You are here:

Clocks, Watches/Uhrenfabrik Tempus Fugit

Advertisement

Expert: - 10/12/2009


Question

Clockworks
I have a grandfather clock that I bought for my parents approximately 30 years ago. My parents have passed on, and the clock is with me now. Unfortunately, there is no documentation for setup. I cannot make the clock keep ticking, and I am fairly sure the problem lies with how the pendulum is attached to the clockworks. I have no reference, and have assembled it the only way I am able. There seems to be no correct mechanical way of attaching "the part the the pendulum hangs from" (a vaguely key-like brass piece) to the bent-arm that comes out of the gear box. There seems to be no way to make this "key-like piece" reach what appears to be a "thin metal flange, that when struck, makes a ticking sound". Am I missing a piece? Something makes me feel that I am not. I've included a picture, and I have many more, and can take more if needed. Any help is appreciated, as I have, and cannot find, anything for reference. Thanks.

Answer

Jauch 77
Al, the movement you have looks like a Jauch, the one we call the "77".  I believe the 'Urenfabrik' means 'Made in' and there should be the word 'Germany' after it meaning, 'Made in Germany'.  The 'Tempus Fugit' is Latin for 'Time Flies' and is usually found on a globe on the arch dial above the face of the clock which is in the place of a moving moon dial.  The part that is missing/broken is the suspension spring.  It is attached to the suspension post with a taper pin and the hanger (the piece with the adjustable swivel arm) hangs from it and supports the pendulum.  I have attached a photo showing the correct hanging configuration.  I do have the suspension springs in stock.  You can get them from some of the suppliers I use such as Timesavers, Merritts Antiques, R %26 M Imports, and Black Forest Imports.  These companies can be Googled and some of them have On-line catalogs.  There are also some cautions concerning the older Jauch 77 movements and if you will contact me at my shop email address below, I'll explain some problems that you might run into.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com

(Due to the number of Allexperts questions and
the workload I have at my clock shop, I regret
that I cannot answer emails on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentExcellent answer - very quick response too! I'll think on this a bit, and see if I might hunt about and see if there could be anything anywhere that looks like the suspension spring. I would not have a clue what to look for if not for your answer. Thanks again, very much.


  • Add to this Answer
  • Ask a Question

John Newman

Expertise

As much as I would like to offer values of clocks, I am not a certified appraiser and will not venture into giving an unresearched guess. There is very little published information on what I consider to be the value of "modern production clocks". Considerations are what the clock originally sold for, the condition of the case and movement, and particularly the area in which you live, the demand and the economy. ALSO, WATCHES ARE NOT MY FIELD. However, I can advise the clock owner on proper maintenance of a clock to keep it running, small corrections and adjustments and how to move a clock without damaging it. I can also advise on obtaining parts for clocks. It helps if you can send any information on the clock movement which is usually found on the back plate of the movement. I have been a clockmaker for about 35 years and was plant engineer in the mid 90's and later operations and engineering consultant at Emperor Clock Company in Fairhope, Alabama. I now have my own clock shop.

Experience

One of my greatest accomplishments was traveling to China to assist a clock factory in building clocks to the standards which we required. With the proper specifications and quality control, some beautiful clock cases were built. The factory people from the wood carvers to the plant manager were very congenial, friendly and I left a lot of wonderful friends when I returned from my trips.

Organizations
Chamber of Commerce Small Business Committee

Publications
Horological Times, a publication of the American Watch and Clockmakers Instute. Collaberated column author, with Photos and ideas for clock movement conversion article.

Education/Credentials
Associate of Science Mechanical Engineering Technology Emperor Introductory Clock Repair (Eventually taught a portion of the class after becoming employee)

Awards and Honors
Small Business of the Quarter (Prattville, Alabama) Leadership Class of 2009 (Autauga County, Alabama)

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.