Expert: John Newman - 1/13/2011

Question
QUESTION: I have a pendulum wall clock which was manufactured in the 60's in Germany that was given to me. The clock has weights - how do I activate the clock?

ANSWER: Mike, I do apologize.  I answered your question and then I guess it went off into Cyberland.  I'll try again.  By activate, I take it you mean to get it started.

It would help if I knew the model of the movement.  That information cam be found on the back plate of the movement.  Cuckoo Clock Manufacturing Company used movements from different companies, but it could very well be a Hermle.  The model number tells me about the number of weights, chime and strike information and some parts we might have to check.  Or I might need a photo of the back plate of the movement.  However, let's go with what we have.  The clock is hung on the wall relatively level (not critical).  Hang the weights on the chains (or cables), attach the pendulum and move it to one side and release.  Listen for the tick tock.  It should be an even beat.  If not, gently move the bottom of the clock to the left or right until the beat is even.  Set the time using the minute hand.  Most of these clocks are "safe-back" meaning that you can set the time backwards.  The general rule we use on older clocks is that if you move the minute hand backwards and it comes to an abrupt stop, it is not a safe-back clock and should be moved forward.  Try these things, and if you have problems getting it going, let me know.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama


 

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

QUESTION: john, Thanks for your quick response. The number is W150-39. I followed your instructions and the pendulum stops shortly after I moved it. It seems as if it does not maintain any momentum. I hope this additional information helps.  Regards,  Mike

Answer
Mike, I might have missed it, but is this clock an actual cuckoo clock?  I do not recognize the number you have given me.  In the meantime I will give you a write up I have done on "Clocks Not Running."  You clock would be described in the "Wall Clock" portion.  Try these things and if it still won't run, can you send a clear photo of the back of the movement to my email address below?


THE FIRST LEVEL IS THE SETUP.  

For Floor Clocks   If the clock is in operating condition but not working, I would check the stability of the clock in that it doesn't rock or wobble on the floor.  It should be relatively level.  The level is not critical, as setting the beat (below) will correct for this.  

Next, verify that the weights are hung correctly.  On most clocks the weights vary in weight.  The general rule is that if two weights are equal, the third weight, if it is heavier, goes on the right side (as you face the clock).  If the third weight is lighter, it goes on the left.

Is the pendulum hanging configuration correct?  This means that the suspension spring, hanger, verge and pendulum are all connected properly with nothing broken, especially the suspension spring.  When the pendulum swings, it should be "in beat", meaning that when the pendulum swings you hear an even tick....tock....tick....tock.  If it is uneven, like tick..tock......tick..tock, the clock will probably stop.  Most later model movements have an "auto-beat" mechanism.  The beat can be set by holding the pendulum over to one side next to the case and releasing it.  It will automatically correct itself.  If it does not have this feature, the escapement crutch will have to be slipped manually.  If required, I would need a good description of the verge and hanger mechanism or a photo of the back of the movement to give you instructions for that.  Also check to see if the hands are catching on each other or the dial.  Look at the chime and strike hammers to see if they are all in alignment at the rest position.  Sometimes jammed hammers or the drive mechanisms will stall the clock.

For Mantle or Wall Clocks   The clock should be stable and not wobble or rock.  There should be an even beat.  If not, wall clocks can be set in beat by moving the bottom of the clock to one side or the other.  Some wall clocks have the auto-beat adjustment.  Mantle clocks can be shimmed up on one side or the other to obtain an even beat.  These methods work if the beat is not off too much.  If the out-of-beat condition of these clocks are excessive, other adjustments have to be made.


THE SECOND LEVEL INCLUDES MAINTENANCE

Usually, the first symptom of a clock failing is that the chime and/or strike mechanisms slow down and then fail altogether.  At this point the clock needs to be serviced.  This includes cleaning, inspecting, oiling and adjusting.  In the inspection, the movement is checked for adjustments, broken or worn parts.  If there are any broken or worn parts, we go to the third level. If all parts are okay, a good clock oil and grease is used.  In most cases the movement should be removed from the case to have access to all the lubrication points.  Clock lubricants can be bought from clock suppliers.  Using lubricants for other applications can cause problems, as some lubricants are not compatible with others.  This even applies to different clock oils.  After lubricating, the operation is checked for final adjustments.  I recommend maintenance be performed every 7 to 10 years.


THE THIRD LEVEL IS REPAIR.

This requires that the movement be broken down and all parts inspected and repaired or replaced, and then reassembled lubricated, adjusted and tested.  I do not recommend this except by an experienced clockmaker.



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.)