The Introduction introduced you to the two types of clock cleaning fluid. Whichever you choose, a margarine tub makes a good cleaning bath. If you chose the ammoniated solution you'll be glad of the lid to keep the smell in when you're not using it.

Take each item from the gear chain in turn, soak it for a little while and then clean the pivots with a nylon brush. Use a magnifying glass to check that they are completely clean with no residual black deposits on the pivots.

Rinse with clean water (preferably deionised water if you live in a hard water area). Dry carefully with a paper towel, finishing with a hair dryer or hot air gun on a low setting.