During the week, we shall work on the movements of clocks that students have brought. With luck, a clock that has not been working for quite a while will be performing well by the end of the course. Most students bring old clocks to work on, but some bring kits or part-made clocks, perhaps from drawings. Students bringing old clocks should choose clocks that are not in too bad a state of repair to start with. For instance, we have found that a broken mainspring may have broken some teeth and perhaps a pivot or two, which may then require greater time to mend than is available.
Beginners should ideally avoid French clocks, because their parts are delicate and easily broken. The best clock for a beginner is probably an American striker, or an English Dial, or an English longcase. A suitable clock will have a pendulum rather than a balance wheel, have not more than two winding holes, and have no missing parts. Only those with quite some experience should bring a clock with three winding holes or three weights, because there is a risk of running out of time, and we don't want you to go home with a bag of clock parts!
Very cheap clocks (eg most travel alarms) are not worthwhile bringing. The larger a clock is, without getting more complex, the easier it will be for you to mend. Many American, German and French clocks are quite suitable for our course, though beginners should avoid clocks with small parts. Simple English clocks later than about 1920 are good to start on, but usually of low value, so it may be worthwhile getting something older. German 400-day ("Anniversary") clocks are splendid in their own right, but probably not suitable for the course. The same is true of most cuckoo clocks except that they are not often splendid. Ideally, drop in at your local antiques (junk) shop and buy a suitable hour-striking pendulum clock that seems to have some life in it (wind it a little to check). Make sure it has NOT been recently overhauled. Please don't bring any clock that doesn't run with a simple pendulum (eg a carriage clock).
What to bring: Overalls, rubber gloves, eye protection, a protective cover for your table (4' x 2'6"), and any tools, books and material you imagine may be useful. Bring as many clocks as you like, including any on which you would like the tutor's comments and advice. Please bring notes given out on earlier course if you've been with us before. If you have horological items you want to sell, bring them along, because we like to auction these amongst ourselves.