Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 9/14/2008

Question
I will make my question as brief as possible. The original problem with this Noah Pomeroy 8-day movement was the fact that the striking mechanism kept running non stop. No issues whatsoever smoothly winding the springs. I gently removed the movement with the intention of taking it to my clocksmith on Monday. I laid it down a piece of styrfoam about 4 feet away from. It was ticking wildly. About 2 hours later, it sounded like a shot gun went off. The time mainspring snapped BIG TIME! This is one of the prettiest parlor mantle clocks I have... simply beautiful walnut and burled walnut veneer in outstanding original condition. Am I in big trouble $$$ wise with this snapped mainspring? I wasn't as concerned about the repair for the constant striking issue..  Thanks so much for your help. Laurie

Answer
Bigger, but springs are cheap- labor and expertise to install is more. So take it to the clocksmith and have it repaired and get an estimate first. Might have damaged other parts when spring let go or not- but inspection will tell. Better it snapped outside the case- there is a good thing. The $$$ will vary from shop to shop and your shop may have recommended disassembly and cleaning anyway- the spring replacement in that case will only add $25 or so and you might want to replace both now!