Smiths Double Sided Railway Bakelite Clock - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Screwdriver · 9th Dec 2023, 8:34 pm

Seasons Greetings!

After nearly a decade of searching, I've acquired a Smiths Double sided Railway clock.

The seller did check the clock and claims the mains movements (original) both keep good time. Hands look original too, as are the push adjusters. Bakelite has no cracks or visible damage.

I'd very much to "service" the clock to ensure another 80 years of life!

In short, I'm hoping for a recommendation - an experienced pair of hands to lubricate, rewire and, hopefully, clean the dial without repainting it.

Many thanks in advance!

paulsherwin · 9th Dec 2023, 8:46 pm

You may get a better response if you post on a clock forum. These clocks aren't difficult to work on if they don't have serious faults, but I don't think we have many professional clockmakers as members.

Are you looking for advice about how to clean and relube the mechanism yourself? If so, some members may be able to help you on the forum.

Screwdriver · 9th Dec 2023, 8:59 pm

Hi Paul - thanks for the suggestion. To a degree yes. It's the dial cleaning and rewiring I'll probably need a professional's help with.

I've searched the forum history and seen a few posts about these old Sectric clocks so hoping there's still someone around who can recommend a specialist to me. Cheers!

Screwdriver · 10th Dec 2023, 6:44 pm

Thanks all - the goal is to clean the dial not repaint them. I have no clue how to service them so will be positing another thread for guidance on this.

9th Dec 2023, 8:34 pm	#1
Screwdriver Diode Join Date: Dec 2022 Location: London, UK Posts: 7	Smiths Double Sided Railway Bakelite Clock Seasons Greetings! After nearly a decade of searching, I've acquired a Smiths Double sided Railway clock. The seller did check the clock and claims the mains movements (original) both keep good time. Hands look original too, as are the push adjusters. Bakelite has no cracks or visible damage. I'd very much to "service" the clock to ensure another 80 years of life! In short, I'm hoping for a recommendation - an experienced pair of hands to lubricate, rewire and, hopefully, clean the dial without repainting it. Many thanks in advance! Attached Thumbnails

9th Dec 2023, 8:46 pm	#2
paulsherwin Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 28,009	Re: Smiths Double Sided Railway Bakelite Clock You may get a better response if you post on a clock forum. These clocks aren't difficult to work on if they don't have serious faults, but I don't think we have many professional clockmakers as members. Are you looking for advice about how to clean and relube the mechanism yourself? If so, some members may be able to help you on the forum.

9th Dec 2023, 8:59 pm	#3
Screwdriver Diode Join Date: Dec 2022 Location: London, UK Posts: 7	Re: Smiths Double Sided Railway Bakelite Clock Hi Paul - thanks for the suggestion. To a degree yes. It's the dial cleaning and rewiring I'll probably need a professional's help with. I've searched the forum history and seen a few posts about these old Sectric clocks so hoping there's still someone around who can recommend a specialist to me. Cheers!

10th Dec 2023, 6:44 pm	#4
Screwdriver Diode Join Date: Dec 2022 Location: London, UK Posts: 7	Re: Smiths Double Sided Railway Bakelite Clock Thanks all - the goal is to clean the dial not repaint them. I have no clue how to service them so will be positing another thread for guidance on this.