Expert: William J Perkins - 12/21/2009

Question
QUESTION: How do I adjust the clock so that it runs a bit faster? It was purchsed around 1971-72.

ANSWER: It depends upon the type of clock.  Most Webly's are pendulum driven so I will presume yours is also.  If you look at the bottom of the pendulum bob you will see a threaded shaft held in place by a nut.  This is called the regulating nut.  The combination of thread and nut allows you to raise or lower the bob.  To increase the speed of the clock requires shortening of the pendulum, to do so you turn the regulating screw clockwise to slow the clock down you turn the regulating screw counterclockwise.  Regulating the timekeeping of your clock can be time consuming, requiring several attempts before you get it right.  I suggest, to begin with, that you turn the screw no more than one turn at a time.  Wait at least 12 hours before you try again.  Regards WJP

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QUESTION: this is not a pendulum clock

Answer
Okay this means the clock has a balance wheel escapement mechanism.  For this one you will have to access the back of the clocks movement.  Looking at the movement you will note a balance wheel rotating back and forth.  You will also note that the balance wheel rotation is powered by a circular spring.  There will be a lever on the back of the clock that allows you to make adjustments to the working length of that spring.  There will be a scale under or above the lever.  The scale is divided into segments, one side marked - and the other side +.  Since your is running slow you must move the lever towards the + sign.  Move it a notch at at time, allow the clock to run 12 hours to see how much you have altered the speed of the clock, if it it is now to fast, move it back 1/2 the distance you set the day before.  Keep doing this until you achieve reasonable time keeping.  If this does not work, take it to a clock repair person for cleaning and adjustment.  Regards WJP