Discussion:
looking for a decent mechanical alarm clock
(too old to reply)
Harold Davis
2014-10-19 19:45:55 UTC
Permalink
Does someone know where I might get hold of a decent mechanical alarm
clock? All I've found are

* a piece of junk with two bells on the top by Acctim that lasts a few
months

* crap plasticky Chinese copies of Westclox models, ditto - which is sad,
because the original Westclox clocks were superb - I had a Big Ben that
lasted 40 years

I don't care much how big it is. A 10-year guarantee or better would be
nice.

Thanks in advance!

Harry
Rod Speed
2014-10-19 21:11:19 UTC
Permalink
Post by Harold Davis
Does someone know where I might get
hold of a decent mechanical alarm clock?
Mad to want one.
Post by Harold Davis
All I've found are
* a piece of junk with two bells on the
top by Acctim that lasts a few months
* crap plasticky Chinese copies of Westclox models, ditto
- which is sad, because the original Westclox clocks were
superb - I had a Big Ben that lasted 40 years
I don't care much how big it is. A 10-year
guarantee or better would be nice.
In your dreams.
Don
2014-10-19 21:14:38 UTC
Permalink
Post by Rod Speed
Post by Harold Davis
Does someone know where I might get hold of a decent mechanical alarm
clock?
Mad to want one.
Post by Harold Davis
All I've found are
* a piece of junk with two bells on the top by Acctim that lasts a few
months
* crap plasticky Chinese copies of Westclox models, ditto - which is
sad, because the original Westclox clocks were superb - I had a Big
Ben that lasted 40 years
I don't care much how big it is. A 10-year guarantee or better would
be nice.
In your dreams.
Tick fucking tock fucking tick
Brian Gaff
2014-10-20 07:45:20 UTC
Permalink
Chuckle. I'm sure there are some still about though, second hand.I can only
assume one needs them on the one way Mars trip where batteries are not
easy to come by, and the sun is not as bright.


A few years ago some specialist jewellers reconditioned some of the classic
old wind up clocks, but they were not cheap.
Brian
--
From the Sofa of Brian Gaff Reply address is active
Post by Don
Post by Rod Speed
Post by Harold Davis
Does someone know where I might get hold of a decent mechanical alarm
clock?
Mad to want one.
Post by Harold Davis
All I've found are
* a piece of junk with two bells on the top by Acctim that lasts a few
months
* crap plasticky Chinese copies of Westclox models, ditto - which is
sad, because the original Westclox clocks were superb - I had a Big
Ben that lasted 40 years
I don't care much how big it is. A 10-year guarantee or better would
be nice.
In your dreams.
Tick fucking tock fucking tick
Ian Field
2014-11-10 19:00:41 UTC
Permalink
Post by Brian Gaff
Chuckle. I'm sure there are some still about though, second hand.I can
only assume one needs them on the one way Mars trip where batteries are
not easy to come by, and the sun is not as bright.
My preference is for the "radio controlled" alarm clocks that pick up the
66kHz MSF time standard.

Some stores sell them, but I'm holding out for a "projection" type that
shines the time on the ceiling as well - but not from Lidl, their's develop
an intermittent laser diode after a few months!
Rod Speed
2014-11-10 19:45:14 UTC
Permalink
Post by Ian Field
Post by Brian Gaff
Chuckle. I'm sure there are some still about though, second hand.
I can only assume one needs them on the one way Mars trip where
batteries are not easy to come by, and the sun is not as bright.
My preference is for the "radio controlled" alarm
clocks that pick up the 66kHz MSF time standard.
I think net synched or GPS synched clocks make more sense today.
Post by Ian Field
Some stores sell them, but I'm holding out for a "projection"
type that shines the time on the ceiling as well -
Since I don't sleep on my back much at all, that doesn't grab me.
Post by Ian Field
but not from Lidl, their's develop an intermittent
laser diode after a few months!
Presumably they will fix that.
Ian Field
2014-11-10 19:52:53 UTC
Permalink
Post by Rod Speed
Post by Ian Field
Post by Brian Gaff
Chuckle. I'm sure there are some still about though, second hand.
I can only assume one needs them on the one way Mars trip where
batteries are not easy to come by, and the sun is not as bright.
My preference is for the "radio controlled" alarm clocks that pick up the
66kHz MSF time standard.
I think net synched or GPS synched clocks make more sense today.
Post by Ian Field
Some stores sell them, but I'm holding out for a "projection" type that
shines the time on the ceiling as well -
Since I don't sleep on my back much at all, that doesn't grab me.
Post by Ian Field
but not from Lidl, their's develop an intermittent laser diode after a
few months!
Presumably they will fix that.
I lost the till slip - ditto for the 5W LED spotlight whose Lithium battery
self discharges unless you leave it permanently on charge.
Rod Speed
2014-11-10 20:06:30 UTC
Permalink
Post by Ian Field
Post by Rod Speed
Post by Ian Field
Post by Brian Gaff
Chuckle. I'm sure there are some still about though, second hand.
I can only assume one needs them on the one way Mars trip where
batteries are not easy to come by, and the sun is not as bright.
My preference is for the "radio controlled" alarm clocks that pick up
the 66kHz MSF time standard.
I think net synched or GPS synched clocks make more sense today.
Post by Ian Field
Some stores sell them, but I'm holding out for a "projection" type that
shines the time on the ceiling as well -
Since I don't sleep on my back much at all, that doesn't grab me.
Post by Ian Field
but not from Lidl, their's develop an intermittent laser diode after a
few months!
Presumably they will fix that.
I lost the till slip - ditto for the 5W LED spotlight whose Lithium
battery self discharges unless you leave it permanently on charge.
I didn't mean that they will fix yours, I meant that presumably
they will fix the design if it happens with many copys.

And you don't need the till slip with something no one else sells anyway.
Ian Field
2014-11-10 20:37:33 UTC
Permalink
Post by Rod Speed
Post by Ian Field
Post by Rod Speed
Post by Ian Field
Post by Brian Gaff
Chuckle. I'm sure there are some still about though, second hand.
I can only assume one needs them on the one way Mars trip where
batteries are not easy to come by, and the sun is not as bright.
My preference is for the "radio controlled" alarm clocks that pick up
the 66kHz MSF time standard.
I think net synched or GPS synched clocks make more sense today.
Post by Ian Field
Some stores sell them, but I'm holding out for a "projection" type that
shines the time on the ceiling as well -
Since I don't sleep on my back much at all, that doesn't grab me.
Post by Ian Field
but not from Lidl, their's develop an intermittent laser diode after a
few months!
Presumably they will fix that.
I lost the till slip - ditto for the 5W LED spotlight whose Lithium
battery self discharges unless you leave it permanently on charge.
I didn't mean that they will fix yours, I meant that presumably
they will fix the design if it happens with many copys.
Every now and then, I get from Lidl; some decent tools at a bargain price -
but more often than not the items turn out to be just plain defective, or
such poor quality they were no bargain at all.

In the bicycle tool set; the sprocket/freewheel tool was out of tolerance -
it slipped and damaged the splines in the freewheel - the conspicuously mild
steel handle on the chain wrench folded in half first time I used it!

The shaver I bought from them didn't last as long as expected, and had a
flaky on/off switch from day one.

There seems to be very little movement on changing substandard items - there
just as likely to discontinue stuff that was OK.

The bicycle tool set was originally Powerfix, then it became Crivit Sport -
identical tools, identical injection moulded plastic case and exactly as
crappy.
Tim+
2014-11-11 13:09:08 UTC
Permalink
Post by Ian Field
Post by Rod Speed
Post by Rod Speed
Post by Ian Field
Post by Brian Gaff
Chuckle. I'm sure there are some still about though, second hand.
I can only assume one needs them on the one way Mars trip where
Post by Ian Field
Post by Brian Gaff
batteries are not easy to come by, and the sun is not as bright.
My preference is for the "radio controlled" alarm clocks that pick up
Post by Brian Gaff
Post by Ian Field
the 66kHz MSF time standard.
I think net synched or GPS synched clocks make more sense today.
Post by Ian Field
Some stores sell them, but I'm holding out for a "projection" type
that >>>> shines the time on the ceiling as well -
Since I don't sleep on my back much at all, that doesn't grab me.
Post by Ian Field
but not from Lidl, their's develop an intermittent laser diode after a >>>> few months!
Presumably they will fix that.
I lost the till slip - ditto for the 5W LED spotlight whose Lithium >>
battery self discharges unless you leave it permanently on charge.
I didn't mean that they will fix yours, I meant that presumably
they will fix the design if it happens with many copys.
Every now and then, I get from Lidl; some decent tools at a bargain price
- but more often than not the items turn out to be just plain defective,
or such poor quality they were no bargain at all.
In the bicycle tool set; the sprocket/freewheel tool was out of tolerance
- it slipped and damaged the splines in the freewheel - the conspicuously
mild steel handle on the chain wrench folded in half first time I used it!
The shaver I bought from them didn't last as long as expected, and had a
flaky on/off switch from day one.
There seems to be very little movement on changing substandard items -
there just as likely to discontinue stuff that was OK.
The bicycle tool set was originally Powerfix, then it became Crivit Sport
- identical tools, identical injection moulded plastic case and exactly as crappy.
Odd, I've used the same tool kit many times now. Admittedly the chain rivet
extractor broke but I've had no trouble with the chain wrench or splined
tools for cassette and bottom bracket removal. It's saved me a lot of
money compared to buying high quality tools or bike shop visits.

I know that I may well replace bits with better quality bits as and when
required over the years but it's a good "starter" kit.


Tim
Ian Field
2014-11-11 17:27:44 UTC
Permalink
Post by Tim+
Post by Ian Field
Post by Rod Speed
Post by Rod Speed
Post by Ian Field
Post by Brian Gaff
Chuckle. I'm sure there are some still about though, second hand.
I can only assume one needs them on the one way Mars trip where
Post by Ian Field
Post by Brian Gaff
batteries are not easy to come by, and the sun is not as bright.
My preference is for the "radio controlled" alarm clocks that pick up
Post by Brian Gaff
Post by Ian Field
the 66kHz MSF time standard.
I think net synched or GPS synched clocks make more sense today.
Post by Ian Field
Some stores sell them, but I'm holding out for a "projection" type
that >>>> shines the time on the ceiling as well -
Since I don't sleep on my back much at all, that doesn't grab me.
Post by Ian Field
but not from Lidl, their's develop an intermittent laser diode after
a >>>> few months!
Presumably they will fix that.
I lost the till slip - ditto for the 5W LED spotlight whose Lithium >>
battery self discharges unless you leave it permanently on charge.
I didn't mean that they will fix yours, I meant that presumably
they will fix the design if it happens with many copys.
Every now and then, I get from Lidl; some decent tools at a bargain price
- but more often than not the items turn out to be just plain defective,
or such poor quality they were no bargain at all.
In the bicycle tool set; the sprocket/freewheel tool was out of tolerance
- it slipped and damaged the splines in the freewheel - the conspicuously
mild steel handle on the chain wrench folded in half first time I used it!
The shaver I bought from them didn't last as long as expected, and had a
flaky on/off switch from day one.
There seems to be very little movement on changing substandard items -
there just as likely to discontinue stuff that was OK.
The bicycle tool set was originally Powerfix, then it became Crivit Sport
- identical tools, identical injection moulded plastic case and exactly as crappy.
Odd, I've used the same tool kit many times now. Admittedly the chain rivet
extractor broke but I've had no trouble with the chain wrench or splined
tools for cassette and bottom bracket removal. It's saved me a lot of
money compared to buying high quality tools or bike shop visits.
The freewheel/sprocket spline tool was the first item I had to replace with
a quality item that actually worked.

Now I come to think about it - I also had to replace the out of tolerance
pedal crank puller that was more likely to strip the thread than loosen the
crank.

The chain punch works better after you've broken it - the partitions aren't
strong enough to punch the chain against, once you've broken the bottom one
off; you can butt the chain against the more substantial bottom of the punch
body.

Bill Wright
2014-10-20 01:07:28 UTC
Permalink
Post by Harold Davis
Does someone know where I might get hold of a decent mechanical alarm
clock? All I've found are
* a piece of junk with two bells on the top by Acctim that lasts a few
months
* crap plasticky Chinese copies of Westclox models, ditto - which is sad,
because the original Westclox clocks were superb - I had a Big Ben that
lasted 40 years
I don't care much how big it is. A 10-year guarantee or better would be
nice.
Thanks in advance!
Harry
What's the game? Some sort of old-fashioned IRA bomb, with the contact
where the bell should be?

Bill
Brian Gaff
2014-10-20 07:46:55 UTC
Permalink
I also note in the original post that if a clock lasted 40 years its not
really surprising that the company who made it went out of business.
Brian
--
From the Sofa of Brian Gaff Reply address is active
Post by Bill Wright
Post by Harold Davis
Does someone know where I might get hold of a decent mechanical alarm
clock? All I've found are
* a piece of junk with two bells on the top by Acctim that lasts a few
months
* crap plasticky Chinese copies of Westclox models, ditto - which is sad,
because the original Westclox clocks were superb - I had a Big Ben that
lasted 40 years
I don't care much how big it is. A 10-year guarantee or better would be
nice.
Thanks in advance!
Harry
What's the game? Some sort of old-fashioned IRA bomb, with the contact
where the bell should be?
Bill
Ian Field
2014-11-10 19:06:09 UTC
Permalink
Post by Brian Gaff
I also note in the original post that if a clock lasted 40 years its not
really surprising that the company who made it went out of business.
Brian
They're probably still around - just not making 18th century timepieces
anymore.
Harold Davis
2014-10-20 10:50:17 UTC
Permalink
Post by Bill Wright
Post by Harold Davis
Does someone know where I might get hold of a decent mechanical alarm
clock? All I've found are
* a piece of junk with two bells on the top by Acctim that lasts a
few months
* crap plasticky Chinese copies of Westclox models, ditto - which is
sad, because the original Westclox clocks were superb - I had a Big
Ben that lasted 40 years
I don't care much how big it is. A 10-year guarantee or better would
be nice.
Thanks in advance!
What's the game? Some sort of old-fashioned IRA bomb, with the contact
where the bell should be?
!! You think only a terrorist prefers a proper clock?

What do you think about people who prefer not to have mobile phones? The
same?

Harry
Rod Speed
2014-10-20 18:23:05 UTC
Permalink
Post by Harold Davis
Post by Bill Wright
Post by Harold Davis
Does someone know where I might get hold of a decent mechanical alarm
clock? All I've found are
* a piece of junk with two bells on the top by Acctim that lasts a
few months
* crap plasticky Chinese copies of Westclox models, ditto - which is
sad, because the original Westclox clocks were superb - I had a Big
Ben that lasted 40 years
I don't care much how big it is. A 10-year guarantee or better would
be nice.
Thanks in advance!
What's the game? Some sort of old-fashioned IRA bomb, with the contact
where the bell should be?
!! You think only a terrorist prefers a proper clock?
What do you think about people who
prefer not to have mobile phones?
They are fools.
Post by Harold Davis
The same?
Harold Davis
2014-11-03 13:41:25 UTC
Permalink
Post by Rod Speed
Post by Harold Davis
What do you think about people who
prefer not to have mobile phones?
They are fools.
Microwave-emitting servants' bells, I call 'em.

Harry
Rod Speed
2014-11-03 20:18:19 UTC
Permalink
Post by Harold Davis
Post by Rod Speed
Post by Harold Davis
What do you think about people who
prefer not to have mobile phones?
They are fools.
Microwave-emitting servants' bells, I call 'em.
More fool you. Mine is nothing even remotely like that.

And is a damned sight more convenient when you say
get the car bogged or it breaks down etc than in the old
days.
Bill Wright
2014-10-20 20:45:42 UTC
Permalink
Post by Harold Davis
Post by Bill Wright
What's the game? Some sort of old-fashioned IRA bomb, with the contact
where the bell should be?
!! You think only a terrorist prefers a proper clock?
What do you think about people who prefer not to have mobile phones? The
same?
Harry
Well yes. It's very suspicious, after all.

Bill
Ian Field
2014-11-10 19:04:34 UTC
Permalink
Post by Bill Wright
Post by Harold Davis
Does someone know where I might get hold of a decent mechanical alarm
clock? All I've found are
* a piece of junk with two bells on the top by Acctim that lasts a few
months
* crap plasticky Chinese copies of Westclox models, ditto - which is sad,
because the original Westclox clocks were superb - I had a Big Ben that
lasted 40 years
I don't care much how big it is. A 10-year guarantee or better would be
nice.
Thanks in advance!
Harry
What's the game? Some sort of old-fashioned IRA bomb, with the contact
where the bell should be?
The IRA were more with the times than that - it was reported that a VCR
timer was used for the potentially self defeating attempt on Von Thatchler.

It was about then they realised it was a bit silly trying to blow Tories
up - who were wrecking the UK economy for them.
michael adams
2014-10-20 14:04:03 UTC
Permalink
Post by Harold Davis
Does someone know where I might get hold of a decent mechanical alarm
clock?
Unfortunately not. Not only have mechanical clocks and watches
been rendered obsolete by electronics - wiping out 500 year old
traditions of precision engineering skills at a stoke - but the
remaining mechanical alarm clocks, as you've seen for yourself,
seem to be sold solely on price.

What seems to have happened is the the sort of person who
nowadays would be willing to pay £100 or £150* for a decent
mechanical alarm clock constructed out of machined metal
parts rather than moulded plastic, is the sort of person
who's not in need of a mechanical alarm clock. And who
if they do buy mechnical clocks will willing pay a lot
more than £150 for them.

* In the days when mechnical alarm clocks held a monopoly
economies of scale and mass production meant that they could
sell for maybe a fifth or less of what would be the equivalent
price for a clock of similar quality today.


michael adams

...
Post by Harold Davis
All I've found are
* a piece of junk with two bells on the top by Acctim that lasts a few
months
* crap plasticky Chinese copies of Westclox models, ditto - which is sad,
because the original Westclox clocks were superb - I had a Big Ben that
lasted 40 years
I don't care much how big it is. A 10-year guarantee or better would be
nice.
Thanks in advance!
Harry
Ian Field
2014-11-10 19:10:21 UTC
Permalink
Post by michael adams
Post by Harold Davis
Does someone know where I might get hold of a decent mechanical alarm
clock?
Unfortunately not. Not only have mechanical clocks and watches
been rendered obsolete by electronics - wiping out 500 year old
traditions of precision engineering skills at a stoke - but the
remaining mechanical alarm clocks, as you've seen for yourself,
seem to be sold solely on price.
What seems to have happened is the the sort of person who
nowadays would be willing to pay £100 or £150* for a decent
mechanical alarm clock constructed out of machined metal
parts rather than moulded plastic,
There just aren't enough of those people to cover the manufacturers wages
bill.
Dave Plowman (News)
2014-10-20 14:41:41 UTC
Permalink
Post by Harold Davis
Does someone know where I might get hold of a decent mechanical alarm
clock? All I've found are
* a piece of junk with two bells on the top by Acctim that lasts a few
months
* crap plasticky Chinese copies of Westclox models, ditto - which is
sad, because the original Westclox clocks were superb - I had a Big Ben
that lasted 40 years
I don't care much how big it is. A 10-year guarantee or better would be
nice.
Thanks in advance!
Think you'll be lucky to find a decently made new clockwork one. Perhaps
in Harrods or a West End jeweller?

If you said what the problem was with a quartz type, perhaps some might
have ideas on how to get round it?
--
*Beware - animal lover - brakes for pussy*

Dave Plowman ***@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
Bill Wright
2014-10-21 02:09:54 UTC
Permalink
Post by Dave Plowman (News)
If you said what the problem was with a quartz type, perhaps some might
have ideas on how to get round it?
It's well known that quartz crystals radiate electromagnetic waves at
frequencies that interfere with the human metabolism. No-one but a fool
would have a quartz crystal device near where they sleep.

Bill
polygonum
2014-10-21 19:58:58 UTC
Permalink
Post by Bill Wright
Post by Dave Plowman (News)
If you said what the problem was with a quartz type, perhaps some might
have ideas on how to get round it?
It's well known that quartz crystals radiate electromagnetic waves at
frequencies that interfere with the human metabolism. No-one but a fool
would have a quartz crystal device near where they sleep.
Bill
Quite amazing that anyone survives in Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Saudi, UAE,
... Or the beach.
--
Rod
rick
2014-10-21 20:35:20 UTC
Permalink
Post by Bill Wright
Post by Dave Plowman (News)
If you said what the problem was with a quartz type, perhaps some might
have ideas on how to get round it?
It's well known that quartz crystals radiate electromagnetic waves at
frequencies that interfere with the human metabolism. No-one but a fool
would have a quartz crystal device near where they sleep.
Bill
or man-made fibres, or solvent paints, or electricity .... lets all move
into a filed.
Johny B Good
2014-10-21 03:17:55 UTC
Permalink
On Mon, 20 Oct 2014 15:41:41 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)"
Post by Dave Plowman (News)
Post by Harold Davis
Does someone know where I might get hold of a decent mechanical alarm
clock? All I've found are
* a piece of junk with two bells on the top by Acctim that lasts a few
months
* crap plasticky Chinese copies of Westclox models, ditto - which is
sad, because the original Westclox clocks were superb - I had a Big Ben
that lasted 40 years
I don't care much how big it is. A 10-year guarantee or better would be
nice.
Thanks in advance!
Think you'll be lucky to find a decently made new clockwork one. Perhaps
in Harrods or a West End jeweller?
If you said what the problem was with a quartz type, perhaps some might
have ideas on how to get round it?
I keep a small Casio TQ-120B quartz bell alarm clock on my bedside
table which has an analogue display which it relies upon for operating
the alarm bell (as well as the time setting wheel on the back there's
also an alarm setting one which drives the thin red hours alarm
pointer).

It measures 3 1/2 inches wide by 2 1/2 inches tall by 1 1/4 inch
deep. Aside from the time and alarm setting wheels on the back, the
right hand side houses the bell with a slide up switch above the bell
louvres.

With the alarm set, the top of the switch pokes up above the top of
the case so that a waving up and down motion with a flattened out hand
can effectively silence the alarm as per the good old fashioned wind
up types. It runs off a single AA cell and I think we bought it over a
decade ago (the clock, not the AA cell! :-).

It has the desirable feature of quartz timekeeping accuracy with all
the simplicity (and sound) of an old fashioned wind up clock. Since
the electric bell is the heaviest drain on the AA cell, we get ample
warning of impending cell exhaustion by the alarm bell starting to
fade in loudness. The AA cell always gets replaced before low voltage
starts to compromise its timekeeping ability.

The consequence of such timely cell replacement also means the risk
of leakage induced corrosion of the battery contacts, so often fatal
to similar AA powered quartz wallclock movements, is virtually
non-existent when 'leakproof' alkaline cells are fitted.

I've tried searching for images of this timepiece but to no avail.
Since it claims japanese manufacture, I suspect this might well be
more than a decade old (do Casio still have factories based in their
homeland?).

I did notice that Casio still do similarly styled quartz bell alarm
bedside table clocks (but be careful to make sure that you're buying a
model with a real bell - a lot of suppliers were rather lacking in
detail).
--
J B Good
rick
2014-10-21 20:31:18 UTC
Permalink
Post by Harold Davis
Does someone know where I might get hold of a decent mechanical alarm
clock? All I've found are
* a piece of junk with two bells on the top by Acctim that lasts a few
months
* crap plasticky Chinese copies of Westclox models, ditto - which is sad,
because the original Westclox clocks were superb - I had a Big Ben that
lasted 40 years
I don't care much how big it is. A 10-year guarantee or better would be
nice.
Thanks in advance!
Harry
Still have a BigBen ... it was my Grans .. so must be well past 30 yrs old.
Don't use it now as have a radio locked clock
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