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Question
I have just been given a Emperor Grandfather Clock. I believe that someone built the cabinet and put the clock into it. The problem is that the clock is running much too fast and I dont have a clue how to fix it. Is there an adjustment somewhere to correct it.
Thank you so much for any help you can give.
Sincerely.
Billy Crossley
Billy, there are a number of reasons a clock can run too fast. The most common is that the pendulum is too short, which can be the result of the incorrect pendulum being put on the clock. Or there can be a problem with the escapement wheel skipping. To fix this requires the services of an experienced clockmaker. Before I can help you, I will need some additional information. How fast is it running? I will need to know the time frame, like 5 minutes per hour or 10 minutes per day. I will need to know the model of the movement. Give me all the information you can find on the back plate of the clock movement. Also measure the pendulum from the top hook to the bottom of the bob where it rests on the small round rating nut. Is the pendulum a wood stick or a multiple metal rod style? A big help will be if you can send me a photo of the back of the movement with the pendulum and hanger attached. 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
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.)
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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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