I had the pleasure of meeting Johnny after purchasing his Brenray watch cleaning machine. A very nice man and a man of many talents for sure. I was in awe of all the vintage clocks on display. You have to admire anyone who can successfully take apart and successfully re-assemble a watch or clock movement. The clock mechanism components in this video came out really well.
Thanks very helpful. I have yet to start on my similar slate clocks. I am so interested in your work. Like you once were, I presently know nothing about slate clocks and how to clean, dismantle, reassemble, and restore them and I am gratefully watching your brilliant videos. I look forward to seeing your video on reassembling this clock especially with regard to the slate work and how you finish it and your use of plaster of paris as well as any other adhesive etc. Thank you so much.
Great video on how to dismantle a slate clock. I have several 1 of which I need to take apart and clean. I like the tip on the material you used to fill in defects on the slate. Hoping to see part 2 which I hope shows how to "polish" the slate back to its original shine. What technique and materials to you use to polish it?
Hi, I am glad the video was useful to you. I do go through polishing of slate clocks in one of my videos. Ive tried several methods from using black boot polish to even mixing boot polish with olive oil. there are some 'off the shelf' products but they are more of a coating which leaves the slate looking plastic.
The top would've originally had a "clock topper". A gilt figurine of just pot metal but you would've been able to chose from different styles in the catalog with your clock. A way of customization back then. I have a couple of clocks with them...it's a great touch that absolutely completes it. Sometimes you can find them fairly inexpensive cause most people don't know what they are.
Hi Kevin, Thats interesting, I never knew that about the toppers. Ive never come across these figurines for sale, but then it didnt occur to me to search for them. Ive seen them on other clocks and totally agree with you, they set the clock off.
Congratulations John - any news on the next phase with this clock. Finishing off the columns and reassembling the separate marble sections. Please forgive me but if you deal with a larger main spring a letdown tool could save a broken finger if you let down with the key. I learnt that the hard way. The
Hi Simon, your comments are always appreciated.You prompted me to finish the editing part 2 which takes up so much time. I should have it live within the next couple of hours
Bedankt, het is niet zo moeilijk als je misschien denkt. Zolang je veel foto's maakt, kun je een klok weer in elkaar zetten. Mijn suggestie zou zijn om te beginnen met een Franse klok die geen bel heeft, omdat dit het gemakkelijkste mechanisme is om aan te werken. Veel geluk Johnny
Hi Adam. I'll have to get to it some point during this week. However, with these French clocks there are two double digit numbers on the back of the mechanism. Somewhere around the 6 O clock position, which dictate the length and weight of the pendulum. You should be able to see those numbers through the back door with a little torch. Meanwhile I'll dig out that particular clock and get back to you. Johnny
Hi Sergey Ive been using Silicone that I had laying around. This is the type of thing you buy for a diy store for sealing bathrooms etc. I tend to use this as a glue for many things as I find it makes a very tight bond especially to anything ceramic based. Its best to use a clear silicone but even if you use white as I did, it shouldnt matter as it won't be seen. When these clocks where made they used plaster of paris to hold the parts together but I chose not to as I wanted something a little stronger.
Hi John keeping my eye on all your slate clock repairs. You are costing me a load of money 😀 ordering stuff for my restoration on my slate clock where did you get the magnifying head thing from looking forward to your next video also think your watchmakers cabinet 🗄 was awesome 👏 👍
Hi Brendan. Thank you for the complements. I found the headband magnifyer on ebay. I think I paid about £50 for it and it came with 4 different lenses. There are cheapo ones out there but its worth the extra money buying a good one for the clarity. Plus youre only ever going to but it once so you may as well get the best one you can within reason. I really enjoyed making the cabinet. Ive now got two because I didnt film myself making the first one. I did have a thought of making them to sell but they take so long to make I'd have to ask too much money to make it worth my while. So now I keep one for my watches and watch mechanisms and the other for my tools Dont forget to make a video of your restorations. Theres a small community out there who are always keen to watch and give encouragement. Johnny
treetopspider I look forward to seeing how you do the face. My no’s were rubbed off and I tried painting them back on but not very well. Mind you, I polished the slate case up lovely with a dremmel. I’ll put a video on in a minute
Hi, I have thought about selling as I have about 8 clocks now. The problem is that because they are so old, they're not very good at time keeping, and so I wouldn't want to disappoint anyone. But yes, I wouldn't mind selling I suppose
