Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 9/21/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have a Waltham wall 31 day wind clock I purchased in 1988 possibly from sears. The clock doe not run longer than 3 to 5 minutes. I believe the clock has been wound too tight. How can I relieve the tension? The clock ran well before the winding.



ANSWER: not wound to tight - more likely not wound enough- try wind more.

is it ticking when you sing the pendulum?

is the sound "even"?

try moving the bottom of the clock left and right to make it sound more  even. advise hat you find.

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

QUESTION: The clock is wound tight it can not be wound any more. It does tick when the pendulum swings. it sounds good to me.  I used a level to make sure the clock is not leaning to one side or the other.  

Answer
if it still will not keep running - you need to take it to a clock repair person.can you look up under the dial with a flashlight and see the two springs? are they coiled up tight or are there spaces between the leaves?

be advised that you need to move the bottom of the clock case to where it SOUNDS the best while ticking and that spot might be when the clock IS leaning a bit on the wall. Run the ticking test again and move the clock with your eyes closed this time.