Expert: Martin Meyer - 3/9/2008

Question
I recently bought an antique regulator clock. It was shipped to me well packaged and came undamaged. After first reinstalling the pendulum and winding both the clock and the chime, it ran for about 2 hours, then stopped. Each time I adjusted the level and listened for an even tick...tock it would stop after 1 or 2 hours. Finally, the other day I felt that the sound of the beat was perfect and it ran for 30 hours during which time I was confident that I got it right. Then it stopped.The clock is mounted on an outside wall above our electric fireplace which we have on irregularly. Could the temperature be part of the problem? The wall itself is cool (old brick house in Ontario). Anything I read on-line seems to indicate that this is about the clock being level horizontally, what about vertically, is this important?

Thanks,

Len

Answer
Hi Len,
    If your clock runs for 30 hours before stopping, the problem is not the pendulum beat adjustment; incorrect beat will cause the clock to stop in a few minutes up to less than an hour.
    The location of your clock should not be a problem as long as the pendulum is inside the case; open pendulums can be stopped by the air flow of rising heat.
    The clock should be level front-to-back (vertically) or the pendulum wire (above the pendulum) may hit against the movement. In old houses, the walls are often not truly vertical, and you should use a level on the clock to check this.
    A running time as long as 30 hours is more likely to indicate an internal problem with the clock. First, make sure that it is fully wound, all the way as far as it will go, on all keyholes. This is critical. Next check that the hands are not hitting each other, the dial or the front glass at any point during their rotation. Listen closely to the pendulum for any scraping sound that might indicate the pendulum or pendulum wire hitting against the movement or case parts.
    If none of these problems exist, the most likely explanation is that the movement is dirty or the bearings are worn, and the movement may need an overhaul.