The Old Cloxhibhition
French 3 train Wall clocks (Carillon) Maintenance handbook
Compiled by the Old Cloxhibhition
Almost all musical chime clocks come with 3 keyholes, referred to as 3 train clocks, listed below are the maintenance procedures for such French made clocks, however these rules can also apply to all other 3 train clocks in general.
Maintenance Guide for Vedette, Romanet, Odo, and Girod Clocks
This guide provides structured care and maintenance instructions for four major French clockmakers: Vedette, Romanet, Odo, and Girod. It is designed for collectors and horology enthusiasts who wish to preserve the mechanical integrity and musical heritage of their clocks.
1. General Care Principles
- Placement: Keep clocks on stable, vibration-free surfaces away from direct sunlight, humidity, and heat sources.
- Dust Protection: Regularly dust cases with a soft cloth; avoid sprays or chemical cleaners.
- Handling: Always handle pendulums and weights with care; avoid touching with bare hands to prevent corrosion.
2. Winding & Power
- Frequency: Wind weekly at the same time for consistency.
- Technique: Use gentle, even pressure with the correct key size.
- Dual Chime Models: Switch between Westminster and alternative chimes only when the clock is not actively striking.
3. Movement Maintenance
- Oiling: Apply clock oil to pivots every 2–3 years, sparingly.
- Cleaning: Professional dismantling, ultrasonic cleaning, and re-oiling every 5–7 years.
- Inspection: Have a horologist inspect bushings, pivots, and springs every 10 years.
4. Chime & Strike Systems
- Hammer Alignment: Ensure hammers strike rods cleanly without resting against them.
- Rod Integrity: Check rods are secure in their block; loose rods dull the tone.
- Sequence Correction: If chimes fall out of order, allow the clock to run through a full cycle or reset gently.
5. Case & Dial Care
- Wood Preservation: Use mild wax polish once or twice a year.
- Dial Cleaning: Lightly dust; avoid liquids that damage numerals or silvering.
- Glass Care: Clean with a damp cloth, avoiding drips into the bezel.
6. Troubleshooting Common Issues
|
Problem |
Likely Cause |
Remedy |
|
Clock stops |
Out of beat, dirt in pivots |
Adjust beat, clean/oil |
|
Chimes silent |
Lever in “silent” mode, stuck hammer |
Reset lever, free hammer |
|
Runs fast/slow |
Pendulum length |
Adjust nut up/down |
|
Hands clash |
Bent hands |
Remove and reset carefully |
7. Brand-Specific Notes
Vedette
- Known for dual chime models (Westminster and Ave Maria).
- Pay attention to chime selector levers; avoid forcing them.
- Maintain resonance by checking gong block screws.
Romanet (FFR Mobier)
- Often feature ornate cases; preserve veneer with gentle waxing.
- Movements may have unique strike sequences; ensure proper synchronization after servicing.
Odo
- Famous for clear Westminster tones.
- Inspect hammer springs regularly; weak springs cause muted notes.
- Cases often feature Art Deco styling; avoid abrasive cleaning.
Girod
- Known for robust wall clocks.
- Pay attention to pendulum suspension springs; replace if worn.
- Chime rods are thicker; ensure hammer alignment for full resonance.
8. Maintenance Checklist
|
Task |
Frequency |
|
Wind clock |
Weekly |
|
Dust case & dial |
Weekly |
|
Oil pivots |
Every 2–3 years |
|
Full cleaning |
Every 5–7 years |
|
Horologist inspection |
Every 10 years |
9. Preservation Tips for Collectors
- Document history: Keep records of servicing and provenance.
- Avoid modifications: Preserve originality of rods, gongs, and dials.
- Cultural heritage: Respect devotional symbolism in chimes (e.g., Ave Maria).
Summary: Regular light care combined with professional servicing ensures Vedette, Romanet, Odo, and Girod clocks remain accurate, melodious, and historically authentic for generations.
PREPARED BY THE OLD CLOXHIBHITION Specialists in servicing, repairing and restoring all kinds of old antique clocks.
Webpage: https://facebook.com/yestertiems/99
Email : cloxhibhition@gmail.com
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