Expert: John Newman - 1/2/2011

Question
pendulum wont keep moving, is it something I can fix? if not can you give me an estimate of the cost to fix and if you think its worth it?

Thanks so much,
Holly Miller

Answer
Holly, there are many reasons a clock will not keep running.  Was the clock running reliably before it stopped running and did it just stop?  At the end of this answer I will include some steps I have written for checking clocks that do not run.  This is an Asian wall (I'm pretty sure) clock and there aren't too many clockmakers that restore these because of the cost required for these inexpensive clocks.  When the movements started wearing, there were usually quite a few things wrong with them.  I do find one every now and then that look rather good.  I have two in my shop that I have just finished and they are running fine.  It would be best to have an experienced clockmaker look at it to give you an estimate.  The estimates do vary quite a bit, depending on the area in which you live.  In my area, if one could be restored by cleaning, oiling, adjusted and maybe correcting a couple of parts, the cost might be around $180.  Some of the cases are rather nice looking and I substitute a quality quartz chiming pendulum movement for about half that cost.  It depends on how much altering has to be done to the clock to keep the appearance the same.  On most clock estimates I tell the customer what the cost will be and then let them decide if it is worth that to them.  Below are some of the checks for you to make, modified slightly for your wall clock:


The first level is the setup.  If a clock movement is in operating condition but not working I would check the stability of the clock in that it doesn't wobble on the wall.   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 which can be broken or crimped easily.  Also it needs to 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.  You can move the bottom of the clock to the left or right to obtain an even beat.

Level 2 concerns cleaning, inspecting, oiling and adjusting.  My recommendation is that a clock should be serviced every 7 to 10 years.  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.

The third level 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.

I hope this helps.  If you do have any more questions, get back with me.

John Newman
The Village Clocksmith
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama