Expert: John Newman - 12/13/2009

Question
Ok I have no clue how to get my clock to work! My grandparents have passed away and i inherited their clock. I have not been able to get it to work since it got here. It is a tempest fugit not sure what that means. The numbers and info form the lil paper on the inside reads like this.
Dial:e3
Model:21 or 210 the 0 is only half there not sure if its post to be there or not.
Movement:hl
Finish: Cabr or carr it looks like it was a b that faded
Serial: 10778
Any tips or help is greatly appreciated!!
Thanks so much,
Danessa  

Answer
Danessa, I apologize for not getting back with you sooner.  I do not recognize any of the numbers that you have.  I would need to know the information on the back plate of the movement inside the clock.  The "Tempus Fugit" is Latin for "Time Flies" and is found on clocks with an arch dial without the moving moon dial.  It is not a make or model.  Let me go ahead and post some instructions I have written for clocks that are not working:

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.  Generally, if one weight is heavier than the other two equal ones, it hangs on the right (as you face the clock).  If one weight is lighter than the other two equal ones, it hangs on the left.  There are a few other variations.  Is the pendulum hanging configuration correct?  This means that the suspension spring, hanger, verge and pendulum are all connected properly with nothing broken, especially the suspension spring which can be broken or crimped easily.  Also it needs to be "in beat", 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 or an auto-beat function of the clock.  Doing this eliminates the tedious job of trying to "level" the clock after it has initially been positioned on the floor to be relatively level.  If I know the model of the movement I can usually determine what type of beat mechanism it has.  

Level 2 concerns cleaning, inspecting, oiling and adjusting.  My recommendation is that a clock should be serviced every 7 to 10 years.  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 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.

I hope this helps, but if you do have any more questions, get back with me.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama