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Clocks, Watches/Viking Grandfather Clock

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Expert: - 9/26/2009


Question
I have inherited a Viking Clock my grandfather built from a kit many years ago.  I have had it running but have recently moved it to another location and can't keep the clock running.  I start the pendulum, and after 3-5 minutes it quits.  Is there something broke or am I missing somethign in the start-up?

Thank  you,
Mark

Answer
Mark, I don't know the details of the preparation for moving it.  Were the weighs and pendulum removed?  Not doing so can damage the clock, such as breaking the suspension spring or dislodging the hanger where it connects to the crutch (technical terms).  If you do not know how to check these things, send me the model number of the movement.  This includes all the information that can be found on the back of the movement plate.  Or, if you have capabilities of taking a digital photo and sending it, you can email the photo and information to my shop email address below.  When you say it is running, does it make the tick tock sound, or is it just the momentum of the pendulum swinging?  If you do get the tick tock sound it has to be in beat.  I will give you a few things to check.  Check the setup.  If a clock movement is in operating condition but not working I would check the stability of the clock in that it doesn't rock or wobble on the floor.  Next, verify that the weights are hung correctly.  On most clocks the weights vary in weight.  This can be determined by the model of the movement.  Is the pendulum hanging configuration correct?  This means that  the suspension spring, hanger, verge and pendulum are all connected properly with nothing broken, especially the suspension spring, meaning that when the pendulum swings you hear an even tick....tock....tick....tock.  If it is uneven, like tick..tock......tick..tock, the clock will probably stop.  This can be corrected by a manual adjustment or an auto-beat function of the clock.  Doing this eliminates the tedious job of trying to "level" the clock after it has initially been positioned on the floor to be relatively level.  Let me know the answers to some of these questions and we'll see what we can do from there.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com

(Due to the number of Allexperts questions and
the workload I have at my clock shop, I regret
that I cannot answer emails on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)

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John Newman

Expertise

As much as I would like to offer values of clocks, I am not a certified appraiser and will not venture into giving an unresearched guess. There is very little published information on what I consider to be the value of "modern production clocks". Considerations are what the clock originally sold for, the condition of the case and movement, and particularly the area in which you live, the demand and the economy. ALSO, WATCHES ARE NOT MY FIELD. However, I can advise the clock owner on proper maintenance of a clock to keep it running, small corrections and adjustments and how to move a clock without damaging it. I can also advise on obtaining parts for clocks. It helps if you can send any information on the clock movement which is usually found on the back plate of the movement. I have been a clockmaker for about 35 years and was plant engineer in the mid 90's and later operations and engineering consultant at Emperor Clock Company in Fairhope, Alabama. I now have my own clock shop.

Experience

One of my greatest accomplishments was traveling to China to assist a clock factory in building clocks to the standards which we required. With the proper specifications and quality control, some beautiful clock cases were built. The factory people from the wood carvers to the plant manager were very congenial, friendly and I left a lot of wonderful friends when I returned from my trips.

Organizations
Chamber of Commerce Small Business Committee

Publications
Horological Times, a publication of the American Watch and Clockmakers Instute. Collaberated column author, with Photos and ideas for clock movement conversion article.

Education/Credentials
Associate of Science Mechanical Engineering Technology Emperor Introductory Clock Repair (Eventually taught a portion of the class after becoming employee)

Awards and Honors
Small Business of the Quarter (Prattville, Alabama) Leadership Class of 2009 (Autauga County, Alabama)

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