How to Maintain a Centurion Clock

Access the clock̵7;s mechanisms. Centurion clocks have an access door on the back of the case. Turn the clock around. Turn the access panel̵7;s knob counterclockwise to unlock it. Open the access panel door.

Clean the clock̵7;s interior. Clock mechanisms are extremely delicate, so compressed air is employed for the cleaning process. Use compressed air sold in spray can form. Place the nozzle as close to the interior of the clock as possible. Squeeze down on the nozzle and blow out all the loose dirt and debris from the clock̵7;s interior.

Check the clock̵7;s mechanisms. A windup clock consists of a number of moving parts. The clock hands are turned by gears which can come loose over time. Use a flashlight to illuminate the clock̵7;s interior. Examine the clock̵7;s mechanisms, looking for any damaged or misaligned parts.

Tighten any loose mounting screws. Centurion clock mechanisms are held in place by mounting screws. If the screws are loose, the clock̵7;s moving parts will fall out of alignment with one another. Using a screwdriver that fits tightly into the screw head, tighten any loose screws. Do not over-tighten the screws.

Clean the clock's moving parts. Over time, dirt and debris builds up on the clock̵7;s lubricated parts. Centurion clocks use brass parts which can develop a sticky layer of debris. Dip a cotton swab into rubbing alcohol. Gently rub the swab̵7;s tip across the surface of each part until any dirt and debris is removed.

Lubricate the clock. Lubricant allows the clock̵7;s mechanical parts to move smoothly. Without it, the brass parts would start to grind each other down, damaging the clock. Saturate the tip of a clean cotton swab with sewing machine oil. Apply the oil to all moving parts within the clock̵7;s interior.

Clean the clock̵7;s exterior. Mix 6 teaspoons of liquid dish washing detergent with 16 ounces of hot water. Dip a cotton rag into the soapy water and squeeze the excess solution out. Rub down the clock̵7;s exterior to remove and dust and dirt build up.

Wind the clock. Place the clock key into the spring̵7;s key hole. Turn the key clockwise until resistance is felt. Do not over-wind the clock because it will damage the springs.