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Clocks, Watches/Correct pendulum bob weight
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Question
Hi,
I have a 30 hour, weight driven Chauncey Jerome ogee clock.
I've managed to get the clock in beat, and have tried lengthening the pendulum bob, but it still is running very fast.
I'm wondering if the pendulum bob is the correct one or not. How do I know what weight and diameter it is supposed to be?
Additionally, the chime part of this clock is all in pieces. Is there any resource you might point me to so I can look at a diagram / proper re-assembly proceedure?
Thanks,
Mark
Mark, the length of the pendulum should be a certain distance from the suspension spring post to the bottom of the bob. This can be a combination of both the length of the suspension rod and the pendulum bob wire. Replacement rods are usually supplied in one long length to be cut to size after determining the proper combination using the existing bob assembly. The rods are inexpensive. The bob assemblies usually come in three lengths. It is possible that, say if the rod is original, a shorter bob assembly may have been substituted at some time. The wire assembly of the bob can be purchased seperately and is also inexpensive. The problem is that it all has to be assembeled temporarily and adjusted to obtain the proper regulation. I can check with some of my catalogs to see if I can come up with a discription of the proper bob and how long the complete assembly should be, but there were a few different 30 hour Jeromes manufactured. Concerning the chime parts, are you referring to the actual chime gong and iron block, or the gears and hammer parts? It would really be best if you could send me digital photos of the clock, movement, bob and chime parts. My email address is klokdok@juno.com.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Historic Downtown Prattville
Alabama
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Answers by Expert:
John Newman
Expertise
As much as I would like to offer values of clocks, I am not a certified appraiser and will not venture into giving an unresearched guess. There is very little published information on what I consider to be the value of "modern production clocks". Considerations are what the clock originally sold for, the condition of the case and movement, and particularly the area in which you live, the demand and the economy. ALSO, WATCHES ARE NOT MY FIELD. However, I can advise the clock owner on proper maintenance of a clock to keep it running, small corrections and adjustments and how to move a clock without damaging it. I can also advise on obtaining parts for clocks. It helps if you can send any information on the clock movement which is usually found on the back plate of the movement. I have been a clockmaker for about 35 years and was plant engineer in the mid 90's and later operations and engineering consultant at Emperor Clock Company in Fairhope, Alabama. I now have my own clock shop.
Experience
One of my greatest accomplishments was traveling to China to assist a clock factory in building clocks to the standards which we required. With the proper specifications and quality control, some beautiful clock cases were built. The factory people from the wood carvers to the plant manager were very congenial, friendly and I left a lot of wonderful friends when I returned from my trips.
Organizations
Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Committee
Publications
Horological Times, a publication of the American Watch and Clockmakers Instute. Collaberated column author, with Photos and ideas for clock movement conversion article.
Education/Credentials
Associate of Science Mechanical Engineering Technology
Emperor Introductory Clock Repair (Eventually taught a portion of the class after becoming employee)
Awards and Honors
Small Business of the Quarter (Prattville, Alabama)
Leadership Class of 2009 (Autauga County, Alabama)
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