Expert: John Newman - 1/29/2010

Question
I see from your profile that you have worked for emperor clock, so I hope you can help. My Emperor clock was built from a kit in the early 70's and has on the back:
Emperor Clock Co
216002
Erhard Jauch Uhrenfabrik                          pendall 110cm
There are no letters associated with this number, and no other writing on the back, so I haven't been able to document the identity od the movement.
After oiling,I have reassembled and the pendulum will only swing for 15 sec and then it stops. It has been suggested it is out of beat and I should force the leader/crutch arm in the direction to make the range of swing even, but it already seems even to me. Also, it seems to me the suspension spring twists in addition to moving laterally, and i haven't noticed this before. Can you advise on how to get it running?

Answer
Randall, it sounds like you might have a Jauch movement which was the Emperor 200M (Westminster chime) or the 300M (triple chime).  Those were supplied with an adjustment wheel on the crutch (Emperor called it the Anchor Arm).  It would be turned to the left or right to bring the clock into beat, rather than forming the crutch.  This movement could have a slip adjustment on the verge, but right now I don't have one here in my shop and am not sure. When you say you reassembled it, do you mean that you disassembled the movement to clean it?  In this case there are many adjustments to check, particularly what we call the verge adjustment for the proper pallet depthing on the escape wheel.  Let me know how much disassembly you did.  Below is a series of steps to check for a clock not running.  




THE FIRST LEVEL IS 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.  It should be relatively level.  The level is not critical, as setting the beat (below) will correct for this.  

Next, verify that the weights are hung correctly.  On most clocks the weights vary in weight.  The general rule is that if two weights are equal, the third weight, if it is heavier, goes on the right side (as you face the clock).  If the third weight is lighter, it goes on the left.
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.  When the pendulum swings, it should be "in beat", 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.  Most later model movements have an "auto-beat" mechanism.  The beat can be set by holding the pendulum over to one side next to the case and releasing it.  It will automatically correct itself.  If it does not have this feature, the escapement crutch will have to be slipped manually.  If required, I can give you instructions for that.


THE SECOND LEVEL INCLUDES MAINTENANCE

This includes cleaning, inspecting, oiling and adjusting.  In the inspection, the movement is checked for adjustments, broken or worn parts.  If there are any broken or worn parts, we go to the third level. If all parts are okay, a good clock oil and grease is used.  In most cases the movement should be removed from the case to have access to all the lubrication points.  Clock lubricants can be bought from clock suppliers.  Using lubricants for other applications can cause problems, as some lubricants are not compatible with others.  This even applies to different clock oils.  After lubricating, the operation is checked for final adjustments.  I recommend maintenance be performed every 7 to 10 years.


THE THIRD LEVEL IS REPAIR.

This requires that the movement be broken down and all parts inspected and repaired or replaced, and then reassembled lubricated, adjusted and tested.  I do not recommend this except by an experienced clockmaker.



John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

Randall, I just found a Jauch 110 Pendell and the verge is not a slip type.  There are two long pins which limit the travel of he crutch.  The verge is held to the arbor (shaft) with a screw.  The adjustment (experienced clockmaker) is made by centering the crutch between the pins with the verge in the center of the entry and exit (tick tock) points of the escape wheel.  Then the screw is tightened.  Now the wheel on the end of the crutch is adjusted to get the even beat if the clock is not exactly level.  

John Newman