Clocks, Watches/grandfather clock

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Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 5/31/2009


Question
My clock has been moved and needed a new suspension spring

The pendulum has an a screw adjustment toad just the tick which I have adjusted and have an even sound in either direction.

When started the swing progressively slows till it is only moving with a swing on about an inch or less and it gains time I have tried lowering and raising the bob to no avail.

Any suggestions  

Answer
the symptom is that of an Urgos German mechanism that is worn so much the verge to escape wheel depthing is so shallow it allows teeth to slip with barely a pendulum arc swing.

There often is a one-time adjustment to the rear verge pivot plate to increase the depthing enough to restore the proper action of the escapement. This is normally a job for a pro and might give your mechanism a few more years run before needing the replacement or overhaul all of these clocks need after 20-25 years. Or you can go to the new mechanism now and solve the problem for the next 20 years- your choice.

Urgos escapement looks like this, exactly:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp98/pendclocks451/selfadjustingdeadbeat.jpg

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Kenneth Saunders

Expertise

any mechanical clock question -no watches- no battery clock questions and no appraisals-ie: "how much is my clock worth?" type questions please! Attach a photo if possible and note all markings on the rear of the mechanism- thanks 40 years as a professional clock repair person- still a full time clock repair service owner

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40 years as a professional clock repair person- still a full time clock repair service owner.

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NAWCC

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