Expert: Martin Meyer - 8/9/2007

Question
I have a Loricron clock with the Hermle 2214 Quartz movement with pendulum.  The time keeping of the clock works fine.  The pendulum will swing for a day or two then stop.  Can you give me some suggestions what the problem could be?  THANKS IN ADVANCE

Answer
Hi Harry,
    It's unusual for the pendulum to run for as long as a day or two and then stop. This suggests that the problem is not in the movement, but somewhere else.
    First make sure that both C cells are fresh, full power, and installed in the right direction. Never replace one, always replace both at the same time.
    Next, check for leveling. Look at the back of the clock to see if the movement is level in the clock. If it is level or close to it, and the clock chimes with the minute hand right on the hour, you're fine. You can always rotate the movement slightly to level it, but this will make the hands be a bit off when the clock chimes. There is a remedy for this too, but it is delicate and, done wrong, can break the movement.
    Now put the movement on the wall and check it with a level; it should be level side-to-side. The pendulum should swing the same distance from dead center (stopped) to each side. On the 2214 this adjustment does not have to be extremely exact.
    Next check the level front-to-back. The clock should be  flush with the wall from top to bottom. You may have to adjust the screw in the wall that holds the clock to achieve this. Look at the clock from the bottom; the pendulum must not be touching any part of the clock as it swings. If it comes through a square hole in the clock, it must not be touching the front or back of that hole.
    Now, the last and possibly most common cause. Does your clock have an open pendulum? (if the pendulum is inside a clock case with a front glass or door this does not apply.) If it has an open pendulum, the light pendulum is subject to the slightest interference. If you have a fan or open breezy window near the clock, the wind will stop the pendulum. Also, if you have curious children, or a cat that is fascinated by the swinging pendulum, they may touch it at times when you don't notice it. If the clock is located in a high traffic area where there is vibration from heavy footsteps, that will also stop the pendulum. If this is a possibility, temporarily relocate the clock in a place where there is no disturbance from any of these causes, and see how it runs.
    If none of these methods help, I would suggest taking the clock to a professional clock repairer.
    Thanks for your question.   Martin