Insuring

Always maintain adequate insurance on your clock.  Photograph your clock and write a detailed description of it.  Keep a  copy of the photo, description, purchase records, and any other pertinent information in a safe place in case of fire, flood, burglary, etc.  This will make it much easier to file an insurance claim.

Cleaning

Clean your clock every three to five years.  Have it cleaned professionally for best results.  If you do it yourself,  remove the hands, dial, and works.  Immerse the works in natha or kerosene for about thirty minutes, wipe with a soft cloth, and then dry with a hair dryer.  Clean unpainted glass with a glass cleaner to remove all streaks and fingerprints.  Dust the case with a soft cloth.  Oil the pivots with clock oil, which can be purchased at hobby shops.  Using the tip of a long needle, apply small drops of oil, and then reassemble the clock.

Moving

Before moving a weight-driven or pendulum clock, remove the weight or pendulum in order to prevent damage.  Move a large clock carefully.  Support its weight from underneath when carried.  Do not lift it by the top or by other fragile parts.  Keep the clock as vertical as possible.  Strain, twisting, or uneven weight distribution may cause cracking or other damage.

Displaying

Carefully select your clock’s location.  Keep it away from drafts, basement, outside walls, and heating and ventilating ducts, as humidity and extremes of temperature can warp wood and also affect the clock’s accuracy.  Avoid placing a clock in direct sunlight.  This may cause the finish to fade or crack.  

If the clock is placed on the wall, be sure it is anchored.  Ensure that the support is heavy enough, and is attached to a wall stud or a wall anchor.  

Be sure that the clock is leveled front to back and side to side, in order to keep the clock as accurate as possible.

Maintaining

It is advisable to leave all major clock repairs to a professional.  However, if you choose to work on the clock’s movement, remove weights or pendulum, and disengage springs.

Running

Dedicated clock collectors usually keep their clocks running so that the springs and other moving parts will not wear out.  This helps to preserve them, and it also maintains the clock’s accuracy.

Winding

Fortunately because of a series of protective devices called “Geneva Stops”, you cannot overwind your clock.  

Establish a regular schedule to wind your clock.  Use your normal routine as a reminder.  For instance, you might want to wind your clock at the beginning of a weekly TV program.

Adjusting

If your clock runs too fast or too slow, you can adjust it to five minutes a week by raising or lowering the pendulum bob or adjusting its weights.  Weight-driven clocks are generally more accurate than spring-driven clocks, so they may not require as much adjustment.

The phrase “Lower, slower, higher, sprier” is a good way to remember how to adjust a pendulum clock.  Raising the bob on the pendulum rod shortens the swing so the clock goes faster.  Lowering the bob makes the arc longer.  This slows the clock.

Selling

Well-made and maintained antique clocks are valuable, and in constant demand.  If you prepare your clock for sale properly, and ask a fair price, you should have little difficulty selling it.  

To receive the highest price within your clock’s market value adhere to the following suggestions:

1.  Preserve any labels found on a clock case because they may give               horological and historical information that will increase the clock’s value.

2.  Have your clock appraised by several reputable dealers.

Clocks can be sold through antique shows, antique shops, traditional and online actions, clock conventions, collector periodicals, and newspaper advertisements.

If you aren’t selling in person, be sure to provide color photos that include multiple angles and close-ups of unique features.  Also provide a detailed written description of the clock’s features and flaws.  Be sure to mention any minor or insignificant flaws.  Potential buyers have a right to know this.

As an extra selling point, and as a courtesy, be sure to include the repair history, if known, as well as instructions for operating and cleaning your clock.