From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Letter discussing the design, performance, and issues with specimen and previously supplied dashboard clocks.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 164\1\ img062 | |
| Date | 14th November 1931 | |
| Copy to CC. FCR. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} ✓ PY. WST X6026 XXXXXXXXX "ELMSTEADHenry Royce's home in West Wittering" WEST WITTERINGHenry Royce's home town. CHICHESTER. 14th. November 1931. C. H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} Kirby Esq., Messrs North & Sons Ltd. Whippendell Road. WATFORD. re. DASHBOARD CLOCKS. Dear Sir, Thank you for sending the specimen clock. I should like to point out however that it is much too stiff to be adjusted by any ordinary person when in position on the dashboard. I am pleased to hear that this scheme shews no signs of wear on an endurance test. However I still have the impression that it is not a good design as it requires very exact workmanship for a uniform and lasting? degree of tightness. Regarding the clocks that you have supplied in the past I think they have been fitted with much too stiff main springs which required quite an unnecessary amount of energy to rewind them and resulted in too great variation in the driving force. When slightly wound the clock would go quite nicely and keep good time, but when fully wound the driving force was too great and could result in the balance wheel striking the end of its range, the clock gaining tremendously. I do not think it is worth while troubling about the clock on my car, as I have been able to adjust it and it may be alright for several years. Also the whole matter is of less importance now that dashboard clocks in future will and clutches require to be automatically rewound electrically. I understand that you have sent a sample electric clock to Derby. I have not yet seen it, but would like to point out that I hope you have avoided the risk of running down the battery should the clock stop by any accidental cause. (1) | ||