Gents “Synchronome” Type clock

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Gents “Synchronome” Type clock

This topic has 9 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 15 May 2015 at 17:19 by Michael Gilligan.

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14 May 2015 at 13:45 #189866
Malcolm Bannister
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@malcolmbannister38996
Hi Guys… I've accquired an old Gents master clock which runs OK but it's a bit mucky. I'm wondering what to use to clean and re-lubricate it. Any ideas would be gratefully accepted.

Thanks.

Malc
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14 May 2015 at 13:45 #3707
Malcolm Bannister
Participant
@malcolmbannister38996
How to clean and lubricate
14 May 2015 at 13:56 #189868
Martin Kyte
Participant
@martinkyte99762
Cousins Material House do a handy oiler for clocks.

https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/pocket-oiler-multi-purpose

I've always has next day service from them.

regards Martin
14 May 2015 at 16:00 #189882
Swarf, Mostly!
Participant
@swarfmostly
Hi there, Malcolm,

There's a Yahoo Group for Synchronome & other electric master clocks.

Best regards,

Swarf, Mostly!
14 May 2015 at 18:20 #189907
Bazyle
Participant
@bazyle
Mucky?. Don't use standard ammonia based domestic 'brass cleaners; on clocks as they can cause cracking and corrosion in brass parts a long time later. That's why there are special cleaning products for clocks. Might be an old wives tale as I'm no clock expert but do remember reading that in some old horology books and perhaps ME some time ago.
14 May 2015 at 18:26 #189910
john fletcher 1
Participant
@johnfletcher1
If you join Vintage Radio. Org there are some experts on Gents and other electric clocks, who will give you a lot of advice.John
14 May 2015 at 21:27 #189933
Michael Gilligan
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@michaelgilligan61133
Posted by Bazyle on 14/05/2015 18:20:49:

Mucky?. Don't use standard ammonia based domestic 'brass cleaners; on clocks as they can cause cracking and corrosion in brass parts a long time later. That's why there are special cleaning products for clocks.

.

Very true … but do beware: One of the "classic" clock cleaning fluids [Horolene] is, or was, Ammonia-based and caused exactly this problem [Zinc depletion].

Malcolm: Strip it and clean it first

and [to stay on the right side of the enhusiasts]; note that the Gent's version is called Pul-Syn-Etic, not Synchronome; it was a devious bit patent avoidance … I will leave you to find out the difference

MichaelG.
15 May 2015 at 10:05 #189963
Malcolm Bannister
Participant
@malcolmbannister38996
Thanks Guys…

I just used "Synchonome" because I hadn't heard of Pul-Syn-Etic. I stand corrected!

I recall from my days as a Lab Techie that ammonia can have nasty effects on copper and its alloys. I'll try IPA or 1-1-1 Trichloroethane, they're both fairly innocuous solvents.

I'm beginning to regret scrapping the timer part with the big brass wheel and mercury switches now

Thanks for the advice.

Malcolm
15 May 2015 at 11:10 #189967
Russell Eberhardt
Participant
@russelleberhardt48058
Solvents alone won't remove the tarnishing on brass. Yes, Horolene does contain ammonia but when diluted according to the instructions it is less than 2 %. I can't see there being any long term problem as long as it is rinsed off in hot water after cleaning.

Russell.
15 May 2015 at 17:19 #189998
Michael Gilligan
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@michaelgilligan61133
Posted by Russell Eberhardt on 15/05/2015 11:10:59:

Solvents alone won't remove the tarnishing on brass. Yes, Horolene does contain ammonia but when diluted according to the instructions it is less than 2 %. I can't see there being any long term problem as long as it is rinsed off in hot water after cleaning.

.

Good points made there, Russell

Horolene, followed by thorough washing should be fine on modern brass … The real problem comes with the antique stuff; where the alloy is often less than perfect, and the plates were hand made [no stock sheet available then]; it is very difficult to remove all trace of Ammonia from the microscopic cracks, and any contamination can induce 'stress corrosion'.

MichaelG.
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