The mighty Schatz

[Ken M]

I've bought two Schatz 49ers in the last couple weeks, you know the $15 clocks from Goodwill? One for a gift and one for fun. Those things are amazing. Clean them up a bit, drop a new ss in it, set thee beat, and they just go. No fuss, no muss. Some clocks I wrestle with for days. These things just go. Top notch engineering. Great clocks.

 

[roughbarked]

This they are.

 

[Schatznut]

Yep, the 49s are my favorite clocks - they're built like a tank and extremely forgiving. Plus they make a lot of power - they'll swing that big heavy pendulum more than 360 degrees routinely.

 

[Ken M]

The mainspring on this square face seemed exceptionally strong. I wondered if it was the correct spring. But it fit, and it's running, going to get a lot of life out of that one.

 

[Cheezhead]

With no other seemingly fitting place to put it, I will take this opportunity to post a little story about my Schatz 49 400 day clock and I hope you get a smile.

About 10 or 12 years ago I was on the hunt for 400 day clocks; had 2 at the time, an Elgin-Haller GTB and a Kundo and wanted more. Being unfamiliar with the name Schatz and when searching on Craig's List I spelled it wrong and searched for a "Schultz Clock" and found one!

The seller had also spelled it wrong and posted a "Schultz Clock". He was about 15 or 20 miles away so I left to see the clock. It was in great condition; included the original thick glass dome and for only 25 bucks asked it was mine! The seller was happy and so was I. Nothing was said about the bad spelling; there was no need for that. I wonder now if others missed it because they spelled Schatz correctly.

 

[MartinM]

There used to be a search browser extension whose whole purpose was to check ebay auctions for misspelled items

 

[Dave T]

Wish I could say that about mine. I've got a few around here that don't run, and I'm tired of fooling with them! They have been idle for a while now, maybe it's time to take another shot at them!

 

[Dave T]

So, this thread inspired me to get a Schatz off the shelf and take another look. And, since I forgot most of what I learned when I went through the "Anniversary phase", I found this video:

I don't have a Timetrax, but I do have a stethoscope. And I found this method quite helpful.
And lo and behold, I got up this morning and the Schatz I worked on yesterday is running!

 

[Dave T]

Ken, didn't mean to hijack your thread, but got another 49 off the shelf and determined it had no power!
Started to tear it down and found a dial retainer had swung down and the set screw engaged the on it blocked the teeth on the 3rd wheel!
So, I put it back together, gave it one wind and it's running like a top!
Now, I need to find a setscrew for another of the dial retainers. Where on earth are these to be had?

 

[KurtinSA]

I'm sure The Horolovar Store would have those. I think on one or more Schatz clocks, I'm completely missing one. But I figure two work just fine, so I haven't pursued finding a replacement.

Kurt

 

[Ken M]

You didn't hijack anything Dave, it's all about the Schatz! Glad you found the problem. I'll never figure why they replaced a simple pin for those difficult little buggers. As these locks progressed, especially post WWII, they kept introducing problems, IMO. The centering cup is another one.

 

[KurtinSA]

RE: Schatz, but I've come to love dial holders. I hate it when the dial is pinned and the pins are flat against the front plate. I can't really get at them without marring the surface of the plate. I often have to disassemble the movement from the back plate and then get better access to the those pins. This bugs me because the exact layout of the motion works can be screwed up when you finally get the dial off...then you don't really know what was there and how it was arranged. A way around that for the next person is to bend the pins a bit so the fat end is up off the plate...a bit easier to grab.

Not sure what your beef is against the guide cup. It helps to know that you've got the clock level and allows for limited movement without having to take the pendulum off the bottom block.

Good features in my book. But YMMV (your mileage may vary)!

Kurt

 

[roughbarked]

Pushing the pins out from the narrow end usually gets around the problems you mention.

 

[KurtinSA]

Pushing the pins out from the narrow end usually gets around the problems you mention.

But usually I can't get to those ends with the movement in place. If they've been in for a long time, it will take more than pushing.

Kurt

 

[roughbarked]

Admittedly some are difficult to get at but narrow needle nosed round nose pliers can push the narrow end out by levering against the post. Hopefully avoiding marking the plate. A rod used as a stake may be tapped on the end with a hammer where the pliers don't fit.

 

[KurtinSA]

Thanks for the ideas. I've managed to make my way work so far.

Kurt

 

[Dave T]

I much prefer the pins myself.

 

[Dave T]

Finally.... I have one Schatz that gets nearly 360° rotation! All of the others run, but rotation is closer to 180 +.

 

[Schatznut]

Dave T, if you can't find a collar setscrew, let me know via PM - I should be able to fix you up.

 

[Dave T]

Dave T, if you can't find a collar setscrew, let me know via PM - I should be able to fix you up.

Thank you, so generous! I just put the collar back on with the remains of the screw left in it, and turned it with a pair of tweezers enough to keep it from coming off. It holds the dial, but it's not tight.

 

[Ken M]

I sent one of these to my brother and sil. My bad, the bottom block fell off. So now I'm just hoping they got it back together properly.