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Clocks, Watches/Regulator -Sessions Wall Clock

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Expert: - 4/18/2010


Question
Hi John,
I have a Sessions wall clock by Regulator. It wont keep the movement once it is started. I swing the pendulum and it ticks for about 4-5 minutes and then stops. This is a recent problem and did work fine when I got it a couple months ago.
I took the number face off..blew the movement and parts off with compressed air and WD-40 lightly..still same issue. It is wound tight so thats not it...any ideas? I have tried to start over and over again after it stops but still same issue..runs for about 4-5 minutes then stops again..
Your help is appreciated Sir!
Jim

Answer
Jim, if the movement is in working condition and the clock is out of beat, it will not continue running.  "In beat" means that it has an even tick tock, like tick....tock....tick....tock.  If it goes tick..tock......tick..tock, it is out of beat and will stop.  When the clock comes from the factory or service shop it should be in beat when level.  However, the beat can be knocked out of beat when moved or bumped.  Different clocks have different ways of setting this beat.  But if it isn't do bad, you can move the bottom of the clock to the left or right to bring it back in beat.  Once it is set and running properly, make a small pencil mark on the wall at the bottom side of the clock.  Then when it is moved, like when the door is opened to wind, it can be put back on the mark.  If this does not resolve the problem, it probably needs to be looked at by an experienced clockmaker.  

One note and that is that WD-40 is good for many applications (I am using it right now to free up a seized electrical switch shaft).  However, it should not be used on clocks.  WD-40 is not a lubricant, but formulated as a water displacement application and does free up rusted mechanisms and dissolves gummy lubricants.  In clocks, one of the common causes of clock failure is old and gummy lubricants and/or worn parts.  The gummy lubricants contain ground brass and steel from the worn parts and if not cleaned out, the dissolved lubricants and ground metals just accelerate the wear.  Because the WD-40 penetrates the metals and many clock lubricants are not compatible with it, many clockmakers will not take in clocks that have been sprayed with it, or they will charge additional fees for the multiple cleanings required to eliminate the traces.  Also, nothing should be sprayed on clock movements because of attracting dust to unwanted areas.  Clock lubrication uses special oils and greases applied very sparingly and in specific places only.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

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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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