Determining "Days"

Joe Gargery

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Feb 2, 2022
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Hi fellows,
Apologies for the elementary inquiry, I suppose it's obvious to most here, but how does one determine, say, an 8 day clock from a 31 day clock or any other "day" designated clock? What criteria makes each one such?
Thanks as usual for any and all input, Joe

eight day.jpeg
 

gvasale

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Most American spring drive clocks are 8 day. There are a few that are 15 day, which are timepieces. Much of the 31 day stuff is from Asia.
Exceptions, Anniversary clocks, and maybe a few others. I can't say much more, but others can add to those categories.
 

Willie X

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Feb 9, 2008
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Generally:
• A 1-Day will have a small spring or weight. About 5/16" to 3/8" wide for the springs and about 2 1/2 pounds for the weight/s.
• An 8-Day will have large springs about 5/8" to 3/4" wide. The weights will vary greatly, usually 3 to 8 pounds on the time train.
• 31- Day, what gv just said.
Willie X
 

Tim Orr

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Good afternoon, Joe!

I would add that the "day" distinction also refers to how often the clock should be wound. An "8-day" should be wound every week, with the extra day left over as a sort of safety factor when you forget to do it on time. A "15-day," every two weeks. Etc. A "1-day" clock was often referred to as a "30-hour" clock, given that you had an extra 6 hours or so to get the job done.

A lot of people wind their 8-day clocks on Sunday, either before or after church. But if you forget or are sloppy, the extra day helps you out. Nevertheless, there are many clocks that run wayyyyyyyyy longer than their "day" designation.

Best regards!

Tim Orr
 

demoman3955

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Good afternoon, Joe!

I would add that the "day" distinction also refers to how often the clock should be wound. An "8-day" should be wound every week, with the extra day left over as a sort of safety factor when you forget to do it on time. A "15-day," every two weeks. Etc. A "1-day" clock was often referred to as a "30-hour" clock, given that you had an extra 6 hours or so to get the job done.

A lot of people wind their 8-day clocks on Sunday, either before or after church. But if you forget or are sloppy, the extra day helps you out. Nevertheless, there are many clocks that run wayyyyyyyyy longer than their "day" designation.

Best regards!

Tim Orr
It only took me years to find a way to wind mine at the same time without forgetting when i did it last.. I have a ST#2 in front of my pc, and when the weights a couple inches from the bottom, i know its time, and i go through and wind any that i keep running..
 

Joe Gargery

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So does a 400 day clock follow the same rules?
It only needs to be wound once a year and has a 35 day buffer?
 

Tim Orr

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Good evening,, Joe!

Yup!

Best regards!

Tim
 

Tim Orr

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Good afternoon, Joe!

Well, Schatz (in German, "Treasure," though actually a surname as well) made a bunch of 1000-day clocks. Not sure what "1000" would be "short" for (no time period of 1000 days that I know of).

Best regards!

Tim
 

Joe Gargery

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Maybe they made them for people who really dislike winding clocks! ;)
 
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