Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 10/15/2008

Question
I built a beautiful walnut grandfather case for my mother in 1976 to house a Mark III works with Kuempel deluxe Moving Moon Wheel, eight brushed brass tubular bells, powered by three spun brass weights, which was purchased directly from Kuempel in January 1976.  The movement plays St. Michael, Whittington, Westminster or silent mode can be selected.

Although the works were professionally cleaned and oiled a few years ago, the beat is still irregular resulting in clock stop ticking after a few minutes.  A bubble balance, which is an integral part of wood seatboard, shows exact center of bubble balance.  I confirmed this with a new carpenter bubble balance.  I adjusted the "disk" clockwise and counterclockwise, while ensuring the "pin" is in the slot of the connecting rod.  Could you recommend a remedy?  Would adjusting escapement be worthwhile?

Respectfully,

George E. Rohweder

Answer
would like to know who made the mechanism for them and what model it is. Back brass plate of the mechanism will have markings - need that info to help. Adjusting it should be able to set the beat properly and evenly - if that is done and still not working then the escapement may need some attention.