Expert: Michael Radi - 10/19/2009

Question
QUESTION: I inherited this mantle clock from my mother. Its in very good shape ( 75 or 76 model )but it run about 4 minutes fast for every 5 days. Is there an adjusted on this movement? If so, can I adjust it?
Thank You.

ANSWER: Hi Jack,
There is an adjustment but it's a little tricky. If you look at the back of the movement you will see the floating balance wheel near the top in the middle. This is the part that oscillates back and forth when the clock is running.
The largest part of the floating balance is a silver colored, flat disc about the diameter of a half dollar. On top of that disc is a spring with three fingers pressing down onto the top to the disc. To adjust the timekeeping you hold the disc and slide one of the fingers toward the direction that you want to change the timekeeping.
On the backplate to the left of the disc is a - (minus sign) to slow the clock down you push the finger in that direction. On the right side of the disc is a + (plus sign), you would push the finger in that direction if you wanted to speed the clock up.
Sometimes as these clock wear out they don't run as well as they should. The balance should be making a 360 degree rotation. You can look under the disc and see two chrome vertical pins about 1/16" from each other. These pins should rotate all the way to the front of the movement in both directions (completing the 360 degree rotation). If they are travelling less than 3/4 turns the clock is not running well. This can cause it to run faster because it is not making a complete cycle.
Michael
www.norkro.com
clock parts and repair


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the timely and useful response. If the disc is only rotating less than 3/4 of the way, would you recommend replacing the entire movement or could you repair it? If I send it to you, how much do I insure it for?
Thanks so much for your time and your expert advise. Jack

Answer
I can't tell how bad of shape the movement is in without seeing it. Sometimes the mainsping barrels get worn out so they need replacing on top of installing bushings in the movement. There are 3 barrels and they are about $30.00 each. A new movement will cost you between $140.00 and $175.00. The prices have been going up and I don't have a firm quote on that.
Repairing your movement would be somewhere between $65 and $175.
If you send me your movement I will look at it and give you a free estimate on repair. However if you don't want it repaired and you want it back you will need to pay the shipping charges both ways. $100.00 insurance would be ample because the shipper will not pay the cost of a new movement is something happens.
Michael
www.norkro.com