You are here:

Clocks, Watches/Tall Case Clock Weights

Advertisement

Expert: - 12/20/2009


Question
I have a Simon Willard Tall Case circa 1790. The clock is set up with a 15lb weight on the Strike train and a 10-1/4 lb on the Time train.  I am assuming the weights are original but do not know. This seems to me more weight than neccessary to run the clock. Do these wight sound correct and and should the lighter one be on the time side.
Many Thanks
Jim Macnab
Franklin, NH  

Answer
Jim, I do not have any data on weight specs of the Willard clocks.  However, I will check with my Internet Clocksmiths Group and see if any of the members might have anything on your clock.  These clocks were handcrafted and could have used different weights.  I will get back with you on that.  The first rule of determining weights is that you don't want to use weights that are too heavy, as they can cause excessive wear on the movement.  The first thing we do in choosing missing weights for a clock is to make sure the clock is in good running condition and lubricated properly.  Often someone will add excessive weight to a poorly running clock to get it to work, which rapidly wears the bushings and pivots.  To choose the weights, we add weight until it runs and strikes properly.  Then we add 10% to insure it will run reliably.  In the case of your clock the 15# and 10-1/4# weights don't sound out of line.  Right now I am restoring an English floor clock with weights of 9# and 13#.  I also am working on a Herschede with the heaviest weight being 30#.  When I have a clock with different weights but do not have any information of the correct position, I will try the lightest one first on the strike train and see if it strikes reliably and not too slow.  Then I will try it on the time train and run  it for a few hours.  If it is not reliable in one position and not the other, I hang it on the train that works and then the heavier weight on the other train.  

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

Clocks, Watches

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.