This sheet is a brief guide to churches concerning the installation of automatic winders on their turret clock.
An automatic winder comprises an electric motor that winds up a weight at short intervals, this means that the clock no longer has to be wound manually.
A clock is usually corrected if necessary when it is wound every week. With an automatic winder fitted, errors can build up. It is important to have a designated clock carer who can make the necessary changes and keep an eye on the clock.
The clock must be in good operational order otherwise the addition of winders will not be successful. The parish should contact companies and individual clockmakers that specialise in turret clock work to obtain a report and quotation.
What information a clockmaker should supply:
A condition report on the complete clock installation.
A quotation for any necessary corrective work.
Quotation for the supply and installation of automatic winders, one for each train.
A definition of requirements for electrical supply.
A statement about Warranty and public liability insurance
Comparing Quotations
Price is of course the first comparison, but there are other issues. Make sure that the quotations are for the same thing. A supplier may give a list of different options, make sure you understand what these are and if they are necessary. Warranty details need to be carefully studied not only for the length of the warranty period, but for exactly what is covered and whether call out and labour charges will apply.
Replacing Old Automatic Winders
Automatic winders were first employed in the 1960s. In general they were connected to the second wheel that is against horological practice and can lead to wear in the great wheel teeth and mating pinion. As such winders are reaching the end of their lives, a re-assessment should be carried out and they should be completely replaced by a modern version that attaches to the great wheel.
Redundant weights and weight chutes
Unused weights and pulleys should be retained. Weight chutes are all part of the church history and should be retained. If they are to be removed as part of a re-ordering then this must be specified in the faculty application.
Faculty
A faculty is required for all new and replacement automatic winders.
Musts and Must Nots
Musts
The supplier should state that all work will be carried out in accordance with the Turret Clock Code of Practice issued by the Clocks Advisers Forum and approved by the Church Buildings Council (CBC).
All work to be carried out in a conservation-minded manner.
Drive only to be connected to the great wheel.
Annual maintenance for the clock is still a requirement.
Always have a designated clock carer and an assistant.
Must Nots
No holes to be drilled in frames. No parts to be removed. No direct driving of trains by an electric motor.
Advice
The DAC clock adviser will be able to help in more detail. Contact the DAC secretary and ask for informal advice.
Sources of Information
The Turret Clock Keeper’s Handbook by Chris McKay
Free version http://www.turretclock.force9.co.uk
The Turret Clock Keeper’s Handbook New Revised Edition available from Amazon
Church Buildings Council https://www.churchofengland.org/more/church-resources/churchcare/church-buildings-council
Turret Clock Code of Practice http://www.clocksadvisersforum.uk/info.html
Salisbury DAC sarah.baines@salisbury.anglican.org or dan.cooke@salisbury.anglican.org 01722 438654