This is a shout-out to a time when manufactured objects were made to last. Production was a matter of pride in the end product. Industrial design was an art, as were mechanical and electrical engineering.

General Time was the parent company of Westclox and Seth Thomas, after the latter was acquired by Westclox. Long-time makers of mechanical clocks, they were a bit slow to the electrical clock market. Their first electric motor was a spin-start M1; they used Sangamo motors, from an outside supplier, for their first self-starting electric clocks. Then they hit their stride with the M1A.

This motor is from a 1939 Pittsfield electric alarm clock. It uses the M1 coil, same as the first Westclox spin-start motors. The rotor and coil assembly is separate from the motor; they were produced separately and have different dates on them. The rotor can be removed and fully dissassembled.

This is what makes the rotor so practical; it can be removed and cleaned. This clock needed a cord. I temporarily attached one to the coil leads to check the coil; it was transmitting power but the rotor was not moving. All this dirt was why.

After cleaning the rotor and the movement and reassembling, the clock ran smoothly and quietly.

Another reason for quiet operation is this rubber grommeted frame. Many early Westclox used this noise dampening feature. Sometimes the grommets decay but replacements can sized and sourced from industrial supply companies. There are innumerable screws and washers with these clocks, all of different sizes. There are two different flat washers for each grommet.

A beautiful, substantial clock, inside and out. Another clock of this era with the same motor is the first edition Manor wall clock.