Changing the suspension spring in a Seth Thomas #2 Regulator clock mechanism
In the heart of a collector's home, a Seth Thomas Regulator #2 clock continues to tick with precision, its mahogany finish gleaming under the soft light. This antique timepiece, acquired in 2018 in Bloomfield, Ontario, Canada, has been a cherished addition to the owner's collection for over 11 years.
Recently, the clock needed a delicate operation: the replacement of its suspension spring. This component, integral to the clock's smooth functioning, supports the pendulum and regulates its timing.
The process of replacing the suspension spring followed a meticulous path, mirroring standard antique clock repair techniques for similar mechanisms.
- Removing the Pendulum: The first step involved detaching the pendulum from the clock case to prevent damage and provide access to the suspension spring.
- Detaching the Old Suspension Spring: The small clip or pins holding the suspension spring to the clock frame and to the pendulum leader were carefully freed. This required gentle prying or unscrewing, depending on the clock’s specific design.
- Selecting the Correct Replacement Spring: It was crucial to use a suspension spring with the same length and stiffness characteristics as the original, to avoid timing issues.
- Installing the New Suspension Spring: The new spring was affixed to the suspension block or frame at the top, and then hung properly from the pendulum leader below. The mounting must allow free, clean swinging without binding.
- Reattaching the Pendulum and Testing: The pendulum was reattached, and the clock was set in motion. Adjustments to the pendulum length or the suspension spring may have been necessary to regulate timing to accuracy.
- Fine Regulation: Moving weights on the pendulum or sliding the adjustment fingers on the balance wheel helped fine-tune the clock’s rate after spring replacement.
As a finely balanced antique clock, the Seth Thomas #2 Regulator required precise handling and the correct suspension spring part to preserve its original performance and avoid damage or timing issues. Professional clockmakers recommend replacement springs specifically made for Seth Thomas regulator clocks for this purpose.
Now, the clock is keeping excellent time, with its pendulum swing having slightly more amplitude than previously. The owner eagerly looks forward to the clock's next service, scheduled for the following month, to ensure its continued precision and beauty.
The replacement of the old suspension spring in the vintage Seth Thomas Regulator #2 clock, an integral part that supports the pendulum and regulates its timing, was done with utmost care to maintain the original precision of the clock. The new spring, selected to match the length and stiffness of the original, was installed meticulously to ensure free, clean swinging without binding. After the process, the clock's pendulum swings with a slightly increased amplitude, a testament to the successful operation and continued proper functioning of the antique mechanical timepiece. In a few weeks, the clock is scheduled for its next service, aiming to preserve its beauty and precision within the home-and-garden lifestyle of the collector, embracing a mix of antique and contemporary technology.
