Self-Winding clock winding problem..

Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 12:31 pm     Post subject: Self-Winding clock winding problem..

Good morning,

I have a self winding clock with a type F movement, and it has been running perfectly for 18 months; however it has recently developed an odd problem with the winding system. The clock attempts to wind as it should, and the magnet is energized. The winding mechanism moves as it should, and deactivates the contact would should turn the magnet off again - but it doesn't. I am absolutely sure that the contact is opening, but the magnet stays energized (and as such the winding mechnjust sits in the "pulled-in" position). I know it's an electrical problem (and not mechanical) as I can disconnect the battery and see that the mechanism falls back into the rest position.

To make matters worse, this problem is intermittent. I took the clock to a local repair store (who has dealt with many SWCs), and he was unable to reproduce the problem. He had the clock running perfectly for 2 weeks, yet when I got it home it acted up within 24 hours.

This only happens when the clock is supposed to wind, the activation and deactivation of the winding system still works correctly.

Is is a common problem? Is there anything specifically I should look at? I love this clock and am really bummed that it's not working correctly. Suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Cameron.

PS: I wasn't sure if this belongs under "mechanical" or "battery operated movements". I figured I'd post here since this problem is electrical, please move the thread if necessary.

Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2010 9:11 am     Post subject:

Hello, i think this is classified as an electro-mechanical but as it operates on a battery you are in the right section.

intermittent is the worst kind of problem but a good repair man should be able to fix it.
he should probably be looking at the coil as this is a common problem. these break down over time and the coating that insulates the copper wound coil breaks down causing a short across the wires.

He should have made sure the contacts are clean and be using a good quality battery such as duracell.

a multimeter will tell you if the coil has resistance but won't show a short unless it happens at the time. the coil sounds like it is operating but not as it should. like i say this is a problem with insulation or bad electrical contact around the coil .

if you do have a short, one clue will be the short life of the battery which will also get hot sometimes so check this and be careful it doesn't 'pop' or leak if it is shorting out. check the voltage of the battery you take out - if it's a new one and down to about 1.3 volts already then it's a short.