Jaguar mkII Time Clocks

The Jaguar mkII Tachometer mounted clock is a true Smiths Classic,  Its simple electro-mechanical movement had already been used in thousands of vehicles from many manufacturers, and is one of the last movements to resemble a mechanical clock construction. The same movement would be used in the later E-Type clocks and any other Smiths clocks with a CE part prefix.

Aside from the electrical coil and terminal the movement has the usual plated brass main plate and pillars with a ruby at either end of the balance wheel, small brass gears and a number of precision screws, it closely resembles the mechanical movements of older clocks.

MkII Tacho and Clock
MkII Tacho and Clock
The LDYA Clock Before
The LDYA Clock Before
Corroded Case Screws
Corroded Case Screws
Movement Parts
Movement Parts
Case and Setting Shaft
Case and Setting Shaft
After Restoration
After Restoration
Fully Restored and Tested
Fully Restored and Tested

Its amazing when you consider the number of oscillations the balance wheel makes in a 20 to 30 year lifespan. assuming the clock was powered consistently and by multiplying the two oscillations per second by seconds, minutes, hours, days and years, you end up with a staggering 1.89 Billion oscillations!

With that number in mind its easy to forgive the clocks for being a little unreliable after over 60 years in service.

Wear and tear is inevitable and with tight tolerances on many parts, it’s not something that can be improved with just a cleanup.

One important thing to remember with all CE clocks is that they must be started immediately after power is connected. The action of pressing the setting knob in excites the movement into action, and a good unit will begin to keep time. A few quick presses can sometimes excite a difficult to start unit, but it’s a good service indicator if more than one press is required required.

Unfortunately, the CE clocks achilles heel is the electrical contact that excites the balance wheel, If left to self start, the balance wheel can vibrate against the contact without fully oscillating, This burns the contact and renders the clock inoperable.

Ryan Linley Restoration offers a range of services for all automotive clocks, Mechanical, Electro-mechanical and Electronic.

Give us a call and get a quick estimate.