Expert: John Newman - 8/10/2010

Question
QUESTION: I bought this clock at a garage sale.  The lady told me that you use the key to wind it.  But I notice that there are two spots to use the key with indicating arrows going opposite ways.  I used the right spot the first time I wound it (about 3 weeks ago)and it worked fine, but seems to be losing time right now. I am wondering if you wind at both places or if the left spot is for something else.  Thank you.

ANSWER: The winding arbor on the right is for the time (running of the clock) and the one on the left is for the strike.  How much time is it loosing in what duration, such as 2 minutes an hour or 2 minutes a day?

John Newman

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

QUESTION: I believe it loses approximately 1/2 minute a day.  
I'm not quite sure why I would adjust the strike - to make it strike faster? Just wondering, because I am happy with the strike as is.  Thank you

Answer
Karen, there is a small round nut called the rating nut on the bottom of the pendulum bob.  The bob is the round disk.  The nut is turned up to make the clock go faster.  As you look at the front of the nut it would be turning it to the right.  I would try turning the nut 1/2 half turn, setting the time and check it after a day.  If it still runs a little slow, adjust it again.  If it then runs too fast, turn it back (unscrew it) about 1/4 of a turn.  Always make sure the bob is pulled down and resting firmly on the nut.  

At first I didn't understand your question about the strike.  It must be in regard to my statement about the winding arbors (they have nothing to do with the timing of the clock#.  They are in the two holes on in the face of the clock.  The are for winding the mainsprings that power the clock.  One is for the time and the other is for the strike.  Fortunately, I took in a Centurion #made in Korea) today for repair and I find that I was mistaken on the location of the winding arbors.  Over ninety-nine percent of clocks with two winding arbors are as I stated.  However, the Centurion has the winding arbor for the strike on the right and the one for the time is on the left.  You fully wind both of them once a month.  They are wound until they become very tight.  Wind carefully and firmly.  All mainspring clocks can slip if you don't hold the clock and key firmly while winding, especially the springs on the Asian clocks.  They are very strong and if they slip, damage can be done to the clock and your hand.

If you have any more questions, get back with me.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama