Expert: Martin Meyer - 1/6/2008

Question
I got a waltham 31 day chime clock at a moving sale. She said it worked, I got it home and it won't work. We used the key to wind it, and the pendulum would swing for a second and then it seems like the chains on the side of the pendulum got in the way. What should I do?

Answer
Hi Gwen,
    If everything is set up properly, the pendulum should not hit the chains when swinging.
    First, make sure that the clock is level on the wall, both side to side and front to back. Next, check that the chains are are coming down from the case without hitting or tangling with each other. Finally, make sure that the pendulum is connected properly to the pendulum leader. The hook at the top of the pendulum should be fully connected to the leader, and not half-hooked onto one side of the leader, partially seated or crooked. Also, the pendulum disk should be tight on the pendulum rod. If the disk is loose on the rod, you should look at the back of the disk. You will probably see a tab in the disk back which can be pressed down tighter against the pendulum rod.
    If the pendulum still hits the chains, the problem is most likely in the connection of the pendulum leader to the crutch and the suspension spring. Please browse my previous answers for detailed information on how these parts connect.