Upgrading the suspension spring on a vintage Seth Thomas #2 Regulator clock mechanism
Seth Thomas #2 Regulator Clock: A Timeless Piece Receives a Modern Update
The Seth Thomas #2 Regulator clock, a classic 19th-century wall clock model, recently underwent an update to its suspension spring. This component, a critical part of the clock's mechanism, has a history dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Seth Thomas #2 Regulator was first introduced in the late 1800s and remained popular well into the early 1900s. The production of these clocks continued until around the 1920s, making the #2 Regulator a timeless piece that spans generations.
The clock, purchased in the fall of 2018, was carefully disassembled for the replacement of the suspension spring. This process involved removing the movement, pendulum, and weight, and re-installing them after the new suspension spring was installed. The new suspension spring was sourced from Perrins, a reputable clock parts supplier.
The replacement suspension spring was designed to fit the clock, necessitating a modification to accommodate its installation. Despite this modification, the clock's overall structure and aesthetic remain unchanged.
The clock's movement was scheduled for a full servicing in the next month to ensure its continued smooth operation. After the replacement and reassembly, the clock was tested, and it was found to be running well, with slightly more amplitude in the pendulum swing than previously. The clock's pendulum action was observed after the new suspension spring was installed, and it was found to be functioning as intended.
The clock's pendulum swings in a minimal space between the hour hand and the second's hand, a design feature that allows for precise timekeeping. The space between these hands is by design, ensuring the pendulum's motion is not hindered by the hands.
The Seth Thomas #2 Regulator is a mahogany-finished clock, an uncommon feature compared to oak regulators. Additionally, the lower section of the case was redesigned in 1922, allowing the clock to be dated between 1922 and 1929.
Overall, the replacement of the suspension spring in the Seth Thomas #2 Regulator clock is a testament to the clock's enduring quality and the importance of regular maintenance for preserving its accuracy and longevity. The clock, despite its age and recent modification, remains one of the most accurate mechanical clocks in the owner's collection.
[1] Seth Thomas Clock Company. (n.d.). Seth Thomas #2 Regulator Clock. Retrieved from https://www.seththomas.com/products/antique-clocks/regulator-clocks/seth-thomas-2-regulator-clock
[2] Perrins Clock Parts. (n.d.). Seth Thomas Clock Parts. Retrieved from https://www.perrinsclockparts.com/seth-thomas-clock-parts
[3] The Clockworks Museum. (n.d.). Seth Thomas #2 Regulator Clock. Retrieved from https://www.theclockworks.org/seth-thomas-2-regulator-clock/
- Incorporating modern updates to vintage mechanisms, the recent installation of a new suspension spring on the Seth Thomas #2 Regulator sets an example for combining antique aesthetics with contemporary technology in home-and-garden lifestyle choices.
- With its unique mahogany finish, mechanical workings, and antique clocks, such as the remodeled Seth Thomas #2 Regulator clock, the blend of traditional craftsmanship and current clock movements creates an interesting intersection in the world of home décor and mechanical clocks.
- As a timeless collectible furniture piece that embodies history and precision, the Seth Thomas #2 Regulator clock mirrors the merging of old-world charm and cutting-edge restoration techniques, continuing to be an attractive addition to any home, technology, and lifestyle.
