Regulator wall clock

QuestionEdit

I have a Regulator chiming clock with 3 places to wind. I purchased it yesterday at a resale store. I looks pretty good and even has the key. It will stay running for several seconds but then it stops. It sounds like it is working beautifully while it runs but seems to get at a certain place everytime and then stops. Here is the info. I took off the back plate. 76 Franz Hermle No (0) Jewels Mad in West Germany Unadjusted 341-020 37 cm 112.5

AnswerEdit

Hi, Shirley. Sounds like you found a nice clock and it looks like it will go nice with the wood in your house. I'm going to copy you on the things to look for. But firs you say it stops at a certain place every time. That might be a clue to what is failing. Where is this place that it stops? On a wall clock there is an adjustment in the back that helps bring the clock into beat. It should have an even tick tock. If it goes tick..tock......tick..tock, it is out of beat and will stop. You can move the bottom of the clock to the left or right to get an even beat if it isn't out too much. If this corrects it, you might want to put a small pencil mark on the wall next to the side of the clock near the bottom. If the clock is bumped or tilts when winding, you can put it back on the mark and that will get it back in beat again. The movement was made in 1976 so it could have some wear that might cause it to stop. Anyhow, here are some different levels of diagnostics to check out:

THE FIRST LEVEL IS THE SETUP.

If a clock movement is in operating condition but not working, I would check the stability of the clock in that it is relatively level. The level is not critical, as setting the beat (below) will correct for this.

Next, verify that the mainsprings are wound or partially wound. I find some that aren't! Is the pendulum hanging configuration correct? This means that the suspension spring, hanger, verge and pendulum are all connected properly with nothing broken, especially the suspension spring. When the pendulum swings, it should be "in beat", meaning that when the pendulum swings you hear an even tick....tock....tick....tock. If it is uneven, like tick..tock......tick..tock, the clock will probably stop. If it is out of beat and tilting on the wall will not correct it, the escapement crutch will have to be slipped manually. If required, I can give you instructions for that. Also check to see if the hands are catching on each other or the dial. Look at the chime and strike hammers to see if they are all in alignment at the rest position. Sometimes jammed hammers or the drive mechanisms will stall the clock.

THE SECOND LEVEL INCLUDES MAINTENANCE

This includes cleaning, inspecting, oiling and adjusting. In the inspection, the movement is checked for adjustments, broken or worn parts. If there are any broken or worn parts, we go to the third level. If all parts are okay, a good clock oil and grease is used. In most cases the movement should be removed from the case to have access to all the lubrication points. Clock lubricants can be bought from clock suppliers. Using lubricants for other applications can cause problems, as some lubricants are not compatible with others. This even applies to different clock oils. After lubricating, the operation is checked for final adjustments. I recommend maintenance be performed every 7 to 10 years.

THE THIRD LEVEL IS REPAIR.

This requires that the movement be broken down and all parts inspected and repaired or replaced, and then reassembled lubricated, adjusted and tested. I do not recommend this except by an experienced clockmaker.

I hope this helps get it running. If it doesn't or