Clocks, Watches/clock not working

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Expert: Martin Meyer - 3/24/2009


Question

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Dear Sir, I have purchased an antique French mantle clock recently. Please excuse my total ignorance with clocks. I just got as a gift for my mom. I was told it was wounded recently , and the mechanism works; the clock is supposed to  chime at the hour and half hour mark. The movement on this clock was made by "Japy Freres & C., Med D'Honneur." This clock has an 8 day bell striking movement. I have attached several photos for your review.  I used the big key to turn the clock on which it did but the clock is running very fast. I then tried to assemble the pendulum but  the clock movement would stop. Also the chime is not right. I believe the striking arm is far and not touching the bell when it moves. There is a small key that also comes with the clock but did not seem to help any. Can you please advise on how I can make the clock run. Thanks and appreciate your help. Sara

Answer
Hi Sara,

There are many reasons why a clock will not run. It may be out of beat, need lubrication, need cleaning or have worn bearings and need an overhaul. It would be far beyond the scope of this forum to go into all these issues, but you can browse my previous answers for information on these subjects. Clocks often "run" when the pendulum is not attached, but this does not indicate anything about the actual running condition of the clock.

The strike hammer is on a soft brass wire arm which can be bent to align it with the bell. You should bend the hammer arm so that the hammer is 1/16" to 1/8" from the bell in its at-rest position.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com

Martin Meyer

Expertise

Can answer repair and service questions for most types of clocks, antique and modern, mechanical and battery. NO watches, appraisals, identification, history, dating, or questions about cuckoo clocks. Website for Modern and Antique Clock Repair: Clockmasteronline.com

Experience

24 Years as owner and repairman of clock repair business, 28 years in the field. Factory Independent Service Center for Howard Miller, Ridgeway and (formerly) Sligh Clocks. Specializing in Fine Antique Longcase (grandfather) clocks. Clock repair Website: (Please remove "Not" from the address - this is a spam protection): www.NotClockmasteronline.com

Organizations
AWCI (American Watchmakers and Clockmakers Institute) and NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors)

Publications
Am also an Expert in the "AllExperts-Antiques-Antique Clocks" Category.

Education/Credentials
Trained by a former Rolex Asia watchmaker, and by a Master Watchmaker/Clockmaker.

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