Looking for recommended manuals on safe timelocks

[GWiens2001]

Posting this question on the open forum since am trying to find learning material, not advice on defeating or negating these devices. If it needs to be moved to the restricted area, then please do so.

Figure this is a good place to ask. Am looking to learn more about safe timelock movement service as a hobby. Can you please recommend books that would help me to do so? Learning this is a challenge I have made for myself.

Know we have a number of safe techs and watch makers here who undoubtedly have some great ideas. Also will be looking for a few non-functioning mechanical timelocks to dissect and repair.

For those who are not familiar with what kind of locks these are, here is one I just acquired:



This particular piece is functioning.

Thank you,

Gordon

[GWiens2001]

Just adding a couple pictures of the timelock movement above:

For scale - this lock is smaller than you might think...



One side:



And the other side. Used a flash this time so you can see the gears. (There are a few)



Gordon

[Tighran]

That's a really nice looking piece, it's cool that they bothered with that sort of finish for something that probably wouldn't be seen too often.

I suspect, and I could be wrong, that the operations of the lock mechanism that go with this are largely not as complex or sensitive as the operations of the time mechanism. If that were the case, time lock servicing would mostly be something that a clockmaker would be capable of. I could be wrong though, since I'm relatively new to both fields, in which case I'd love to know because I find these fascinating as well!
Do you have any experience or knowledge of clock operations and servicing? If not I can recommend some books but it is a very in-depth field and something that requires specific knowledge, skills, and tools to perform (if you don't believe me, check how much it costs to have a mechanical clock or watch repaired). There are also a number of online resources that cover basic clock operations, but when it comes to design and servicing, TINY changes can have a great impact. These changes and errors probably don't matter as much in a time lock that is set and rewound each time as opposed to a clock or watch where any inaccuracy will get compounded over time, but... those skills and knowledge are rather hard to come by today and becoming even less so over time.

I guess distinctions for the rules are a bit blurred here, as well as another thread in the ebay section about time locks, but in both cases the time locks in question appear to be separate units that actually attach on to an existing lock mechanism. So discussing the operations of the time mechanism and not any defeats or bypasses seems like it should be okay, but... not my call, just my two cents!

[GWiens2001]

Have one simple book on clock repair that was given as a gift, but definitely want more info.

Yes, the locking mechanism this goes into would be far more robust, not to mention simpler. And yes, related tools are expensive. Looks like a set of tools to handle the time locks is over $200 USD.

The knowledge and skills for this type are certainly in short supply. That is part of the attraction for me. Seem to addicted to obscure skills.

Gordon

[dll932]

This is a subject I would check for on watch and clock forums. For a start go to nawcc.org .

[Tighran]

I actually joined the NAWCC not long ago! Their publication covers some pretty diverse clocks but I haven't seen anything yet about time locks in my short time being a member. I believe they are archived so I'll do a bit of digging and see what turns up.
It seems the authors of my go-to books for watch repair and service also have similar books on clocks, but I've never looked at them so they may (or may not) be more relevant though my experience with watches has some overlap with time locks. These books are also extremely dry (though quite thorough) so may not be the best for tackling a new topic unless you are really passionate about it. I'll do some asking around and research within that community and let you know what I find.