Expert: Martin Meyer - 7/1/2007

Question
We inherited this lovely 1974 Mauthe wall clock with chimes.  It is a #145/65.  We have tried and tried to get it to keep the pendulum ticking, but no matter the wall hanging angle, tip, etc., it stops.  Is there a switch we need to release somewhere?  It is definitely wound and the chimes work well.  Thank you very much, Jan Noges  

Answer
Hi Jan,
    It is very unlikely that there is any release mechanism for the pendulum. If there is, it would be some sort of shipping clamp holding the pendulum in place so, if the pendulum swings, it should be ready to run.
    All 2 or 3 winding holes must be fully wound as far as they will go. The clock should tick steadily like a metronome (tick-tick-tick). If it sounds uneven (tick-TOCK-tick-TOCK), you should move the clock slightly to one side or the other (as it seems you have already done) until the tick evens out.
    If the clock doesn't tick at all in any position, then you have some internal problem in the clock. Check that the pendulum is hooked correctly onto the leader, that the pendulum is not scraping against anything in the clock (usually a front-to-back leveling problem), and that the hands are not hitting each other or the dial. If it has a seconds hand, make especially sure that it is not in contact with the dial. If it is, pull it out a tiny bit so that it  moves freely. If none of these methods help, you may need to call a clock repairer.
    If you can get it to tick evenly, but it runs only a few seconds or minutes, then it probably needs an overhaul, or at least lubrication and adjustment. This is also a job for a professional clock repairer.
   Thanks for your question.   Martin