Expert: Martin Meyer - 7/25/2009

Question
I received an anniversary clock from my uncle's estate.  It has a plastic bottom and most of the clock is plastic, but the stamping on the bottom says it was "made in W. Germany" and it has a glass globe that covers the clock.  It has the four balls on the bottom that swing to keep the clock wound.  I understand that this is not an expensive clock, it has more sentimental value than anything else.  I have no directions to the clock and am not sure how to get it started. Could you help me?  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Barbara,

I am going to assume that this is not a battery powered clock for purposes of this answer. The ball-style pendulum does not keep the clock wound. You must wind the mainspring by using the key to turn the winding arbor (square shaft) on the back of the movement all the way, as far as it will go. If you do not have a winding key, they are available from any clock supply house. Next, you must make sure that the clock is level, by turning the adjusting feet until the tip of the pendulum is directly over the center of the "cup" that is usually present on the base of these clocks. Finally, you very carefully rotate the pendulum about 3/4 of a turn, then let it go so that it starts swinging on its own. If the clock has no mechanical problems and the pendulum is in beat, the pendulum should continue to rotate, and the clock will run. These clocks get out of beat (an adjustment of the pendulum) extremely easily, and resetting the beat is virtually impossible unless done by an experienced clock repairer. The suspension wire that the pendulum is attached to is extremely delicate. If this wire is kinked, twisted or spiralled, the clock will not run; the suspension wire must be absolutely flat from top to bottom.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com