Expert: John Newman - 2/3/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have a Hamilton (Grandmother) hall clock with a (Hermle) movement.  The case shows: 451-050 (non-jeweled).  The problem is that the pendulum will not continue to swing.  I'm sure it is attached correctly, but it will not continue to swing on its own. Can you advise me?  Thank you in advance.

ANSWER: Jack, there could be a few reasons for this problem.  Since you didn't give me any history of the clock, like has it been running okay prior to this, did you just acquire the clock, or was it moved, I'm not sure where to start. I'll give you a set of instructions for some basic checks:

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.  Also check to see if the hands are catching on each other or the dial.  Look at the chime and strike hammers to see if they are all in alignment at the rest position.  Sometimes jammed hammers or the drive mechanisms will stall the clock.  


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.

Try these things.  If nothing works, get back with me on a little history of the clock and problem.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama








---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sir;
 The weights are in the correct configuration.  The clock is not new, but was working fine until 3 days ago when we moved to our new house.  The weights and the pendulum were removed and marked.  The small gear at the top of the pendulum swing was ticking the last time I looked.  However, today (after receiving your message)I checked and the gear is NOT moving and I assume that it is not engaged with the pendulum arm.  You spoke of sending instructions for this matter and I would appreciate anything you may have.  Looking forward to your reply.
Respectfully,
         Jack

Answer
Jack, the first thing I would look for is the even beat.  Now that the escape wheel is not moving at all, remove the pendulum and from the back of the clock movement move the crutch to the left and right until you feel some resistance on both sides.  Are they even distance from a vertical center line?  If not, the verge (part that looks like an anchor and rocks back and forth to make the tick tock sound) was slipped out of range.  You can correct this by slipping the crutch one way or the other past the resistance point so that the resistance points are equal both left and right.  Then move the crutch back and forth and check to see if the escape wheel is moving now.  If not, contact me at my shop email address below and we'll look at some more things.  Labeled photo is attached identifying the parts.

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

(Due to the number of Allexperts questions and
the workload I have at my clock shop, I regret
that I cannot answer personal email questions on a timely basis
other than Allexperts follow ups.)