For all those who are interested in horology, whether as a hobby or
within the trade, this user-friendly guide is invaluable as a wealth of
information for the internal workings of clocks. Eric Smith provides a
fully comprehensive manual to the repair of clocks, whether modern or
antique. Lucid language accompanies practical diagrams and photographs
to bring clarity to what is often a highly complex task. The author
recognises the curiosity which many feel about the workings of clocks.
It is for this reason that the author has written a guide which does not
depict horology as too complex for those outside the trade, but rather
as a fascinating and accessible occupation. The ten chapters go through
the practical stages of how different clocks work and thetools and
materials needed. Pendulum clocks, 30-hour, 8-day and 400-day clocks,
chiming, striking, and electric and alarm clocks are all covered in
detail. This new revised edition includes a chapter on working with more
advanced tools including the lathe. The first chapter addresses the
tools and materials which are required for repair, whilst the second
chapter provides an explanation of the principles of clock mechanisms.
The author subsequently takes the reader through specific aspects of
clocks in each chapter, from the pendulums and balance wheels to cases
and hands. A chapter on electric clocks gives advice on a significant
sector of the clock market. In addition, this volume includes a glossary
of terms, a bibliography and a list of suppliers of materials. It is
also fully indexed. The author recognises that there is much in horology
which cannot be self-taught from a book, yet Clocks and Clock Repairing
is both a book to stimulate interest and a handy reference guide.
