page_title: Conservation and restoration of clocks
section_title: Correct Humidity and temperature levels
hierarchical_section_title: Conservation and restoration of clocks / Preventive conservation / Proper Storage and display / Correct Humidity and temperature levels
caption_attribution_description: Čeština: Hodinkový strojek značky Prim (kalibr 52), hodinářská expozice, Městské muzeum Nové Město nad Metují English: Prim clockwork of a wristwatch, watchmaking exhibition, Municipal Museum, Nove Mesto nad Metuji, Czech Republic This file was uploaded with Commonist.
context_page_description: The conservation and restoration of clocks refers to the care given to the physical and functional aspects of time measuring devices featuring “moving hands on a dial face” exclusive of watches. Care for clocks constitutes regulating the external environment, cleaning, winding, lubrication, pest-management, and repairing or replacing mechanical and aesthetic components to preserve or achieve the desired state as specified by the owner. Clocks are typically composed of multiple types of materials such as wood, metal, paint, plastic, etc, which have unique behaviors and environmental interactions, making treatment options complex. The materials used and the complexity of clockwork warrant having a Horological Conservator complete the work.
context_section_description: The humidity and temperature of the environment in which a clock is being displayed or stored can adversely affect the clock's condition. Damage may be avoided by maintaining certain levels of humidity and temperature within the clock environment, dependent on the materials from which the clock is constructed.
  a. Wood clocks
  The ideal humidity and temperature ranges for clocks whose cases are made from wood vary depending on the season. In the summer, an environment with a temperature of 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and 40% to 60% relative humidity is suitable. During the winter, an environment with a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 35% to 50% relative humidity is prime.
  b. Metal clocks
  Clocks whose cases are made from metal function well in an environment with a temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit and a relative humidity of 30%.
caption: The mechanics inside a timepiece
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