Greetings. I have purchased what I believe to be a very sexy clock. I would like to open her up and check the serial etc. It seems pretty intuitive but with the glass, I was seeking some instruction from forum members first. I am a collector of many things but a clock newbie. Thanks for any guidance.
No idea how to open it, just wanted to say that's a very nice art deco clock you've got there Sure looks like a 30's piece.
Remove the screws around the chrome frame holding the front glass. The hands can then be removed to avoid breaking them going forward (be careful not to damage the dial; you'd need to know how to reinstall the hands also). Unscrew the large holding ring at the back to remove the clock. Once you get here, post more pictures and we can do more investigation...
Thank you TNTwatch. I am going to have to really setup a dedicated work space before I attempt to dismantle this mantel clock. Although I can find no stamped numbers on the back (all of the pics I have looked through suggest there should be one), I did find the word SWISS under the timing window and the following engraved F6 56C
I would be very wary of trying to access the movement by removing the glass: it should not be necessary (and will still not show you the movement number!). You have described yourself as ‘a collector of many things but a clock newbie’: accessing the clock by removing the glass could lead to a very steep learning curve. Your stated reason for accessing the movement (which I can understand) is in order to ‘check the serial etc’. That back cover must come off in some way: then I think you’ll find a 59-8D movement with the movement number clearly visible. You have there an unusual piece which looks to be in very good condition. A specialist would take a deep breath before removing the glass. Come in through the back (as somebody said).
I agree, if it's only to look at the movement it's not worth the risk especially if you aren't "clock-wise". I would leave the front alone and only remove the back cover if you can clearly see how it's held on. You may be able to remove the movement cover after pulling off the time adjusting knob and turning the winding key anti-clockwise and then removing the cover. It could be screwed on or held with small screws around the edge, I can't tell from the pics.
I agree with Jim. The covers on the 59-8D from this period were typically a press-fit – but presumably you would have noticed this?
The resolution of your image doesn’t allow much – but this is where I would be looking to remove the back cover (having first removed the fittings, as Jim described). Further round the perimeter it may be even more obvious.
I think that the front glass must be removed to gain access to the hands and to get tension on the brass rings that the movement housing screws into, suspending the clock in the glass frame. I also agree with JimInOz and OMTOM that it may be too much of a job for me. It is working and keeping good time at present. I was hoping to get a better idea of the age from the serial etc. Would you all agree it appears to be from the 20's-30's going by the art deco green glass, chrome and brass? When did the movements NOT have #s stamped on the back case? The script on the wind is pretty early is is not? Thanks again all. I may find a reputable clock person here in Dallas to take it to if I just have to get inside.
I should mention the hands are behind glass. Hard to tell from the pic but there are two pieces of glass. One in back with a hole that the clock is suspended in, and one in front as a cover.
You describe yourself as a ‘clock newbie’. You asked for advice and have received it. It’s your clock, do with it what you will – but most enthusiasts on this forum would be saddened to see such a nice piece damaged in any way. Please compare the words ‘brave’ and ‘foolhardy’. I have already told you that I expect the movement to be a 59-8D (sure, I may be wrong). If your aims are merely to find the movement number in order to date the clock (which will still be very approximate because movements in those days were made in batches and not used immediately), I offer below an image of what you are looking for. If you come in ‘through the front’, you will not reach this point. Access to the view I offer is from the back. To remove the movement from the rest of the clock (the glass as you see it) will be done from the rear – you will not be able to do it from the front. Using your own (low resolution) image, I tried to explain where the rear cover can probably be removed – can you not post a better image of the back of the movement to confirm what I have offered? I think the best advice would be to accept that the clock dates somewhere around 1930 – 1935 and leave it alone! If you really must dismantle an old clock, I’ll send you one free of charge: add this one to your collection and enjoy it.
Don't worry OMTOM I am an expert at taking things apart. I have a few boxes labeled "clock to put back together/fix" to prove it. Thank you for all the advice everyone. After looking at it for a bit (and I will post better pics) there is a brass ring that frames the clock back. If I remove the ring I could slip off the back. BUT, it would mean exposing the glass and I am just not the guy. My curiosity is killing all the cats but I will focus on the research end of it. Thank you for all the info so far. I will post more pics and updates if I find anything new.
I have already described the movement that I think you will find. I am more interested in the clock itself because it is unusual: right in the art deco style. I wonder whether it was what Omega would describe as a ‘national production’, thus movement imported from Switzerland and the rest made in the US. It will be interesting to see if you can find any other clues as to a possible US manufacturer of the clock.