Sometimes simple is the answer
And sometimes not.
While visiting friend Ken this horology hack espied this:
Attractive, spare design.
Maybe 1920 or thereabouts?
No obvious maker.
"Beautiful clock. Does it run?"
Ken told not a tale of woe rather that the pendulum wouldn't "keep going anymore". Doesn't know anything about clocks but loves this clock.
"Want me to take a look?"
He was thrilled.
Transporting the clock your local horologist noted right away one critical problem with the clock.
The movement seemed to shift in the case as it was moved.
Ruh Roh.
Back at the house and prior to landing in the shop it needed Bella inspection.
Smells good.
Now in the shop it was quickly clear what was happening with the movement.
Here is the view opening the back door of the clock.
That's a German movement.
The "B&W" stamped on the plate is the mark of Berger & Würker. Not very well known but well regarded.
What's that metal pin sitting on the bottom of the case? Read on.
Inside the case the movement is mounted to a black metal plate which is screwed down to the case. It's actually a nice design.
Those posts have ends that pop into holes in the movement plates and are held in place with pins.
Removing the movement and plate from the case.
The photo above was taken after YLH had done some work on the clock.
Fresh out of the case it was clear that the top pin was missing (found sitting in the bottom of the case).
So the whole top of the movement was unanchored and easily slipped back and forth with the pin gone.
Just needed to have the pin firmly seated when reassembled later.
Easy peasy.
Next the movement was put it up on a stand. It was in beautiful condition.
Shiny.
It had clearly been well serviced by clockmakers before this mutt.
It needed to be leveled and put in beat but coaxed a bit the movement ran on the stand!
Excellent.
Striking seemed insipid.
Ah this clock detective saw the problem during inspection.
The hammer that hits the gong for striking had a problem. As it is lifted by the movement it gets pressed down by a spring so that it will hammer the gong with power.
The spring is actually a straight wire/rod that catches a lever/pin on the hammer arbor.
Except that isn't set up correctly. The spring must be tucked under the pin.
Five seconds later it was.
Hmm...
Oh well.
The clock ran nicely! Yay!
And boy was the movement clean.
So clean it didn't really need anything other than some oil.
Great.
Done.
Movement back in the case.
Gong reinstalled.
Ditto the hands.
The clock ran overnight.
Kept perfect time.
Striking well.
5 times at 5. 6 times at 6. Etc.
Done.
YLH called Ken and said the clock was ready to go home.
Great!
Clock doc will drop it off later.
Story over right?
Wrong.
Working in the shop on another clock and writing this post for the blog.
Dum dee dum.
Ken's clock strikes 1. Good.
The clock strikes 1:30. Good.
Wait!
What!?
It struck SEVEN times at 1:30.
Groan.
Called Ken.
Sorry need more time.
No problem. Whenever you're ready.
What's happening?
Well as your correspondent types this the answer is...
DUNNO.
Because Rush-Along Cassidy has only just hung up from the call with Ken. This post is hot off the presses.
We shall see.
Gives you more time to enjoy the clock, yes?
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