Lenzkirch rate adjuster

[MikeEll]

got to be very careful though as there 

3 hours ago, oldhippy said:

Renaissance wax. I never used it. But I know quite famous clock maker who uses it , so it must be good. 

I was not just a clock repair but most of my work was restoring which means getting the clock to its originality I worked on high grade clocks, but I had to cut my teeth on cheap movements.  

For that kind of work, OH, I agree with the required level of work. In reality, the vast majority of regular servicing work just doesn't justify that level of time and effort. It wouldn't be financially viable for many of the clocks I work on. For the odd occasional special high-end clock, absolutely.  I like to ensure I provide a good quality service and take care of and take pride in my work, but there's a realistic limit as to what's viable for a general service.

I've also learned to contain my enthusiasm with Brasso and wire wool.  I could quickly generate more work for myself than we were paid to do.  

Edited March 21 by MikeEll

[watchweasol]

As with a lot of thing#. +lock# watches cars etc the visual bit is what the client sees and if what he sees looks good they accept that the rest is also good, not necessarily the case, but as long as you have done your level best on the internals according to the clients wishes all well and good.To achieve the level of restoration @oldhippy is advocating and the price you paid I would expect that standard.  Normal service work requires the instrument to be clean and serviceable. Restoration is at a different level and cost regarding time involved.

[mhamilton]

I pulled the clock back out to inspect the adjustment mechanism. I think the previous photos were unjustly harsh on the clock maker. If you see below, the inside of the rear plate is polished to a mirror shine. I suspect the backside of the rear plate was more heavily tarnished and, as discussed above, this was not a museum-quality restoration. I will keep that in mind for the next service, maybe I can put more effort into the cosmetic aspects. 

The good news is I think the adjuster is working properly. I was not able to take it off and inspect inside, since the rear pivot for the escapement is held by this part, I didn't want to get into unwinding the clock. It does appear to move the suspension spring up and down when adjusted. In hindsight, I think the issue had more to do with what MikeEll pointed out--these clocks don't beat consistently, but average out to decent timekeeping. With that in mind, my clock is indeed staying within 30 seconds of the correct time throughout the week. I'll leave it for now and observe the timekeeping.

One other question--I've always been curious about the clock in general (i.e. who sold it, what was the brand, original retail price). The porcelain case was made by Schierholz, it has their mark inside. Of course the clock works are Lenzkirch. I've found through searching that Schierholz were famous for making porcelain in general, but not necessarily clocks. Were they just making the cases for others to sell? Or did they sell these under their own brand? I found one example of a very similar clock in which they made the case, and that one was branded Tiffany and Co with their brand printed on the dial.

[watchweasol]

Lots of clockmakers made and sold their movements to third party retailers who had their name on the dial like the one you found with the tiffany. Some make no name on the dial only the movement. But again that’s not to say a third party sold it. I have repaired quite a few French clocks with only the makers name inscribed on the back plate. You will find many 400 day clocks with the name on the dial and the back plate. It is the same with watches there are plenty out there where the movement and dial names dirrer. The word Eubauches means un finished and as such were bought by many finishers who fitted then into their cases with their name on the dial.     Yes i can see the plates are polished as there is a reflection  so apologies to the repairer for that.

;

[clockboy]

The clock so almost certain French.These movements are really well made and once serviced are remarkably good time keepers.