Expert: William J Perkins - 3/23/2009

Question
Dear Sir,

I have a Mercedes "Made in Germany" wind-up mantel clock that appears to be bound-up. Apparently it was over wound, not sure. Looking at the coil inside it is tight as a rats behind. My question is; can I release the tension some way to get it back to work. The only other info. I can find is stamped on the back of the clock and if I'm reading it correctly says: GE 8 HAUSER GERMANY. NO (0) Jewels Unadjusted.
Any advise would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Robert Hagen

Answer
I suspect you are quite right in assuming the clock be "bound-up", but from accumulated dirt and goop, not overwinding.  In all my years of practice I have NEVER seen a clock that was wound to tightly.  To do so would require the assistance of a wrench or some other device that would provide the winder with additional torque.  What many call overwind is in reality the accumulation of atmospheric dirt combining with aging lubricant to form what we call goop.  Goop acts as an adhesive and literally causes the coils of the spring to adhere to itself.  The proper response, on such occasions, is to have the clock cleaned and new lubricants applied.  Sometimes, you can indeed temporarily relieve the problem by letting the spring down.  To let the spring down requires the use of a let-down tool.  This tool allows the workman to retain control over the spring, which, in this case would be under tremendous pressure.  Without this control the workman could be seriously injured and the clock damaged.  I do not recommend this be done by other than a qualified clock repair person.  I wish you luck.  Regards WJP