Regulator -sessions wall clock

QuestionEdit

Hi John, I have a Sessions wall clock by Regulator. It wont keep the movement once it is started. I swing the pendulum and it ticks for about 4-5 minutes and then stops. This is a recent problem and did work fine when I got it a couple months ago. I took the number face off..blew the movement and parts off with compressed air and WD-40 lightly..still same issue. It is wound tight so thats not it...any ideas? I have tried to start over and over again after it stops but still same issue..runs for about 4-5 minutes then stops again.. Your help is appreciated Sir! Jim

AnswerEdit

Jim, if the movement is in working condition and the clock is out of beat, it will not continue running. "In beat" means that it has an even tick tock, like tick....tock....tick....tock. If it goes tick..tock......tick..tock, it is out of beat and will stop. When the clock comes from the factory or service shop it should be in beat when level. However, the beat can be knocked out of beat when moved or bumped. Different clocks have different ways of setting this beat. But if it isn't do bad, you can move the bottom of the clock to the left or right to bring it back in beat. Once it is set and running properly, make a small pencil mark on the wall at the bottom side of the clock. Then when it is moved, like when the door is opened to wind, it can be put back on the mark. If this does not resolve the problem, it probably needs to be looked at by an experienced clockmaker.

One note and that is that WD-40 is good for many applications (I am using it right now to free up a seized electrical switch shaft). However, it should not be used on clocks. WD-40 is not a lubricant, but formulated as a water displacement application and does free up rusted mechanisms and dissolves gummy lubricants. In clocks, one of the common causes of clock failure is old and gummy lubricants and/or worn parts. The gummy lubricants contain ground brass and steel from the worn parts and if not cleaned out, the dissolved lubricants and ground metals just accelerate the wear. Because the WD-40 penetrates the metals and many clock lubricants are not compatible with it, many clockmakers will not take in clocks that have been sprayed with it, or they will charge additional fees for the multiple cleanings required to eliminate the traces. Also, nothing should be sprayed on clock movements because of attracting dust to unwanted areas. Clock lubrication uses special oils and greases applied very sparingly and in specific places only.