AboutSteve Guthrie C.C. Expertise Certified Clockmaker with 30 years of experience. I can answer clock repair or maintenance related questions. Please don't expect answers advising the use of bubble gum, bailing wire or WD-40. I only give advice that is meant to preserve your clock in the best possible condition, not make it worse. No questions regarding clock value or identification. I am not a collector and cannot do valuations. Visit my website at: http://www.arlingtonclockrepair.com/
Experience Clock repairman in the north Texas area for 30 years.
Publications I was featured in an article by the Watch&Clock Review regarding my restoration of a tower clock for the Wise County courthouse in Decatur, Tx.
Education/Credentials Certification as a clockmaker with the American Watchmakers/Clockmakers Institute since 1986.
Past/Present Clients General public,Six Flags Over Texas,Collin County,Tx.,Wise County,Tx.,Rapides Bank,Rapides Parrish,La.
Expert: Steve Guthrie C.C. Date: 8/7/2008 Subject: antique westminster clock
Question Hi Steve,
I have an antique Westminster clock that is key wind with a pendulum and chimes. The pendulum will no longer swing to keep time. If I move the hands of the clock, the chimes on the half hour and hour work perfectly. Is there any way to restart the clock. I think that the key was used to wind the clock too tightly. What do you think?
Thanks,
Fran
Answer This could be something as simple as the pendulum having been knocked out of beat. Check to see if it gives an even tick-tock sound when you start it. If not, shim the clock under one side or the other until an even sound is maintained. If it continues to run once you have it in beat, fine. If the new level is so far off that the clock is tilted to one side more than a couple of degrees, you may want to take it to a repairman to have him reset the beat where the case will actually be level. If the clock has not been properly cleaned and overhauled in the last ten years, that would then be the likely cause of failure. You can't overwind the clock, that is a misused and misunderstood term.
