Expert: Martin Meyer - 1/20/2008

Question
Martin-
I have a Amana pendulum clock, Freidrich Hahn replica, with a Hermle movement.  It has a long pendulum, plus a two weight movement, each weight about...10 pounds?
I noticed the clock has stopped one evening, at 5:20, if it matters.  I moved the minute hand, felt a slight resistance, then the resistance gave way, I restarted the pendulum and the clock ran fine, except the stike would not sound, and the strike train weight remained stationary.  Obviously, something is wrong with the strike train, any thoughts?  thanks, tom parker

Answer
Hi Tom,
    The resistance that you felt was probably a jammed strike train mechanism. It's possible that you broke something in moving the hand forward, but unless the resistance that you felt was substantial, it is not likely.
    There are many causes of strike train problems, but the most likely is that the train needs lubrication or is worn, and so is moving sluggishly or stalling.
    The first step I would take is to lubricate, or have lubricated, the strike and time trains. You can have a professional clock repairer do this, and he can also check for wear in the bearings while doing it. If you want to lubricate the movement yourself, you must first remove the movement from the clock, then place a small drop of CLOCK OIL ONLY (available from clock supply houses like Timesavers, Merritts Antiques or Empire Clock) on every point where a gear shaft goes into a hole in the front and back main plates.
    If this doesn't solve your problem, you would need to have a clock repairer correct the strike problem, overhaul the movement, or replace the movement with a new one.