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Clocks, Watches/stops ticking just before it strikes

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Expert: - 9/26/2009


Question
I have a older clock that has a Westminster chime mechanism. It is a German made Linder Mantel clock. The problem seems to be when it is loaded or when it gets ready to chime on the hour it seems to bog the movement down so the clock actually stops ticking all together. If I help the clock along by physically moving the minute hand or by gently tapping on the workings, the butterfly eventually engages, twirls around and the clock starts ticking again, the hammer strike. This happens at various times, but all during the 15 minute cycle of engaging the hammers to strike. So it could be at the quarter hours or half hour that the clock stops working. Is this a mainspring issue where not enough power is generated to push past moving the levers into position to set the hammers? Thanks Scott S

Answer
Scott, you are on the right track as far as the concern for power.  We could say that a clock's function is for the power to overcome resistance to operate.  A weak mainspring could certainly be suspect.  However, I would think that the probable cause would be something hanging up in the mechanism that trips the chime at the quarter hour position.  This can add enough resistance to stop the clock.  There are a few points of contact that could be the cause.  Without knowing the model of the movement or observing what is happening at the time of the failure, I cannot tell exactly what to look for.  It would probably be best to have an experienced clockmaker look at it.  Sorry I could not help you more.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

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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