Schatz Ship's Bell

[R. R. Cross]

Hi--I've recently finished up a Schatz "Royal Mariner" ship's bell
and it runs/strikes well, but it starts to lose time over the last
couple of days of the wind. Is the problem most likely in the main-
spring, or could the depthing of the platform also be contributing to
this? While I'm at it any advice on cleaning the platform (ultrasonic
in a small parts basket okay?) would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Randall

[R. R. Cross]

Hi--I've recently finished up a Schatz "Royal Mariner" ship's bell
and it runs/strikes well, but it starts to lose time over the last
couple of days of the wind. Is the problem most likely in the main-
spring, or could the depthing of the platform also be contributing to
this? While I'm at it any advice on cleaning the platform (ultrasonic
in a small parts basket okay?) would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Randall

[timerider]

If youve done a respectable overhaul then yes I would look toward the mainspring for the problem, but in this case it sounds like you havnt cleaned the platform at all. I dont use ultrasonic for anything in my shop but yes it will clean nicely. I always use clean fresh rinse for the final rinse with a platform esc. as you dont want a sticky hair spring or if you use your old used rinse then place the platform in a small containr of one dip for a final rinse, swish it alittle and activate acouple of times and you will be alright. Dry it good and lube it with very light clock oil or pocket watch oil as medium clock oil can often be to heavy for the esc. and may come back sooner than necessary with a slugish action in the balance wheel.

TheTimeKeepingShop@msn.com

[glr1109]

I use "One Dip" for these also.

Greg

[R. R. Cross]

Actually the platform was cleaned--got help
from a watch guy who cleans by hand with alcohol
and lubes with a good watch oil. was just wondering if the ultrasonic is too rigorous for
the hairspring. I use deox-007 for cleaning

[Mark Fraser]

Spring barrels often need bushing, too. I ignored a few to my chagrin and inconvenience....
Watch the depthing of the contrate wheel - too little clearance will quickly wear slots in the escape arbor holes. I've jeweled a couple of these rather than bush, and this seems to have worked out well. / mark

[Fred Johnston]

I serviced an 11 jewel platform from a Swiss carriage clock, disassembled, except for the jewels, in new #3 watch rinse solution (L@R), dryed, oiled the jewel cavities with watch oil, and briefly inserted a 0.005" diameter wire through the lower ring jewel to get the air out and oil into the space between the ring jewel and the end stone before reassembly.The clock continues to run fine the owner tells me, wound once a week.
Fred