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Other Vintage Household Electrical or Electromechanical Items For discussions about other vintage (over 25 years old) electrical and electromechanical household items. See the sticky thread for details. |
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9th Feb 2020, 3:13 pm | #1 |
Heptode
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Isle of Wight, UK.
Posts: 557
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Smiths Sectronic
I must keep away from charity shops!
This clock called to me a few days ago, it was looking very tired and dirty and wouldn’t run. I asked the shop manager if they had a screwdriver i could borrow as I wanted to take the rear cover off to see if a battery had exploded, it looked as though an alkaline has leaked over the negative spring contact, but it was recoverable. So handed over a few coins and brought it home. There was an Energizer alkaline fitted with an ED of 2027, tested this and seems as new, so the fault was within the movement. Checked voltage at movement connections and looked ok, flicked the balance and voltage was wavering significantly, so tightened the positive lead screw and voltage was steady and clock started to run, but I wasn’t happy with the balance amplitude, it was barely 180deg, it should be well over 200deg. So stripped, cleaned and re-oiled, balance now around 260deg and sounds sweet. A quick clean and polish of the case, and glass and I’m pleased with the result (may polish the bezel another day). It has no real monetary value, but sometimes the tinkering and results are the true ‘value’ in enjoyment. Rob |
9th Feb 2020, 11:30 pm | #2 | |
Nonode
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Halifax, West Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 2,587
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Re: Smiths Sectronic
Quote:
Alan |
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10th Feb 2020, 9:22 pm | #3 |
Heptode
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Isle of Wight, UK.
Posts: 557
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Re: Smiths Sectronic
That’s a lovely Metamec, is yours mains, battery or 8 day?
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10th Feb 2020, 10:22 pm | #4 |
Nonode
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Halifax, West Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 2,587
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Re: Smiths Sectronic
Mains with a bakelite casing and all metal movement (if memory serves) which I think dates it to the 1950s. There was a later version with a smaller white casing (plastic?) and a third hand for seconds. Some of the them had cream rather than yellow faces but there may have been other colours as well. I'll post some proper photos when I get a chance. I've got three other Metamec mantle clocks similar in style to your Smiths charity shop find. Two are battery and one is mains powered. Doesn't seem to be much appreciation of them generally but to me they have a certain period charm.
Alan |
10th Feb 2020, 11:35 pm | #5 |
Nonode
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Halifax, West Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 2,587
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Re: Smiths Sectronic
Just a quick view of the actual clock with its period mains connection.
Alan |
11th Feb 2020, 6:36 pm | #6 |
Heptode
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Isle of Wight, UK.
Posts: 557
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Re: Smiths Sectronic
Very nice Alan
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