Expert: Martin Meyer - 1/5/2010

Question
I have a 1171-850 94cm movement and today the middle weight hook broke when winding the cable up.  The weight dropped and cracked the bottom of the case.  No real problem there.  I can replace the weight hook, but noticed that the cable end came out of the slot.  When I replace it and pulled on the cable I noticed that the cable now just unwinds when I pull on it.  So if I hook the weight on it will just drop.  the other two weights for the bells and chimes are fine and now at the top of the clock, fully wound.  Would you recommend shipping it out for repair or should I consider a new one.  If you recommend new, who can provide one at a reasonably competitive price?  The movement was part of an Emperor kit I assembled in 1990 and the model number on the kit was 299/94cm self regulating escapement cable driven movement. It has not been cleaned or lubricated since I assembled it and has run fine until this event.  Any suggestions?

Answer
Hi Mike,

The clickspring on the cable drum broke. This is a flat spring which holds tension on a ratchet pawl to keep the cable wound. It is quite difficult to replace the spring alone because it is simply driven into the brass great wheel. Replacement cable drums are available, and are not too difficult to replace, except for removing the movement from the clock and correctly resetting the stopworks mechanism which prevents the clock from overwinding or running out to the floor.

You could certainly have the cable drum replaced, but I would consider that the clock is 20 years old, which is the average lifespan of these movements, and has had no routine maintenance. There is probably also wear in the bearings of the movement and other places, which might make you want to consider replacing the whole movement. I would not presume to recommend one supplier over another, and do not keep up on retail prices at any rate. I would recommend considering not only price but also support, in case you get into any complications.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com