Expert: Martin Meyer - 2/19/2008

Question
Clock runs fast,10 minutes an hour. Turning the screw clockwise will not change the clocks time.I do understand the adjustment. ccw faster,cw slower. Thank you again. Lauri.

Answer
Hi Lauri,
    A very large rate gain such as 10'/Hr indicates a problem other than regulation; it is well beyond the limit of regulation.
    The balance wheel escapement is a fairly complicated and delicate mechanism, and you may need the services of a professional clock repairer to correct it.
    The most likely sources of the gain are either a problem with the balance spring (flat circular spring above the balance wheel) or a problem with the escapement.
    The balance spring must flex evenly as the balance wheel rotates. No coil of the spring must at any time contact another coil. The coil must be flat, that is, not "dished." If the coils are sticking together, it may be due to oil, and delicately cleaning the spring with a soft brush and strong degreaser such as acetone or lacquer thinner may help. If the spring is bent such that the coils contact each other, I would recommend having a professional correct the spring, as this job requires considerable expertise.
    The balance wheel should rotate at least 270 degrees. If it is rotating significantly less, there is a power loss somewhere in the gear train, and the movement may need overhaul or replacement.
    You can observe the escapement at the bottom of the opening in the upper part of the back plate of the movement. At the very bottom of this opening you can observe the escape wheel (a small brass wheel with saw-tooth-like teeth. There is lever above that wheel which moves back and forth. This lever should be releasing one tooth at a time of the escape wheel. If it is releasing ("slipping") 2 or 3 teeth at a time, the escapement is out of adjustment, and this also is a job requiring proffesional expertise.