Expert: Martin Meyer - 2/2/2009

Question
I have a Wuba striking clock with moonphase that belonged to my dad. My
mum has asked for me to take it as I have always liked it. I believe that it has
been over wound and there is no movement. It has been this way for some
years. The key has bben kept underneath it  and perhaps someone thought
that they were being helpful. How do I get it going and maintain it?

Answer
Hi Legend,

"Overwinding" is probably the most common misconception in clockmaking; there is actually no such thing. When a clock is not running, for whatever reason, and is fully wound, it simply remains fully wound because it is not running. This apparently leads people to believe that the problem lies in the winding, because they can't wind it any further. Clocks should be wound all the way, as far as the key will turn.

This leaves us simply with the situation of a clock which does not run, and there are many possible causes for this. It would be beyond the scope of this forum to discuss all these problems and solutions. I would recommend that you browse my previous answers for detailed discussion on these most common problems: 1)setting the pendulum beat, 2)correct pendulum assembly attachment, 3)hands hitting each other or the dial or glass, 4)lubrication, 5)wear in the movement's bearings. There are many additional possible causes, but it is highly that the problem is in one of these five areas.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com