Smiths Sectric Clock issue - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

PeterHorton · 14th Feb 2011, 2:52 pm

I have aquired a 1930's Smiths Sectric Mantle Clock, which only works when lying on it's front - not terribly useful.
Any ideas?

Mike Phelan · 14th Feb 2011, 6:09 pm

It's probably not been cleaned or lubricated for a long while.

As we don't know your expertise on such things yet, for a start, we'll assume the motor is not running whan it's standing up; can you hear a very faint buzz when it's stopped?

A picture of the back would be useful to know which model it is, as well.

PeterHorton · 14th Feb 2011, 8:43 pm

Mike,

Thanks for your quick response - from looking at recent posts, looks like I am talking to the right man.

I think the model is the Bijou I attach a couple of photos - Front (no use to you but nice for me, a lovely late art deco piece) and the back - very usefull to you.

All I have done so far is take the housing apart to give a quick cosmetic clean.

I have not taken the clock unit apart yet, I have a reasonable level of mechanical and electrical nous - but am no expert, thus this post.

PeterHorton · 14th Feb 2011, 8:44 pm

Mike,

Forgot to mention I can hear a very faint buzz when stopped

Peter

Mike Phelan · 15th Feb 2011, 11:15 am

Hi Peter

It is indeed a Bijou. As it buzzes when stopped, that proves that the fault is mechanical, rather than a dodgy connection.

My guess is that the movement needs stripping down, cleaning and lubricating.
The correct oils must be used and what not to lubricate is important. If you want to have a go, then we can help.

It's a good idea to see why it is stopping when the movement is still assembled but out of the case.

PeterHorton · 15th Feb 2011, 11:38 am

Mike,

Thanks for that.

OK, I will give it a go.

I will see what is stopping it and get back to you.

Peter

PeterHorton · 16th Feb 2011, 9:07 am

Mike,

When I took the cover off, all seemed very clean and dust free. The push down/turn knob that moves the hands was very stiff, both left and right and particularly up and down. Once I had freed that by moving it a number of times, it did its job, engaged/disengaged and the clock started running.

It has been running now for 12 hours and is keeping perfect time.

Many thanks for your help - although I do feel a bit like the electric clock version of the person that enquired what had happened to the coffee cup holder on their computer!

Peter

14th Feb 2011, 2:52 pm	#1
PeterHorton Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Sutton Coldfield Posts: 5	Smiths Sectric Clock issue I have aquired a 1930's Smiths Sectric Mantle Clock, which only works when lying on it's front - not terribly useful. Any ideas?

14th Feb 2011, 6:09 pm	#2
Mike Phelan Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Near Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK Posts: 4,609	Re: Smiths Sectric Clock issue It's probably not been cleaned or lubricated for a long while. As we don't know your expertise on such things yet, for a start, we'll assume the motor is not running whan it's standing up; can you hear a very faint buzz when it's stopped? A picture of the back would be useful to know which model it is, as well. __________________ Mike.

14th Feb 2011, 8:43 pm	#3
PeterHorton Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Sutton Coldfield Posts: 5	Re: Smiths Sectric Clock issue Mike, Thanks for your quick response - from looking at recent posts, looks like I am talking to the right man. I think the model is the Bijou I attach a couple of photos - Front (no use to you but nice for me, a lovely late art deco piece) and the back - very usefull to you. All I have done so far is take the housing apart to give a quick cosmetic clean. I have not taken the clock unit apart yet, I have a reasonable level of mechanical and electrical nous - but am no expert, thus this post. Attached Thumbnails

14th Feb 2011, 8:44 pm	#4
PeterHorton Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Sutton Coldfield Posts: 5	Re: Smiths Sectric Clock issue Mike, Forgot to mention I can hear a very faint buzz when stopped Peter

15th Feb 2011, 11:15 am	#5
Mike Phelan Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Near Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK Posts: 4,609	Re: Smiths Sectric Clock issue Hi Peter It is indeed a Bijou. As it buzzes when stopped, that proves that the fault is mechanical, rather than a dodgy connection. My guess is that the movement needs stripping down, cleaning and lubricating. The correct oils must be used and what not to lubricate is important. If you want to have a go, then we can help. It's a good idea to see why it is stopping when the movement is still assembled but out of the case. __________________ Mike.

15th Feb 2011, 11:38 am	#6
PeterHorton Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Sutton Coldfield Posts: 5	Re: Smiths Sectric Clock issue Mike, Thanks for that. OK, I will give it a go. I will see what is stopping it and get back to you. Peter

16th Feb 2011, 9:07 am	#7
PeterHorton Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Sutton Coldfield Posts: 5	Re: Smiths Sectric Clock issue Mike, When I took the cover off, all seemed very clean and dust free. The push down/turn knob that moves the hands was very stiff, both left and right and particularly up and down. Once I had freed that by moving it a number of times, it did its job, engaged/disengaged and the clock started running. It has been running now for 12 hours and is keeping perfect time. Many thanks for your help - although I do feel a bit like the electric clock version of the person that enquired what had happened to the coffee cup holder on their computer! Peter