Expert: John Newman - 2/5/2011

Question
QUESTION: I have an Emperor Grandfather Clock Model 100 M Movement that was working just fine until a few days ago when it quit striking the hour or chiming. However, it does tend to run a few minutes slow now and then.  It was at 9:48 when I noticed the clock was at 9:43 so I slowly moved the minute hand forward and when it "clicked" it chimed only the last 4 notes and then struck the hour of 10.  It has not chimed nor struck the hour since. The middle weight is also dropping much faster than the left or right weights.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

ANSWER: Susan, I attempted to answer your question and just found out it did not send.  Sorry for the delay.  First, you are correct about the middle weight.  The middle weight powers the time, the right weight powers the chime, and the left one powers the strike.  If the chime and strike are not working at all or part of the time, they will not drop or slower than the time weight. It sounds as if the lubricants in your movement are old and gummy and/or some parts are worn.  This usually happens with all movements if they haven't been serviced for 7 to 10 years.  And as the strike function is dependent on the chime completing the hour chime cycle, if the chime fails, so will the strike. However, the 100M which was what we call the Jauch 77, has a history of excessive wear, and when the chime slows, functions intermittently or just quits, the movement is worn enough that it usually is not economical to restore it.  The best thing to do is to replace it with a conversion kit from another manufacturer, as Jauch is not in business any more.  We do this quite often.  Every now and then I do find some of these that do not have excessive wear and are fixed with a good cleaning and oiling.  

When you said that the clock runs a few minutes slow now and then, I would think that you are looking at it at different lengths of time which give you different errors.  If a clock is running unaffected by any outside influences, the rate should be the same.  Let's say the clock runs 1/2 minute a day slow and you look at it in a days time.  It would be 1/2 minute slow.  If you looked at it in a week's time it would be 3-1/2 minutes slow.  To correct the slow time the rate is changed by adjusting the rating nut at the bottom of the pendulum bob.  The general rule is that one complete turn of the nut will affect the rate about 1/2 minute a day.  So if it is running slow 1 minute a day, tighten the nut (which pushes the bob up) 2 turns.  Then check it for a day, using a good time reference like a quartz watch or clock.  If it is still too slow, turn it some more, making sure to record the time and number of turns until it is right on.  If it runs too fast after an adjustment, back it down proportionally.  Also make sure the bob is always seated on the nut firmly, or the adjustment will not be effective.  After you have done this, you might want to check at the end of a week and make some small adjustments.  And remember, 2 or 3 minutes a week error for a mechanical clock isn't bad at all.  Most of these types of clocks can't hold up to the quartz or electric clocks.  Good luck, and if you have any more questions, get back with me.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama



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

QUESTION: John,
Thank you so much for your fast and knowledgeable answer. You mentioned that the lubricants in the movement may be old and gummy, and that may be the problem if they hadn't be serviced for 7-10 years. I have had this clock for 38 years, and and very embarrassed to say I had no idea that anything had to be lubricated to keep it running smoothly.  Though, obviously, now that I think about it most everything with moving parts needs to have something done to them to keep them "moving".  What part/parts need lubricating, and is there a special oil I need to use?  Also, do you think it might just be best to let well enough alone since it has run for soooo  many years and continue to wind it to keep the time?  It seems a shame to miss the best part of the clock (the chiming and striking) but would do that if you think I should just keep it running.  Thank you again for your help.

Answer
Susan, it should be serviced.  For some reason, word does not get down through the retailers or different owners of clocks.  I run into this quite often.  If it has not been serviced in the 38 years, it probably has some worn parts.  However, a field cleaning and oiling might get the chime and strike going for a while.  Clock oil and grease should be used, and they are inexpensive.  If you will email me at my shop email address below, I will send you some labeled photos and instructions on lubricating along with some details on the lubricants.  The clock dial will have to be removed to do this properly.

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.)