Seth Thomas Division General Time Corp., Thames Model E704-005,
1976
This is an example of a modern (1976) mass produced bracket or shelf clock with
some retro styling features. Made under the Seth Thomas brand after that company
was acquired by General Time Corporation. This is the Thames Model E704-005.
The Seth Thomas A206-004 Bim-Bam striking movement in this clock is essentially the
same as the Hermle HM130-020. It has the infamous two jewel floating balance. These
can be problematic but when they are right they perform quite satisfactorily
although the rate adjustment procedure can be a bit confusing to the uninitiated.
This clock is equipped with a working moon dial. The movement is mounted to the
dial plate with three tapered pins and is removed along with the dial plate through
the front of the case after moving two mounting brackets on the back out or the
way. This is rather awkward as there is no obvious way to really tighten the back
mounting brackets when the movement is reinstalled. Although reasonably attractive,
the finish and quality of the case is clearly cost conscious mass production.
This clock was acquired by a friend at an estate auction for less than $20. It was
in my shop just to be checked and oiled. This movement is from the time period when
Hermle (assumed to have made this movement for Seth Thomas) was using plated pivots
which typically fail after 25 or 30 years of use. This clock was fairly clean and
did not show any signs of excessive wear or pivot failure and after oiling seems to
be running fine.
Not for sale
(returned to owner after service)
The information on this page is believed to the writer to be correct at the date
of posting but is presented with no guarantee expressed or implied. Pictures were
a true representation of this clock at the time of posting but may not be
current. Please contact me if you believe that any of the above information is
incorrect, or if you wish to share additional information, or discuss this
clock.
