British Domestic Synchronous Clocks 1930-1980: The Rise and Fall of a Technology (History of Mechanism and Machine Science Book 29)

This book complements available one-make books on domestic synchronous clocks. It is also a history of science book that sets British domestic synchronous clocks, their manufacturers and technology in their social context. Part I covers the historical background, British domestic synchronous clock manufacturers and brands, how synchronous clocks work, domestic synchronous clock cases, practical advice on the servicing of domestic synchronous clocks, and analysis of the marketing and reliability of British domestic synchronous clocks. This analysis provides an explanation of the rise and eventual fall of their technology. Part II contains galleries of a selection of British domestic synchronous clocks, and of the movements with which they are fitted. There is a front and back view of each clock, together with a brief description. Views of each movement include views with the movement partly dismantled, together with a brief technical description of the movement. This profusely illustrated book is primarily for fellow enthusiasts, and is based on an extensive archive of information on domestic synchronous clocks, their movements, and their manufacturers. Current electrical regulations mean that professional clockmakers are reluctant to repair synchronous clocks. In fact, provided that they have not been mistreated, synchronous clocks are usually reliable, and quite easy to maintain Preface 6 Contents 8 Glossary and Abbreviations 14 1 Introduction 19 1.1 Outline 19 1.2 What Is a Synchronous Clock? 20 1.3 Historical Background 21 1.3.1 Mechanical Clocks 21 1.3.2 Synchronous Clocks 22 1.3.3 Quartz Clocks 24 1.3.4 Atomic Clocks 24 1.3.5 Timelines 24 1.4 AC Mains Supply 25 1.5 User Experience 27 References 28 Part I Main Text 30 2 Manufacturers and Brands 31 2.1 Introduction 31 2.1.1 Trade Associations 32 2.1.2 Synchronous Clock Production 33 2.1.3 Identification of Synchronous Clocks 33 2.2 Brands 34 2.3 Manufacturers 35 2.3.1 Alexander Clark Co Ltd 37 2.3.2 British Vacuum Cleaner & Engineering Co Ltd 37 2.3.3 Camerer, Kuss & Co 37 2.3.4 Clyde Clocks 38 2.3.5 Edison Swan Electric Co 38 2.3.6 Elco Clocks and Watches Ltd 38 2.3.7 Ferranti Ltd 39 2.3.8 Franco-British Electrical Co Ltd 39 2.3.9 Garrard Clocks Ltd 39 2.3.10 General Electric Co Ltd 40 2.3.11 Horstmann Gear Co Ltd 41 2.3.12 Ingersoll Ltd 41 2.3.13 Ismay Industries 42 2.3.14 Jentique Ltd 42 2.3.15 Liberty plc 43 2.3.16 Metalair Ltd 43 2.3.17 Sangamo Weston Ltd 43 2.3.18 Smiths Industries 44 2.3.19 Synchronome Co Ltd 45 2.3.20 Telephone Manufacturing Co 45 2.3.21 Westclox Ltd 46 References 47 3 How a Synchronous Clock Works 48 3.1 Introduction 48 3.2 Synchronous Motors 50 3.2.1 Reluctance Synchronous Motors 51 3.2.2 Magnetised Synchronous Motors 53 3.2.3 Magnetic Impulses 56 3.2.3.1 Reluctance Motors 58 3.2.3.2 Magnetised Motors 59 3.2.4 Starting Methods 61 3.2.4.1 Direct Manual Start 61 3.2.4.2 Indirect Manual Start 62 3.2.4.3 Impulse Self Start 62 3.2.4.4 Shaded Pole Self Start 63 3.2.4.5 Synchronous Clocks Running Backwards 64 3.2.5 Hand Setting Methods 65 3.3 Reduction Gear 65 3.4 Striking and Chiming Work 66 3.5 Synchronous Time Switches 67 References 69 4 Synchronous Clock Cases 71 4.1 Introduction 71 4.1.1 Synchronous Clock Case Types 72 4.2 Synchronous Clock Case Styles 73 4.2.1 Art Deco Clocks 74 4.2.2 Bakelite Clocks 74 4.2.3 Carriage Clocks 76 4.2.4 Chinoiserie Clocks 76 4.2.5 Commemorative Clocks 77 4.2.5.1 Egyptian Style Clocks 78 4.2.6 Geometric Clocks 79 4.2.7 G-Plan Style Clocks 79 4.2.8 Napoleon's Hat Clocks 80 4.2.9 Pictorial Clocks 80 4.2.10 Utility Clocks 81 4.2.11 Wrought Iron Clocks 81 4.2.12 Novelty Clocks 82 References 83 5 Servicing of Synchronous Clocks 84 5.1 Introduction 84 5.2 Electrical Faults 85 5.3 Mechanical Faults 86 5.3.1 Dismantling 86 5.3.2 Cleaning and Oiling 90 5.3.3 Re-assembly and Testing 91 References 93 6 Analysis of Marketing and Reliability 94 6.1 Introduction 94 6.2 Analysis of Marketing 96 6.2.1 Marketing Strategies 96 6.2.2 Technical Aspects 97 6.2.3 Clock Case Design 98 6.2.4 Practical Aspects of Design 100 6.2.5 Distribution 100 6.2.6 Legal Framework 100 6.2.6.1 Retail Prices 101 6.2.6.2 Foreign Imports 101 6.2.7 Conclusions on Marketing 102 6.3 Analysis of Reliability 102 6.3.1 AC Mains Supply 102 6.3.2 Determination of Reliability 103 6.3.2.1 Power Source Reliability 103 6.3.2.2 Movement Reliability (Repair or Replacement) 103 6.3.2.3 Movement Reliability (Replacement) 104 6.3.2.4 Overall Reliability 104 6.3.3 Conclusions on Reliability 104 6.4 The Rise and Fall of a Technology 104 References 105 Part II Galleries 106 7 Gallery of Synchronous Mantel Clocks 107 7.1 Introduction 107 7.2 Alexander Clark Clock 108 7.3 BEM Clock 108 7.4 Camerer Kuss & Co Clock 109 7.5 Clyde Clocks 110 7.6 Ediswan Clock 110 7.7 Elco Clocks 111 7.8 Empire Clock 113 7.9 Ferranti Clocks 113 7.10 Garrard Clocks 115 7.11 Genalex Clocks 116 7.12 Ingersoll Clocks 119 7.13 Liberty Clock 119 7.14 Marigold Clock 120 7.15 Metalair Clock 121 7.16 Metamec Clocks 122 7.17 Riley Clock 123 7.18 Smith Clock, Type 1 Striking Movement 124 7.19 Smith Clock, Westminster Chiming Movement 124 7.20 Smith Clocks, BM7 Movement 125 7.21 Smith Clocks, Bijou Movement 129 7.22 Smith Clock, QAT Movement 132 7.23 Smith Clocks, QEMG Movement 133 7.24 Synchronomains Clock 135 7.25 Temco Clocks, Mark I Movement 135 7.26 Temco Clocks, Mark IV Movement 137 7.27 Temco Clocks, Mark V Movement 139 7.28 Temco Clocks, Smith Movement 144 7.29 Conclusions 145 References 145 8 Gallery of Synchronous Bedside Clocks 146 8.1 Introduction 146 8.2 Bowden & Sons Clock 147 8.3 Elco Clock 147 8.4 Ferranti Clocks 148 8.5 Franco British Electrical Co Ltd Clock 151 8.6 GEC Clock 151 8.7 Genalex Clock 152 8.8 Goblin Clock 152 8.9 Kelnore Clock 153 8.10 Magneta Clock 154 8.11 Metamec Clocks 154 8.12 Smith Clocks, Type 1 Movement 156 8.13 Smith Clocks, BM7 Movement 158 8.14 Smith Clocks, Bijou Movement 161 8.15 Smith Clock, QGEM Movement 164 8.16 Sterling Clocks 164 8.17 Synchronomains Clock 166 8.18 Temco Clock, Mark II Movement 166 8.19 Temco Clocks, Mark IV Movement 168 8.20 Temco Clocks, Mark V Movement 170 8.21 Conclusions 174 References 175 9 Gallery of Synchronous Wall Clocks 176 9.1 Introduction 176 9.2 English Clock Systems Clock 177 9.3 Genalex Clock 177 9.4 Horstmann Time Switch 178 9.5 Magneta Clock 178 9.6 Metalair Clock 180 9.7 Metamec Clock 180 9.8 Smith Clock, Type 1 Movement 181 9.9 Smith Clock, BM7 Movement 181 9.10 Smith Clocks, BM39 Movement 182 9.11 Smith Clock, Heavy Motion Work Movement 184 9.12 Smith Clocks, Bijou Movement 184 9.13 Synchronome Clocks 186 9.14 Temco Clock, Mark V Movement 187 9.15 Westclox Clock 187 9.16 Conclusions 188 References 189 10 Gallery of Synchronous Granddaughter Clocks 190 10.1 Introduction 190 10.2 Ferranti Clock 190 10.3 Smith Clock, Type 1 Chiming Movement 191 10.4 Smith Clock, Type 1 Movement 192 10.5 Temco Clock, Mark IV Movement 193 10.6 Conclusions 194 References 194 11 Gallery of Synchronous Movements 196 11.1 Introduction 196 11.2 BEM Movement 197 11.3 Clyde Movement 198 11.4 Elco Movement 198 11.5 Empire Movements 200 11.5.1 Empire Movement 202 11.5.2 Empire Movement for Synchronomains 202 11.6 Ferranti Movements 202 11.6.1 Ferranti Early Movement 202 11.6.2 Ferranti Later Movement 205 11.7 Garrard Movements 205 11.7.1 Garrard Early Movement 208 11.7.2 Garrard Later Movement 208 11.8 Goblin and Magneta Movements 211 11.8.1 Goblin M.6. Movement 211 11.8.2 Magneta Early Movement 211 11.8.3 Magneta Later Movement 212 11.9 Kelnore Movement 213 11.10 Marigold Movement 214 11.11 Metalair Movement 218 11.12 Metamec Movements 218 11.12.1 Metamec Type 1 Movement 218 11.12.2 Metamec SS101 Movement 220 11.13 Smith Movements 222 11.13.1 Smith Type 1 Movement 223 11.13.2 Smith BM7 Movement 225 11.13.3 Smith BM39 Movement 227 11.13.4 Smith Heavy Motion Work Movement 228 11.13.5 Smith Bijou Movement 230 11.13.6 Smith QAT Movement 232 11.13.7 Smith QEMG Movement 235 11.13.8 Smith QGEM Movement 237 11.13.9 Smith Type 1 Striking Movement 238 11.13.10 Smith Narrow Striking Movement 239 11.13.11 Smith Type 1 Chiming Movement 242 11.13.12 Smith Model 259 Chiming Movement 244 11.13.13 Smith Westminster Chiming Movement 244 11.14 Sterling Movement 246 11.15 Temco Movements 247 11.15.1 Temco Mark I Movement 248 11.15.2 Temco Mark II Movement 249 11.15.3 Temco Mark IV Movement 250 11.15.4 Temco Mark V Movement 251 11.16 Westclox Type No. BM25 Movement 254 11.17 Conclusions 256 References 257 This book complements available one-make books on domestic synchronous clocks. It is also a history of science book that sets British domestic synchronous clocks, their manufacturers and technology in℗ltheir social context. Part I covers the historical background, British domestic synchronous clock manufacturers and brands, how synchronous clocks work, domestic synchronous clock cases, practical advice on the servicing of domestic synchronous clocks, and analysis of the marketing and reliability of British domestic synchronous clocks. This analysis provides an explanation of the rise and eventual fall of their technology. Part II contains galleries of a selection of British domestic synchronous clocks, and of the movements with which they are fitted. There is a front and back view of each clock, together with a brief description. Views of each movement include views with the movement partly dismantled, together with a brief technical description of the movement. This profusely illustrated book is primarily for fellow enthusiasts, and is based on an extensive archive of information on domestic synchronous clocks, their movements, and their manufacturers. Current electrical regulations mean that professional clockmakers are reluctant to repair synchronous clocks. In fact, provided that they have not been mistreated, synchronous clocks are usually reliable, and quite easy to maintain Front Matter....Pages i-xvii Introduction....Pages 1-11 Front Matter....Pages 13-13 Manufacturers and Brands....Pages 15-31 How a Synchronous Clock Works....Pages 33-55 Synchronous Clock Cases....Pages 57-69 Servicing of Synchronous Clocks....Pages 71-80 Analysis of Marketing and Reliability....Pages 81-92 Front Matter....Pages 93-93 Gallery of Synchronous Mantel Clocks....Pages 95-133 Gallery of Synchronous Bedside Clocks....Pages 135-164 Gallery of Synchronous Wall Clocks....Pages 165-178 Gallery of Synchronous Granddaughter Clocks....Pages 179-184 Gallery of Synchronous Movements....Pages 185-248