Rephrased: Maintenance service for the wall clock of the Waterbury Arion
In a recent project, a 1930s Waterbury "Arion" Small Octagon Short Drop wall clock was brought in for servicing. This antique timepiece, with its solid oak case measuring 19 inches long by 12 inches wide, has been a faithful companion for over six years, having been purchased in January 2016.
The clock, a time-only movement, features a dial that bears the "Waterbury" mark and a black and gold pendulum aperture. The dial also states, "Made in the USA by Waterbury Clock Company", Connecticut, a testament to the clock's American heritage.
However, like many Waterbury clocks of its era, this one uses steel plates and brass bushing inserts in its movement. Common issues with such movements include wear on the bushings and dried lubrication at the pivot holes, leading to increased friction and potential slowing or stopping of the clock. To address these problems, the clock was disassembled, and the old lubricants and dirt were cleaned out. Worn brass bushing inserts were replaced or re-bushed, and fresh lubrication was applied to the pivot points to reduce friction and wear.
Interestingly, the movement was found to have an oversized mainspring, which puts an unnecessary load on the gears through the train. Despite this, it was decided that replacing the mainspring was not worth the cost for a $40 clock.
The owner expressed concerns about the brass bushing inserts, viewing them as a limitation. However, the movement, though in need of bushing work, was found to be in generally good condition. With the necessary repairs, this 1930s Waterbury clock should once again provide reliable service for years to come, ensuring its place as a cherished piece in any home.
Despite the vintage charm of the 1930s Waterbury "Arion" Small Octagon Short Drop wall clock, sports enthusiasts might find an alternative for their collection. To maintain the clock's functioning, regular clock repair work is essential, with special attention given to the clock movements, including replacing worn brass bushing inserts and applying fresh lubrication.
