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About John Newman
Expertise
Because of the variations of clock values throughout the world, and particularly the lack of data on modern production clocks, I regret that I CANNOT DETERMINE CLOCK VALUES. 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 involved in building, repairing and restoring clocks for about 30 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.

You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Home Appliances > Clocks, Watches > 70's Jauch movement & pendulum

Clocks, Watches - 70's Jauch movement & pendulum

Expert: John Newman - 11/2/2009

Question
I have a 30 year old Emperor Grandfather clock. I would like to replace the original pendulum (wooden stick & brass bob) with a fancier pendulum, but am having difficulty finding one of the length required, and some questions about determining that length.

The movement is labeled "Ehard Jauch" made for Emperor Clock company Model 300M, it also bears the description Pendell 110 cm, and #254745.
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From the instruction booklet is the following info:

1 Diameter of pendulum bob: 6 5/8" (Diameter is of no concern to me, more concerned with fancier appearance overall, in fact would prefer a smaller bob)

2 "Distance from center post to center of pendulum bob (length of pendulum) 38 5/8" (not sure about these measuring point -- but top of pendulum hook to bottom of pendulum tip is 38 1/2" by my measure)

3 Pendulum swing: 11"
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The pendulum attaches to the suspension arm (6 3/8" long) and that attaches to the suspension spring with a split hook.

Much sentimental value here, as I helped my now 90-year-old Dad assemble the clock for Mom in the 70's, at the same time as a slightly smaller model was built for each of my married siblings. Mom's became mine several years later, when it needed a bigger home. There are a couple of odd issues with the movement itself: It can run for a month or so, and just randomly quit. It is hard to get it started again, but usually tinkering with level will eventually start it again. It also strikes 2 at one o'clock, but all other hours are correct.

Any assistance you can provide with any of these issues will be greatly appreciated!

Answer
Mary, you have given me some very good figures from which to determine what you need, The easy part is that I have one of the Emperor 300M movements and can modify an existing new pendulum to work with it with the same or even smaller bob.

Keeping your clock running is a whole different situation. When a Lyre pendulum is substituted, often more weight on the center weight has to be added. But first the movement should be brought up to good running condition with the original pendulum. Adding a replacement pendulum and more weight before correcting the problem with the clock might cloud the diagnostics. Below is something I have written to determine some problems. I have included what I call the three levels of clock Setup, Maintenance and Repair:

The first level is the setup. If a clock movement is in operating
condition but not working. I would check the stability of the clock
in that it doesn't rock or wobble on the floor. Next, verify that
the weights are hung correctly. On most clocks the weights vary in
weight. This can be determined by the model of the movement.
Is the pendulum hanging configuration correct? This means that
the suspension spring, hanger (Emperor called this the Suspension Arm), verge (Emperor name, the Anchor Arm Assy.) and pendulum are all connected
properly with nothing broken, especially the suspension spring,
meaning that when the pendulum swings you hear an even
tick....tock....tick....tock. If it is uneven, like
tick..tock......tick..tock, the clock will
probably stop. This can be corrected by a manual adjustment of the knurled nut on the "Anchor Arm Assy.

Level 2 concerns Maintenance, which includes cleaning, inspecting, oiling and adjusting. In
the inspection, the movement is checked for adjustments, broken or
worn parts. If there are any broken or worn parts, we go to the
third level. If all parts are okay, a good clock oil and grease is
used. In most cases the movement should be removed from the case
to have access to all the lubrication points. Clock lubricants
can be bought from clock suppliers. Using lubricants for other
applications can cause problems, as some lubricants are not
compatible with others. This even applies to different clock oils.
After lubricating, the operation is checked for final adjustments.

The third level, Repair, requires that the movement be broken down and all
parts inspected and repaired or replaced, and then reassembled
lubricated, adjusted and tested. I do not recommend this except
by an experienced clockmaker.

If you will contact me at my shop email address, I can give you some more details and specific figures on the pendulum and weights.

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 personal email questions on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)

I found a typo after I sent the answer. The second and third sentences in the first level reads, "If a clock movement is in operating
condition but not working. I would check the stability of the clock
in that it doesn't rock or wobble on the floor." That should be one sentence, "If a clock movement is in operating condition but not working, I would check the stability of the clock
in that it doesn't rock or wobble on the floor." Sorry for the error.
John Newman

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