Clocks, Watches/Welby Tempus Fugit

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Expert: Martin Meyer - 7/28/2009


Question
I just bought a grandfather clock from an estate sale. I don't know where to hang the pendulum. and there are only two chains inside, one which was not attached, and i got three weights.. I have no idea where anything goes or if i am missing a chain. Help me please

Answer

Pendulum Leader Assemb
Hi Dawn,

I have attached a photo of the assembly which the pendulum hooks onto. This clock will look different from yours, but all the main parts will be the same. The pendulum hooks onto the bottom end of the pendulum leader.

Grandfather clocks usually have three chains; they only have two chains if they strike on the hour and half hour only, and do not have a quarter-hour chime. Your clock should have three chains. The chains thread onto sprockets inside the movement. If you open the small side panels on your clock, at the level of the dial (if your clock has them) you will see the two side sprockets near the bottom of the movement; they look much like a bicycle sprocket. The third sprocket is at the center bottom of the movement, and is harder to see. Chains are available from any clock supply house like Timesavers (www.timesavers.com) or Merritts Antiques (www.merritts.com). You MUST get exactly the correct size of chain, in links per foot. You can thread the chain easily onto the two side sprockets, through the side panel openings. The center chain is much harder to attach, and you will almost certainly have to remove the movement from the clock to do this. Movements are mounted in clocks in many different ways, and it is beyond the scope of this forum to try to describe the methods.  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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