Dashboard Clock

DavidThompson · Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2020 9:49 am Post subject: Dashboard Clock

Just had my Smiths clock refurbished, needing new movement bearings and a replacement jewel after 90+ years of service.
I couldn't find a normal watch maker locally, and eventually took it to a "horologist" . I think they are much the same thing, except horologists are able to empty wallets with greater ease.
Safely returned and on its back in my study for a week, the clock kept perfect time. Installed in the dashboard and in the cold garage, it loses about two minutes a day.
The horologist tells me this is because of the temperature change, and that I should adjust it to suit (this is not intended to be critical, the man has offered to adjust it himself) but i'm not inclined to do this then discover it gains in the warmer weather.
I'm accustomed to pendulum clocks being sensitive to temperature, but not ordinary clocks like this one.
Is there anybody on here who can comment with either expirience or authority?

John Murch · Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2020 10:22 am Post subject:

My clock was rebuilt about 20 years ago, it runs for about 7 days between winding. I am astonished at how well it keeps time given the hostile environment it lives in. Thinking about it, I believe your horologist is correct as the amount it gains or loses does seem to vary summer/winter (and of course during the 7th day before it stops!).

DavidThompson · Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2020 2:01 pm Post subject:

The high quality of the clock was commented on by the horologist, supported by the photos he took of the movement.
I'm uncertain where the clock making skills arose in Smiths, as they were predominantly manufacturers of components such as starters and of course the carburettor fitted to the touring models . Interestingly Smiths - who were based in Cricklewood - acquired Jaeger in 1929. Did the '29+ cars have Jaeger instruments?

Nicholas Simons · Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2020 2:07 pm Post subject:

If it only varies two minutes per day between summer and winter I'd say that you have a very good clock. Don't mess around with the regulator and just live with it. On my old cars I let the clock run down between runs out with the car and simply wind them on the morning of my journey. Losing two minutes during the day will be hardly noticed.

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2020 3:13 pm Post subject:

The rating depends upon the grade of oil used on the pivots, the grease on the main spring, both temperature sensitive, as well as the material used in the hair spring.

DavidThompson · Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2020 4:22 pm Post subject:

Hadn't thought about the effect of lubricants, but it makes sense. It was set up in a warm workshop, kept perfect time whilst in the house at c 20 degrees, then in the garage at 13/16 degrees.
I'll leave it as it is and see how it performs in the summer before attempting to adjust it.

Thanks for the replies.

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2020 6:39 pm Post subject:

The bimetallic hair spring was invented by the ex Yorkshire, former joiner John Harrison of Foulby.
. He invented the first marine chronometer, and his successful one, H4, was based on a pocket watch, substantially "improved", with pierced diamond end stones, and the above spring.
His previous models had lignum vitae bushes, as sperm whale oil gets quite sticky when cold.
A very clever autodidact.

Nicholas Simons · Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2020 7:07 pm Post subject:

I've had difficulty getting sperm whale oil at my local Halfords, but I do have a good supply of Lignum Vitae.

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2020 7:20 pm Post subject:

Bowls, Nicholas.

DavidThompson · Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2020 2:17 pm Post subject:

I suspect I have sperm whale oil in my trunnions, judging by the state of my garage floor.
Not certain how Harrison could be an ex Yorkshireman . Surely once a Yorkshireman, always a Yorkshiremen?

Christopher Carnley · Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2020 3:08 pm Post subject:

He moved as a child with his family to Barrow, the other part of the great estate of Roland Winn, in North Licolnshire.
There, he was given a set of "Lectures" compiled by blind Nicholas Saunderson, formerly of Thurlstone, near Barnsley.

The problem is that you can't remove the "Yorkshire".

Yorkshire pudding was always eaten as a starter to a meal.

Nicholas Simons · Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2020 7:07 pm Post subject:

The Yorkshire people I know say it still is. Yorkshire pudding and gravy first.
One of my first Yorkshire puzzles was their use of the word 'while'. It is said that British Rail had to change the wording at level crossings. It used to say 'do not cross while the lights are flashing'.