Expert: John Newman - 9/30/2009

Question
why does my clock quit ticking when i put my pendulum on?  also need to order parts for viking grandfather clock model 111/133. i need suspension spring and pendulum ball screw

Answer
Linda, I can relate the first part of a question to an automobile starting and idling, but when it is put in gear it stalls.  Your clock (I think this a floor clock with weights) is run by weights providing power to each of the three functions, the running, chiming and striking.  The pendulum is the regulator that keeps the clock in time and is driven by its weight.  If there is too much friction or if the clock is out of beat, there will not be enough power to overcome this.  I do not have cross-reference information on clock models to movement models for the Viking clocks, so I would have to know the model number of the movement.  This can be found on the back plate of the movement.  I have a feeling that it might have something like a double digit number over the name (could be Viking or Hermle) and then possibly 451-050 94cm, etc.  When I know that information I can determine the proper suspension spring.  Also, when you tell me that the clock won't run with the pendulum on and you need a suspension spring, is the suspension spring broken?  A broken or damaged suspension spring would certainly keep the clock from running.

I'm not sure what you mean by the "pendulum ball screw".  The pendulum has a stick (or sometimes a decorative metal grid lyre pendulum) with a bob (round brass disc).  At the bottom is a threaded rod protruding from the bob and there is a round rating or regulating nut that is used to time the clock.  Which part do you need?  One problem is that various pendulums come with different screw threads and I wouldn't know which type you need without checking it.  If it is a wood stick pendulum, you could unscrew the threaded rod from the stick and send it to me and I could match it.  Or I could send you a rod and nut set and you could replace them both.  I would need a photo of the back of the pendulum bob showing where the nut goes at the bottom, as there are even different types of nuts.  Get back with me with the information I have discussed above.  If you will contact me at my shop email address below, I can give you some more specific details.

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

(General Note:  Due to the commitment I have for answering Allexperts questions and follow-up information,
and the excessive backlog at my shop, I regret that I cannot answer other questions from
this email address in a timely manner)