Ponton clock

[Sokoloff]

Can anyone tell me what the deal is with my clock. For the past three years or so, it lost about 5 minutes a day. For the past month it has been gaining about 7 or 8 minutes a day. I have done nothing to it, the electrical system or anything at all for that matter on the car.

Len
'59 220S Cabriolet

[vince]

The clock on my 250SL acted in the same way for a while. Eventually it stopped and I found wear in the supports for the various shafts & gears. Palo Alto Speedometer repaired it and it has been OK since.

[Adamson]

The ponton clock is actually a mechanical clock that ticks but uses an electromagnet which winds the mechanical spring periodically. As to why its runs fast or slow may be caused by something like the amount of humidity and temperature in the air.

[bernie]

My two bits worth:
I am also a Horologist, as well as a self maintained Mercedes owner. ( A Horologist is another name for a clock maker)
As the oil dries and the piviots wear the amplitude of the balance wheel, which is the actual time keeper declines.
This affects time keeping. The clock will gain until it stops.
It needs to be cleaned, and re bushed where necessary.

The engine, transmission and suspension ocasionally require lubrication, and service, so does any clock or watch.

'67 250SE coupe
'86 300E sedan, In which I am currently overhauling the automatic transmission.
Aloha, Bernie

[Frank Barrett]

Len:

Jim Mahaffey can help you. He's an expert at these old clocks. Fixed mine nicely.

Frank