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Clocks, Watches/how does it work
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Question
QUESTION: I just bought an antique clock but I know nothing about it. It has 2 holes for the key, on the front. One must be for winding , what does the other one do?
ANSWER: Hi Mike,
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you.
The hole on the right is for winding the timekeeping mechanism, and the one on the left is for winding the strike or chime mechanism. Some clocks also have a small hole at the "12" for regulating the rate of the clock.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: My clock does not have a hole at 12 for adjustment and it gains about 12-15 minutes per 24 hours. How do I slow it down ? I think the pendulum does have a n adjustable threaded screw at the bottom. Thanks
Mike W
Hi Mike,
You adjust the time by turning the nut at the bottom of the pendulum in small increments. Turn it to the left (unscrewing it) to go slower, and vice versa. There is no rule of thumb for how much to turn, it is a trial-and-error process. Make sure that you always make adjustments when the clock is fully wound.
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Answers by Expert:
Martin Meyer
Expertise
Can answer repair and service questions for most types of clocks, antique and modern, mechanical and battery. NO watches, appraisals, identification, history, dating, or questions about cuckoo clocks. Website for Modern and Antique Clock Repair: Clockmasteronline.com
Experience
24 Years as owner and repairman of clock repair business, 28 years in the field. Factory Independent Service Center for Howard Miller, Ridgeway and (formerly) Sligh Clocks. Specializing in Fine Antique Longcase (grandfather) clocks. Clock repair Website: (Please remove "Not" from the address - this is a spam protection): www.NotClockmasteronline.com
Organizations
AWCI (American Watchmakers and Clockmakers Institute) and NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors)
Publications
Am also an Expert in the "AllExperts-Antiques-Antique Clocks" Category.
Education/Credentials
Trained by a former Rolex Asia watchmaker, and by a Master Watchmaker/Clockmaker.
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