Repairing a vintage German wind-up alarm clock. Broken mainspring replacement

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  • Опубликовано: 29 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 146

  • @irishgoldstacker8018
    @irishgoldstacker8018 3 года назад +13

    I think I now understand how vintage wind up clocks work. You wind it up tightly and gradually- with every second that goes by, the spring unwinds then you wind it up again. I'm just amazed at what humans can and have come up with.

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  3 года назад +4

      Exactly CS - the mainspring is like a "motor" which provides power to the clock mechanism 👍
      Generally we humans are a pretty clever bunch! 😊

    • @reybenarceo8920
      @reybenarceo8920 Год назад

      l♈️♈️♈️♈️♈️♈️♈️

  • @kiwicory100
    @kiwicory100 3 года назад +5

    I agree with your comments regarding making what was old new again.....I have too many project clocks of which I can't pass up when I see them. I console myself in knowing that with a bit of work they can regain their intended purpose. Any videos you do on these types of clocks I will wholeheartedly watch and give you an enthusiastic thumbs up. Thanks so much.

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  3 года назад +1

      Thanks Jake! I too am cursed with the "way too many projects" syndrome! And then just yesterday I filled my van with a whole heap more!!! 😱🙄😖🤣🤣

  • @beerkale1
    @beerkale1 3 года назад +7

    Plain exterior hides a satisfyingly complex mechanism. Great to see it ready for an extended life.

  • @epiccoolgames
    @epiccoolgames 2 года назад +3

    I have the exact clock and I was very happy to see what’s inside it in this video. You are very informative! Thanks for the video!

  • @streetcopper1151
    @streetcopper1151 3 года назад +1

    This is how to start the day .. watching the ultimate recycler👊🏻

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  3 года назад +2

      .. and I hope it's a great day mate! 👊

    • @streetcopper1151
      @streetcopper1151 3 года назад +2

      @@TheUltimateRecycler thank you sir . And I hope you and yours the same 👊🏻

  • @DavidTipton101
    @DavidTipton101 3 года назад +6

    Nice job Chris, I would have been reluctant pulling that top plate off, well done. I had a very similar clock back in the 60s and 70s, when I got married in the mid 70s my wife made me put it in the wardrobe because of the ticking, kind of defeated the purpose somewhat 😄

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  3 года назад +2

      Hahaha - they all think they can change us! (Sometimes they do! 😱🤣). Thanks Dave 😊

    • @karvast5726
      @karvast5726 3 года назад +1

      @@TheUltimateRecycler i bought one at a flea market because i'm decorating in a vintage style and i tried it as it winds and works nut the ticki'g is so loud it keeps me awake and drives me crazy + it looses about 5 minutes a day

  • @streetcopper1151
    @streetcopper1151 3 года назад +2

    That would definitely wake me up .. you still impress me with your knowledge thank you TEACH👊🏻

  • @thetechexpert4887
    @thetechexpert4887 3 года назад +1

    Lovely old clock, thanks for repairing and getting it to work.

  • @ALayne08
    @ALayne08 3 года назад +2

    I really like that old clock. Great repair and a great save.

  • @markclark8367
    @markclark8367 Год назад

    Glad I ran across your video. I have a old working New Haven wind up clock for a 53 car. Would love to clean and oil, but I’m too intimidated with all the small moving parts. Love that clock you saved.

  • @3320karlis
    @3320karlis Месяц назад

    You should do a full video how you disassamble and assamble! It would be a very great video, as these clocks don't have enough information, videos and manuals.

  • @BarrySmoother
    @BarrySmoother 2 года назад +1

    Your video is giving me confidence to clean and service my 1950s Westclox alarm clock.
    Old girl till runs but only for a few minutes.
    Movement is completely caked in old oil and dust so I'm in for a treat if I have a crack at it aha.

  • @norwelleckmond1158
    @norwelleckmond1158 Год назад

    Awesome video thank you! Picked up a broken alarm clock in an op shop for a couple bucks and had no idea where to start fixing it! I've got it apart now, time to see if I can get it all back together :)

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  Год назад +1

      Thanks for watching Norwell - hope the reassembly goes well! 😊👍

  • @wolfrikgreen
    @wolfrikgreen 2 года назад +3

    Super cool video! Thank you for this! So I just got on ebay a bunch of mechanical Alarm clocks and I'm up to the challenge of trying to fix them and going to give a pocket watch repair a try too. I totally agree with you on bringing them back to life! 😁 it will be satisfying for sure!

  • @VIVINGAAN
    @VIVINGAAN 4 месяца назад

    Ur a great teacher, thank you.

  • @redpunkinpie
    @redpunkinpie 3 года назад +1

    Nice repair Chris. We had one like this in the kitchen in the 70's. Next digital clocks came and now I wake up to the mobile phone alarm, neither would be easy to repair.

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  3 года назад +1

      Thanks Nick! 😊
      Digital clocks were cool in their own way! Especially the flip clocks! I actually have some of them in my "to do" cupboard!

  • @TheYutsiriOnna
    @TheYutsiriOnna 2 года назад

    This is not the video I was looking for, but MAN THATS A REALLY GOOD CLOCK

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  2 года назад +1

      Thanks Diana! I appreciate you getting distracted with the incorrect video! 😜🤣

  • @gabimurray5955
    @gabimurray5955 3 года назад +1

    I think I will take my little buddy to a professional... I saw him in a vintage store and fell in love with him. Though the spring isn't broken, he just doesn't start. I think he just needs cleaned and oiled. He was working fine then just stopped, maybe he is over wound. Poor little guy

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  3 года назад +1

      Probably a wash out with petrol and a careful re-oil will see him ticking happily again Gabi 😊

  • @nicovontzarman1044
    @nicovontzarman1044 Год назад

    Very good and informative video! I found an old Junghans Bivox while dumpster diving and was wondering why it didn't click, turns out both springs inside were broken. Thanks for sharing the process!

  • @avianfish8732
    @avianfish8732 2 года назад +1

    Fantastic recycling. Thanks AV

  • @tomgabel99
    @tomgabel99 3 года назад +1

    Thanks for the encouragement about Having a Go. I have a 1960s Esme clock that's been overwound. Any advice?

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  3 года назад +2

      Thanks TT. Usually letting the mainspring down and a general lube helps a lot. If the old oil has gummed things up, it will require some dismantle and cleaning.

    • @tomgabel99
      @tomgabel99 3 года назад +1

      @@TheUltimateRecycler Thanks for the information. I think I'll have a go at it one quiet Sunday... I love the challenge.

  • @rajud2341
    @rajud2341 3 года назад +1

    Thanks much for this video

  • @negarhashemian6638
    @negarhashemian6638 2 года назад +1

    Hi there great video thank you.
    Unfortunately my mainspring has broken just like your spring and i couldn't find another mainspring that fits my clock. Can i drill a hole in it? Is it possible? Will it work?
    Thank you

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  2 года назад +1

      Thanks! 😊 You can fix a spring that way - but you don't want it to be too much shorter! So it depends on where the break is..

  • @hds0405
    @hds0405 3 года назад +1

    Beautifully done!

  • @vintagesimplexfirealarmsof6440
    @vintagesimplexfirealarmsof6440 3 года назад +1

    I had same thing on my twin bell clock and bent spring back in place

  • @kirkchan7726
    @kirkchan7726 Год назад

    thank you so much!!! i have a giant novelty "carrot top" (american comedian) alarm clock that I couldn't figure out how to get into!

  • @j.j.1064
    @j.j.1064 2 года назад +1

    Great video. Thank you very much.
    Just a question. I can into possession of a Swiza solid brass tubular 8 day alarm clock which works perfectly. It has a whisper"tick" and it's just a lovely vintage peice however it only has one winder. Does that mean the clock and alarm are on the same spring or is the movement automatic?. I don't want to strip it down as it works fine. Any ideas?

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  2 года назад +2

      Thanks JJ.
      Funnily enough, I'm actually just doing a job on a Swiza alarm clock! It's currently totally dismantled and being cleaned. The main spring powers both the clock and the alarm. I'll post the video soon.. 😊

    • @j.j.1064
      @j.j.1064 2 года назад +2

      @@TheUltimateRecycler cool, can't wait to see it. I love the super quiet tick I have it by my bedside and it does not keep me awake. Swiza clocks are super quality. But so rare to find.

  • @jwoodard621
    @jwoodard621 Год назад

    Wish you could fix my brothers clock from uk thankyou for video 😀

  • @butallislost
    @butallislost Год назад

    Great video! I bought a clock at a thrift store and my mainspring is broken right in the same place this one was so I need to buy a new one, but I just can't figure out how I'm supposed to measure it to get one the same size? I just don't get it!
    It's been a fun little project to clean up, but I really just want it to work haha

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  Год назад +1

      The critical dimension is the width of the spring. The length doesn't matter a whole lot really. Also make sure the replacement spring has the same attachment points each end. Thanks for watching and good luck with your project! 😊

    • @butallislost
      @butallislost Год назад

      @@TheUltimateRecycler thank you so much!

  • @robyn6962
    @robyn6962 2 года назад +1

    Interesting video. I have recently bought a Junghans alarm clock and the ticking is really loud. I cant seem to get it open not from lack of trying. It also has a wind similar to this one. Is it going to stop running after a while? It's cool that it works but the ticking is driving me crazy. Hope to hear back!

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  2 года назад +3

      Thanks Robyn, yeah the clock will certainly stop if you don't wind it! These types can go for 2 or 3 days though, if in good order! You can't do much about the ticking - that's their charm!! You will eventually learn to 'tune out' and not even notice it after awhile..

  • @glenhehir3833
    @glenhehir3833 3 года назад +1

    Great old clock Chris. But gee I'd hate to wake up to that alarm!

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  3 года назад +1

      Thanks Glen. I don't like waking to any alarm!! ⏰😱

    • @glenhehir3833
      @glenhehir3833 3 года назад +2

      Know how you feel mate. Luckily Ive got a reasonably accurate body clock. Though some days the mainspring in it might be broken too!

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  3 года назад +3

      @@glenhehir3833 Mine's pretty good unless we have a string of late nights - then Coco steps in and wakes me! 🐶🤣

    • @glenhehir3833
      @glenhehir3833 3 года назад +2

      😂😂🐶🐶

  • @jude9952
    @jude9952 3 года назад +1

    Great video - thank you! I've been picking up a few vintage clocks and would love it if at least some of them worked. I opened a Baby Ben today, cleaned it and added a touch of oil, but it still doesn't work. Looks a lot nicer with clean glass, at least. ;-)

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  3 года назад +2

      Keep trying Jude.. with every attempt you'll learn something! Thanks for watching 😊

    • @jude9952
      @jude9952 3 года назад +2

      @@TheUltimateRecycler I plan on opening it up and try again. I saw your video after my first attempt. Those tiny screws were about to drive me crazy!!

  • @3320karlis
    @3320karlis 3 дня назад

    Be very careful with the radium paint. It chips off and you can easily breath the dust in. It is very dangerous. The dust gets everywhere on your table. Use UV light to check for contamination. I suggest mask, gloves, paper under the clock. It would be good to watch more videos on how to work on vintage clocks and the radium paint.

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  2 дня назад

      A good warning. I'm not sure this clock was old enough for radium paint but it doesn't hurt to be extra careful! Thanks for watching 👍😊

  • @MyRx777z
    @MyRx777z 2 года назад +1

    I opened apart my chinese knock off winding clock and its main spring also broken but the mechanism gears are much less than the real one, although there many gears inside but way less than the real one.

  • @rares2
    @rares2 5 месяцев назад

    Do you need to use a mask and? I also have a similar alarm clock, Peter alarm clock, and it's got the same problem with the mainspring.
    Thanks

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  5 месяцев назад

      A mask? why? Thanks for watching, hope the video was helpful 😊👍

  • @andrewmccarter4678
    @andrewmccarter4678 2 года назад +2

    How did you get your springs to grab onto the notches of the shafts?
    I’ve got mine all the way back together but as I try to wind it, the spring seems to be “skipping” off the notches…

    • @andrewmccarter4678
      @andrewmccarter4678 2 года назад +1

      Well I used a pair of tweezers to squeeze the spring to the shaft and got the notches to grab and was able to wind it up and test it out 😁
      But alas, a few minutes into the test run, the main spring decided to undergo spontaneous division 😭
      It’s right at the end where it loops around the post so I’m going to look into how I should make a new loop and try it again.
      This was the original spring and it was quite rusty so I soaked it in vinegar overnight. It snapped right in the middle of the worst rust pitting. The remainder of the spring looks okay and I’m hoping it won’t break again 😬

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  2 года назад +1

      Yep, you'll probably have to shorten the spring so that the end is good metal and not pitted. A slightly shorter spring shouldn't make much difference to the run time. Let me know how you go Andrew! Cheers 😊👍

  • @paulalderson6920
    @paulalderson6920 2 года назад

    how do you take the tension out of the tightly coiled springs please?

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  2 года назад

      The springs need to be let-down very carefully as they contain quite a lot of power! If the clock won't run down itself you really need some type of let-down tool. Thanks for watching Paul 😊👍

  • @jwoodard621
    @jwoodard621 Год назад

    Thankyou for your video do you fix other peoples clocks uk

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  Год назад

      Thanks for watching. Nope, sorry - I don't even have time to keep up with the projects I find on my own! Sometimes I do a local job if I'm caught at a week moment! 🙄

  • @chrisanstey1540
    @chrisanstey1540 Год назад

    What ever happened to this clock? My father had the same one and if you still have it and it's for sale, I would be interested in buying it. Kind regards, Chris

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  Год назад

      I had sold this sold to a friend, but after awhile it developed a problem with the alarm triggering! It is still in my workshop somewhere to have another look at one day!

    • @chrisanstey1540
      @chrisanstey1540 Год назад

      @@TheUltimateRecycler I found my Dads clock - also a Chelsea 3. It is badly rusted and also has a broken mainspring. I've ordered a new mainspring (7.5x0.27x830). I have photos of it but can't share on youtube.
      If you ever want to sell yours, even if it is not working properly, let me know. Cheers, (also) Chris

  • @dash8brj
    @dash8brj 3 года назад +1

    The old spring looked like it had very little power left in it compared to the new ebay spring. How did you wrestle that new guy back into the mechanism! :)

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  3 года назад +1

      A steady hand and plenty of patience! Thanks for watching 😊

  • @noel-ec4iy
    @noel-ec4iy 3 года назад +1

    Chris did you use a mainspring winder to get the springs back into the mainframe?

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  3 года назад +1

      Nope, I don't have a winder noel. As they are open springs and not enclosed in a barrel, they go in ok by hand.

  • @CandidZulu
    @CandidZulu Год назад

    What type of solvent is good for cleaning the parts?

  • @emmaantall7611
    @emmaantall7611 Год назад

    Do you know if there any other way to open up the back, if the wind up won’t turn backwards to open it?

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  Год назад +1

      The winders need to come off usually - and nearly all of them screw off the opposite way to normal winding. Maybe it has been glued on by someone?

    • @emmaantall7611
      @emmaantall7611 Год назад +1

      @@TheUltimateRecycler figured it out, just needed more force thank you!

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  Год назад

      @@emmaantall7611 Excellent! 😊

  • @aarondevlieger9279
    @aarondevlieger9279 Год назад

    I have a question a have a click from Peter⭐⭐⭐ bit I can't deel to het the alarm adjust and the time adjust things out. I've tried to spin the out and to pull Them out bit it doesn't deel to work maybe you can help me? Are there and other ways to het those out?

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  Год назад +1

      They always either unscrew or pull off Aaron, but they can be very tight!! Good luck!

  • @jwoodard621
    @jwoodard621 Год назад

    Hi do you still fix clocks do you do repair thankyou for video

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  Год назад

      I have lots and lots of clocks to do - repair, service & sell! Just not much time for repair videos at the moment! Thanks for watching 😊

  • @mechanical-adventrues
    @mechanical-adventrues Год назад

    I have a wind clock that says it's made in West Germany and its in the shape of an old signal light that train drivers and signal man used and mine is running fast and then sometime running slow I know how to adjust it but I don't seem to be able to get it perfect I was wondering if someone could help me and maybe give me more information on the clock I was thinking maybe you could adjust the time and then set the speed once I do it runs fine for abit then I come back and it turns out its running fast or too slow maybe I should leave it for abit and adjust accordingly

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  Год назад

      Could be the hair spring is either not perfectly balanced, or may even have oil or other contaminants on it which would cause it to oscillate erratically.

  • @clairez007
    @clairez007 Год назад

    I have a German clock it's a smilie face,I think it's from the 70s ,can you fix it for me ?❤

  • @rdvideos1409
    @rdvideos1409 2 года назад

    I want one part for my kienzle alarm clock

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  2 года назад +1

      You can often find parts on ebay - or at least a non-working clock as a donor. Good luck!

    • @rdvideos1409
      @rdvideos1409 2 года назад

      My clock is working but alarm not works

  • @भन्नाटभटकंती

    I have same problem my alarm clock spring broken. Any idea

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  2 года назад +1

      It will need replacing unless it's broken close to the end - then you may be able to shorten it.

  • @jari.dejong
    @jari.dejong Год назад

    How did you get the the springs in side of it?

  • @bwhog
    @bwhog 2 месяца назад

    Always attempt to unscrew before you attempt to pull! Avoids damaging screws that way. Radium dials were self-luminating. Photo-luminescent dials should not be using radium and should be safe. If in doubt, get yourself a small radiation detector.

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  2 месяца назад

      Thanks BH, that's excellent information! 😀👍

    • @bwhog
      @bwhog 2 месяца назад

      @@TheUltimateRecycler Yeah, if you take a flashlight to the dial that obviously seems to be luminescent paint and nothing happens, that may be radium. If it does, then that is your standard glow-in-the-dark material and ought not be harmful. Even if it is radium, so long as there is glass between you and the dial and it is just up for display somewhere and not by your bedside where you sill spend hours each day right next to it, you should be fine.
      The danger was much more for those making the dials than for those using them. However, it is just common sense that if it's dangerous for the maker, there is at least some appreciable level of danger for the user as well, so better to change to the current setup we have, where they don't ever get enough strong light during the day time to glow long enough to be useful to someone waking up at 4:00am and wondering how much longer they can sleep and instead has to turn on the light to see the clock because the dial stopped glowing ten minutes after they went to bed... 😜

  • @atulji82
    @atulji82 3 года назад

    I have same problem with my dadaji's (grandpa's) clock bt I can not repair it😢 alarm is ok tin tin tin tin👍

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  3 года назад +2

      Unfortunately broken mainsprings is a fairly common problem with old clocks, and it's usually not economical to fix them. But if you've got the time to try - it's worth having a go!

    • @atulji82
      @atulji82 3 года назад +1

      @@TheUltimateRecycler Dear Sir a watchmaker repaired my clock today 👍now I'm very happy.

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  3 года назад +2

      @@atulji82 That's awesome!! 👍👍

  • @amlgooda2584
    @amlgooda2584 3 года назад

    Good
    كل الأماني لكم بالمزيد من التقدم والنجاح
    هل هذا المنبه ريبتر الالمانى
    عقارب المنبه توحى بذلك

  • @saisamayseva8712
    @saisamayseva8712 Год назад

    Good try.,but unfortunately the balance oscillation is not upto the mark. I feel you should take up this a bit more professional help.
    Just pulling out the broken spring and replacing it with a new spring does not take more than 3 minutes.
    Other aspects are dismantling the whole clock work and cleaning, honing the balance pivots and lubricating thereafter would have given the desired result. Watch some of my videos on the subject may be it will help you.All the best.

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  Год назад

      Unfortunately these clocks do not warrant all the professional work! They are less than a $50 clock in good going condition, so the value isn't there to go full "professional" on them! Thanks for watching 😊

  • @tissapathiratna7761
    @tissapathiratna7761 Год назад

    👍

  • @shyamsunderjoshiofficial
    @shyamsunderjoshiofficial 2 года назад

    When you say you learn something....
    I realised that I f*cked up

  • @highfigh1
    @highfigh1 3 года назад

    Hello sir i request you please you make a video, jayco zeiler, alarm clock watch repairing video please i see it my watch parts is open i dont replace

  • @robindiamondhands6416
    @robindiamondhands6416 3 года назад

    As a reseller, I highly recommend you do not try to fix one of these types of clocks with the wind up spring. Simply because the spring is too hard to get in place. I got one of these old clocks worth about 50$ online. I’m spending more time on it than it’s worth. Just trying to get it back together without springs to sell as “parts” now. If it doesn’t work- and you know it’s the spring… don’t do it. Let someone else do it.

    • @robindiamondhands6416
      @robindiamondhands6416 3 года назад

      Quick update, I can’t even get it back together. Literally is taking longer than it’s worth. I’m about to discard it, and feel the satisfaction that comes with throwing useless junk out. It was a pretty cool clock. And I regret listening to this guy telling me to learn. As soon as I opened the thing the pieces went flying everywhere. I didn’t even get a good picture of where the gears go. Mounting the top piece back on (even without the springs) is difficult. Don’t do it. Sell it for parts or use as an antique decoration. Glad I only spent 1$.

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  3 года назад +4

      @@robindiamondhands6416 I do totally agree with you that the time involved in fixing these things is way more than what they are worth. Same with many things actually - even furniture restoration. It's not about making money, it's about saving things from being thrown out and the huge satisfaction in bringing them back to life. I'm sorry you regret listening to me about "having a go" - but it seems you had the wrong motivation. Fixing things to sell in a viable way is extremely difficult these days - especially expecting to be able to do it first go.
      Thanks for watching anyways 😊

  • @melatomic
    @melatomic 7 месяцев назад

    I’m trying to get something working, that wasn’t. Your attitude is not helpful and there will not be a subscription. See ya.

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  7 месяцев назад +1

      That's your choice I guess. Thanks for letting me know I need to work on my attitude! I'll enroll in classes tonight.. 🤣

    • @melatomic
      @melatomic 7 месяцев назад +1

      @@TheUltimateRecycler Sorry for the sharp comment. I'm just totally frustrated trying to fix an old alarm clock and I snapped.

    • @TheUltimateRecycler
      @TheUltimateRecycler  7 месяцев назад +1

      @@melatomic No worries mate, they are very testing on the patience!