Expert: William J Perkins - 6/20/2010

Question
We just bought a German Erhard Jauch Emperor grandfather clock from a small shop in town.  The clock arrived with the 3 weights and one of the chains handed to us to assemble.  I know nothing about clocks and would like to know how and where do the weights get installed?  Does the chain get installed first and what function do the chains possess?  Can you give us step by step instructions to install these pieces?

Answer
First of all the clock should have been assembled by the seller or his agent.  The combination of weights and chains provide the power to cause the clock to run.  Look up into the movement from a position below the movements seatboard, (the board the movement sits upon) you will see three large cogwheels.  The chains have to be threaded over the cogs, the weights are then hung from the chain ends, (the end that does not allow the cog to ratchet).  The heaviest weight must be hung from the chain on the right as you face the clock.  Hope this does it for you, regards WJP