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Question
I have a 35 day centurion mantle clock. I was wondering if there is an adjustment to slow the clock down as it gains time. I have the pendulum at it's lowest point. Is there any other adjustments for the speed on this clock?
Chuck, this is puzzling as I don't hear this problem with these Asian clocks too much. Usually there is a good range of adjustment on the pendulums. Knowing whether you just acquired the clock or if it was running okay before would help. Mechanically, the escapement could be skipping, which would possibly be due to worn parts. Also the pendulum hanging arrangement has been modified or an incorrect pendulum is on the clock. How much time is it gaining over a certain period, for examle, 5 minutes per day fast? I have corrected pendulums on clocks by adding weight to the BOTTOM of the pendulum bob, like pouring BB's or lead shot into them. Of course, that depends on the type of bob the clock has which would have to be a hollow bob. Get back with me on the questions I have above, and if you can send me a photo of the clock with the door open, I might be able to see something that might help dignose the problem. My shop email address is below.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com
Due to the number of Allexperts questions and workload at my shop,
I can only answer Allexperts questions and follow ups in a timely
manner from this email address.
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| Comment | You hit the nail on the head. There was no hollow area on the pendulum however I took a slit key ring with two light weight keys and hung them on the pendulum and the clock is keeping perfect time. Who would have ever thought of such an easy fix. Thanks a bunch. Chuck | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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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