Care Guidelines – The Watch Pocket

Guidelines for Caring for Your Clock

1. Wind the clock. Each clock is different and requires varying amounts of winding. Make sure the clock is wound completely, if it is not, it will not run for the allotted amount.

2. If you plan to go on vacation, stop the clock. This prevents the clock from getting out of sequence. When you return all you need do is restart the clock at the right time.

3. The clock must have an even “tick-tock” for it to run properly. A good jolt to the clock can take the clock out of beat. Make sure the clock is in a place where it is not moved and bumped. A jolt to the clock can take the clock out of beat which causes it to stop frequently.

4. Setting a clock: move the minute hand clockwise (always) to set the time and be sure to stop at each interval. DO NOT move the minute hand backwards. If you meet with any resistance, do not force the hand.

5. To regulate the time:
• Monitor the clock in a 24 hour period. Example, set the clock for the actual time at 8:00 a.m. on Day 1, and on Day 2 compare the actual time to see if it needs to be sped-up or slowed down.
• If an adjustment needs to be made, stop the pendulum from swinging and adjust the nut (on the bottom of the pendulum) slightly. A small adjustment can make a large difference!
• Remember “Lower is Slower” so if you need to speed the clock up, you need to raise the nut on the pendulum.
• Reset the hands to the proper time

6. To clean the face, weights, and/or pendulum, buff with a soft, dry cloth. Do not put any moisture on these items they can discolor.

7. Have your clock movement oiled every 3-7 years by a professional clockmaker.
Never under any circumstances should you use WD40 on your clock.

Guidelines for Caring for Your Antique Watch

1. It is important to know that vintage watches are definitely more fragile than today’s timepieces. Years ago, brands did not have access to the high-tech materials we have today

2. Vintage timepieces may be slightly less accurate than modern watches. Vintage watches can be off a minute or two each day. Remember, the watch may well be older than you; its performance won’t be perfect.

3. Be careful when winding the watch. Vintage watches produced before 1969 are all mechanical watches, since quartz watches weren’t invented until that year. If you do have a mechanical watch, no matter when it was made, it will probably need to be wound regularly. Stop winding as soon as you feel resistance in the crown.

4. Vintage watches were not created with the same attention to water resistance as watches today. The best idea is to avoid water at all costs.

5. If you are planning a strenuous activity, where your arm is in full motion–such as getting out on the tennis courts or the golf course–leave your vintage watch at home.

6. Dust can be an enemy of the watch movement, which is especially vulnerable when the crown is open for setting. When pulling out the crown to set the watch, do it in a clean, dry place. Use a soft cloth to keep the outside of the watch clean. Don’t forget to wipe the caseback, where dirt can accumulate due to perspiration from the wrist.

7. Have the vintage watch serviced every two or three years to ensure clean, new oils are added to the movement.

8. When you are not wearing your vintage watch, it is best to put it into its box or to lay it flat in a watch drawer. Never use a watch winder…vintage timepieces are not built to have their mainspring fully wound at all times.