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Clocks, Watches/Rating a regulator clock

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Expert: - 12/27/2009


Question

my clock November 2009
Hello Michael,
I have just finished building a regulator clock that was serialised in a British magazine called 'Model Engineer'.  The clock was designed by Peter Heimann and was very well explained, with the exception of how to rate the time.  The pendulum is an 6mm dia Invar rod with a lead-filled 2" dia brass tube, 9" long. There is a rating screw that fits on the rod, under the bob, with a 6mm x 0.75mm pitch thread.  I would like to know how to rate the clock accurately.  I can adjust the screw using trial and error to get it perhaps accurate to a minute per week, but this is a 30-day going clock!  Is there a traditional method of achieving accuracy?
Thanks,
John Mayne,
Bristol, England

Answer
Without a beat timing device you are regulating the best way possible. Keep making small adjustments whenever you notice it to be off. One minute per week is pretty good but you should be able to get it closer to a few seconds per month. There will be some variation due to temperature changes but a weight driven regulator can be very close.
Watch and clock shops use an electronic device that count the number of ticks (beats) per minute and show you what direction to adjust the clock. They are so accurate that you can see a slow down as the minute hand comes up from the 7 to the 11 on the dial. Unless you can get your hands on a timing device you are doing it right.  
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentIt's really good to get an answer so quickly that has put my mind at rest! Thanks to Michael.


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Michael Radi

Expertise

Clock repair and clock parts questions

Experience

I have been professionally repairing clocks for 11 years. I owned and ran a clock shop for 6 years. I have been the owner of a clock parts supply company for the past 11 years.

Organizations
National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors

Education/Credentials
High school graduate, some college, graduate of Niles Bryant School of Piano Tuning and repair.

Past/Present Clients
I perform about 20 clock repairs per week.

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