This is a 'recent' vintage Westclox Baby Ben alarm. It has no significant monetary value but it once belonged to my uncle and I am pleased to have it as part of my collection. This one is one of the poorest made clocks I have ever seen. Clearly costs were reduced everywhere to produce what was essentially a clock designed to run for a few years and be discarded. The plates are aluminum and there are no pivot hole bushings but there is surprisingly little wear. This clock has only one spring that powers the time movement and the alarm. The movement identified as a 90012 has a minimum of parts and incorporates a clever arrangement that eliminates the need for a ratchet wheel and click spring. The alarm shuts off before exhausting spring so the clock can keep running. On the plus side, the clock uses gaskets and opening covers to keep dust out.
Because the clock movement isn't really intended to be serviced (the hair spring tail is secured by a drop of red glue of some sort) and I do not plan to use it on a regular basis, a decision was made to clean the movement as best as possible without disassembly (a process I do not usually recommend). After cleaning and oiling the clock began running and was reassembled.
Not for sale at this time
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.
