The Watch and Clock Repair Service

watchman@tig.com.au

60 second tutorial on early 1900's German Swinger (Mystery) clocks by Junghans

Here is my 60 second tutorial on how to tell the difference between an original German Swinger (Mystery) clock from cheaply made, mass produced Chinese fakes. Yes, some people call them "mystery-style", " Junghans-style", "reproduction", "Faithful reproduction", "antique styled", "novelty swingers" but the simple truth is that they are made do deceive, not to imitate, so I call them the fake swingers.

Known models: Diana, Onion boy, Cherub, Cherub with arrow, Athlete (Commemorating 1936. Berlin Olympic games ?), Barmaid, Elephant, Kangaroo, Statue of Liberty...

	base	statue	clock, swinging arm	time setting button	winder	"J" symbol on dial	movement run-down time	main spring	value
Original	1. ebonized wood (oak) 2. marble	spelter, patinated to look like bronze	brass	positioned in centre	both round and oval shape	dial: with or without "J" , movement: unmarked. Later clocks stamped "J" and "Made in Germany".	8-day duration	Main spring fitted in barrel	.
Fake	ebonized wood	1. brass 2. brass, patinated to look like bronze	brass	positioned off-centre	oval shape	wiht or without "J" on dial	3-day and 5-day duration	hooked on to pilar, no barrel	US$50- US$100

"Onion boy" - original and fake.

Position of the time setting button and winder.

Movement, original. (Back cover removed)
This movement is of 8-day duration; fake movements are made of both 3 and 5 day duration.

Repair tip: Polishing of the swinging arm pivots

Movement-to-statue connection: reducing the friction
In order to "swing" properly, both swinging arm pins need to be perfectly shaped and polished. For the pin polishing I am using medium and fine grade Arkansas stone, with the final touch of 000 emery paper.

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