69 clock question

[Roger G.]

I have two clocks ...one from 69 and one from early 70. On the 69, when the stem is pulled out to adjust the hands, it doesn't want to engage, and makes a ratcheting sound, like the gears are stripped. It will engage, however, if it is pulled out and held with force, and jiggled, but it seems to take more rotational force to get the hands to move than it does on the 70 clock. The early 70 clock stem pulls out and easily engages, and works like I would expect.

These clocks were manufactured less than a year apart.... Is this type of operation expected and a normal variance, or does something need adjusting? Thanks and Merry Christmas

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 clock question

I have two clocks ...one from 69 and one from early 70. On the 69, when the stem is pulled out to adjust the hands, it doesn't want to engage, and makes a ratcheting sound, like the gears are stripped. It will engage, however, if it is pulled out and held with force, and jiggled, but it seems to take more rotational force to get the hands to move than it does on the 70 clock. The early 70 clock stem pulls out and easily engages, and works like I would expect.

These clocks were manufactured less than a year apart.... Is this type of operation expected and a normal variance? Thanks and Merry Christmas

roger------


The 69 clock needs to be repaired or replaced. The 70 clock is identical and, apparently, it's OK. So, why not just use it?

[Jim T.]

Re: 69 clock question

Roger I had a problem this year with my 1968's original clock that had never been removed from the gauge panel. When I pulled on the stem the gear on the shaft came off. Took the clock to a repair place to have it cleaned and lubricated. The gear was installed on the shaft and works when the stem is pulled out to adjust the clock's time. These old clocks can be repaired to function.

[Roger G.]

Re: 69 clock question

roger------


The 69 clock needs to be repaired or replaced. The 70 clock is identical and, apparently, it's OK. So, why not just use it?

Well, the plan was to put a Quartz movement in the 70, and use it daily, and have the mechanical movement restored in the 69, and set aside. The 69 was sent out for restorationton, and the problem noted when I got it back. I returned it to them, and was told it was working normally, which it doesn't seem to be.

Roger I had a problem this year with my 1968's original clock that had never been removed from the gauge panel. When I pulled on the stem the gear on the shaft came off. Took the clock to a repair place to have it cleaned and lubricated. The gear was installed on the shaft and works when the stem is pulled out to adjust the clock's time. These old clocks can be repaired to function.

Maybe this is what's going on, the gear has slipped back on the stem?

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 clock question

Well, the plan was to put a Quartz movement in the 70, and use it daily, and have the mechanical movement restored in the 69, and set aside. The 69 was sent out for restorationton, and the problem noted when I got it back. I returned it to them, and was told it was working normally, which it doesn't seem to be.

roger------


The 1969 clock should be operating the way that you describe the 70 clock. If it's not, then it's not operating normally no matter what the service firm says.