Solar mantel clock repairs encountered some setbacks: minor obstacles met during the process, to put it mildly.
Improving the Precision of a Vintage Hermle Mantel Clock
A brass Bergeon bushing, a common component in watchmaking, has been installed in a vintage Hermle mantel clock to enhance its functionality and longevity. This bushing acts as a wear-resistant bearing surface, reducing friction and wear between steel pivots and movement plates.
In the Hermle mantel clock, the bushing serves as a friction washer, allowing the pivot to rotate freely but with a slight controlled friction that prevents looseness or excessive play, which can disturb the clock’s timing and operation. This improvement ensures the pivots run smoothly, thereby preserving the clock’s function over time.
The bushing also means less frequent need for lubrication or bushing replacement in comparison to simple holes in plates without such bushings. This upgrade aligns with standard horological practices in mechanical clock and watchmaking, where brass bushings from Bergeon, a Swiss toolmaker renowned for watchmaker's tools and parts, are commonly used to improve friction conditions in clock movements.
The mantel clock in question, a German time and strike model, was sold under the Solar name in Canada. It features a 6-inch dial and a dark walnut case, and was approximately $50-$60 new in the 1960s. Interestingly, when purchased, the clock was not running. During the process, the case was cleaned, and small chips on the decorator piece under the dial were repaired. Despite no new information about the clock's movement, price, or specific model being provided, the brass Bergeon bushing installation has significantly improved its precision and durability.
The installation of a brass Bergeon bushing in the vintage Hermle mantel clock has not only enhanced its functionality and longevity but also transformed it into a statement piece that embodies the lifestyle of an avid collector of fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, and gadgets. This technology-driven upgrade not only reduces the need for frequent lubrication or bushing replacement but also allows the clock to seamlessly blend into a modern setting, complementing contemporary food-and-drink gatherings. With its improved precision and durability, this travel-friendly vintage clocks can now accompany its owner on journeys, serving as a familiar element in an otherwise unfamiliar setting.
