, a rough case, a broken time key, but a working movement. This was a promising start, as Baby Bens are well-engineered, and some parts are interchangeable.
The first step in the restoration process was to disassemble the movement, clean it thoroughly, and reassemble it. The hairspring escapement was set up correctly, and after some careful work, the movement started to tick again. However, it would only run for a few seconds before stopping.
This model, nearly 100 years old, is prone to internal wear or lack of proper servicing, which often causes such issues. The author found that some Westclox Baby Ben movements, including the 61 number 2 movement from 1930, may not run smoothly despite having working mainsprings. Common reasons for rough or irregular running include worn or dirty pivots and bushings, dry or degraded lubrication, misalignment or damage to gears and escapement parts, and old or weak mainsprings.
Servicing the clock—cleaning, lubricating, and possibly replacing worn parts—is usually necessary to restore smooth running, even if the mainspring is "working" in a basic sense. Despite the challenges, the author persevered, and after oiling the pivots, letting down both mainsprings, and addressing any misalignments, both movements in the article are now working smoothly.
It's worth mentioning that some Westclox alarm clocks were manufactured in China, a testament to the company's global influence. The author enjoys working on Baby Bens and plans to add more to their collection.
The reader's LaSalle clock and the new arrival have distinct differences, but the restoration journey serves as a reminder of the charm and challenge that comes with owning and restoring vintage clocks. The Westclox Clock Company produced various versions of Big Ben and Baby Ben windup alarm clocks from 1900 to the mid 1980s, offering collectors a vast array of models to explore. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting your journey, the world of vintage Westclox clocks is a fascinating one.
The author found that their newly acquired LaSalle 61C (401) alarm clock, fondly known as a Dura clock, aligns with the Westclox Clock Company's diverse home-and-garden lifestyle product line, reflecting the blend of the past and modern aesthetics. As they journey through restoring this vintage timepiece, the reader contemplates adding more Westclox products, such as the iconic Big Ben and Baby Ben models, to their collection, contributing to the growing technology-driven home-and-garden space.
