Precision adjustments in clock repair are an inherent part of the craft
In the world of clock repair, fine-tune adjustments are a common part of the experience. This is particularly true for a German "box" clock by Mauthe, a brand renowned for its precision timepieces. However, our clock in question does not bear the Mauthe trademark or name, but a clue to its origin lies in the two-rod gong, which was made by Divina, a subsidiary of Mauthe.
The clock, adorned with a maple leaf applique on the crown, suggests it was made for the Canadian market. It was likely sold under the Forestville or Solar name in department stores across Canada in the 1940s. Despite last being serviced in 1979, the movement of the clock is in very good overall condition.
However, one issue that arises during the strike is when a paddle is not correctly positioned. This can cause it to become hung up on a star point, resulting in the "bim" part of the "bim-bam" strike occurring at the end of the strike. To avoid this, the star wheel must be correctly positioned relative to the two hammer arbours, with both paddles placed between two star points on the wheel.
But how should the star wheel be positioned in a Mauthe bim-bam strike mechanism? Based on horological knowledge, the star wheel is generally positioned so that it engages the hammer arbours sequentially to allow the hammers to strike alternately.
The star wheel, which controls the number of strikes, should be aligned so that its teeth properly lift and release the hammer arms (arbours) at the correct timing. Specifically:
- The star wheel must be oriented so that each tooth or notch engages precisely with the hammer levers to lift them in turn.
- For a bim-bam strike (which alternates two strikes on two different bells or gongs), the star wheel must be positioned between the two hammer arbours in a way that ensures it alternately lifts one hammer, then the other, producing the characteristic "bim-bam" sound.
- If the star wheel is out of position, the hammers may not strike at the proper intervals or sequence, causing the strike sequence to fail or sound incorrect.
To set it correctly, you typically:
- Rotate the star wheel so a tooth lines up just before lifting the first hammer arbour.
- Ensure that the next tooth aligns appropriately for the following hammer arbour.
- Verify that the hammer arms are at rest and properly engaged with the star wheel profile.
For precise adjustment, detailed Mauthe bim-bam strike assembly diagrams or instructions from Mauthe technical manuals or clock repair guides are required. These can show the exact mechanical relations. Since the search results do not include these technical details, consulting a Mauthe-specific repair manual or an experienced clockmaker specializing in Mauthe bim-bam movements is recommended for exact adjustment procedures.
The vintage clock, possibly of Canadian origin due to the maple leaf applique on the crown, might originally have come from a department store under the Forestville or Solar name in the 1940s. With the movement in good condition despite last being serviced in 1979, the issue of misaligned paddles causing hang-ups on the star points still persists. To solve this problem and restore the correct "bim-bam" strike sequence, smart-home devices or gadgets with technology integration could potentially offer solutions for fine-tuning the clock movements, specifically for the Mauthe bim-bam strike mechanism. However, for precise adjustment and mechanical understanding, consulting a Mauthe-specific repair manual or an experienced clockmaker specializing in Mauthe bim-bam movements remains crucial.
