Clocks, Watches/adjusting pendulum

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Expert: - 9/19/2009


Question
Hello:

I just had new mechanisms put in my grandfather clock about a year ago. It runs about 15 minutes slow all the time. I raised the pendulum as far as it can go and still it is running slow. I have had this clock about 20 years. It is setting on a piece of plywood so it doesn't have to set on the carpet. I also used a level to make sure it was level. Any suggestions of what could be wrong?

Answer
Dennis, to determine what the problem might be, I need to know the error ratio.  If is 15 minutes slow an hour, day, week or what?  The stability and being in level is not a factor with the rating of the clock.  If it is running, you must have that correct.  Did it run slow ever since the new movement was installed?  If that is true, was the pendulum swapped out for another one?  If not, it could be that the incorrect movement could have been installed.  You did not give me the model of the movement.  Do you possibly have that AND the model of the old movement?  For example, it the movement was a Hermle 451-050 114cm and the new one is a 451-050 94cm, the pendulum would swing the same but the new movement is geared for a shorter pendulum.  The only other thing I can think of is that the pendulum hanging configuration is incorrect.  If you will give me the error ration in minutes per hour, day or week, and the model of the movement I will try to determine what is wrong.  What type of pendulum do you have?  Is it a wood stick with a brass bob (what is the diameter of the bob), or is a decorative metal lyre pendulum?  And if you have the capability of taking a digital photo and sending it to me, my shop email address is below.  If you will, go ahead and email the information to to my shop address and I can work off the model information and send you a digital photo of the pendulum sit up.


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.)

Clocks, Watches

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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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