Hour hand freefall movement

Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 11:20 am     Post subject: Hour hand freefall movement

Hi all

I have an anniversary clock and when the minute hand gets to 10 past the hour it freefalls to 25 past. I would have thought than when it got to about quarter to then it would fall back but it does not. There does not seem to be any freeplay with the hand and the nut holding on the hand seems tight enough. Has anyone any ideas.

Thanks

Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2008 5:21 pm     Post subject: anniversary clock

Have you noticed any "fluttering" of the anchor as the pendulum oscillates back and forth, at the times mentioned (10 past the hour for example). That is the usual cause of anniversary (400 day) clocks gaining a sudden amount of time. It can usually be corrected by adjusting the pendulum beat.

Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 4:35 pm     Post subject:

clkwrx, thanks for your reply. I cannot say that I have noticed any fluttering at the mentioned time. It just drops. I have pushed the hand in a little and this has given it a little more grip, not sure how long this will last though. We have just bought the clock and it is running very fast, can you advise how I slow it down?

Once again thanks for your response I do truly appreciate yours and everyones else's help. I am just about to start a clock repair course so hopefully soon I will be able to offer advice and give back something of what you give out

Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 4:59 pm     Post subject: aniversary clock

Most modern anniversary clocks have a three or four ball pendulum. There is a knurled nut on the pendulum unit. Usually there is a + and a - and/or an S and F marked on the nut to indicate which direction you should turn it for slower or faster. The pendulum unit should be held steady while adjustments are being made and then started again.

The knurled nut either expands or contracts the pendulum balls to control the speed. It may take a number of adjustments to correct the timing. Allow at least 48 hours to observe the amount of gain or loss before making any further adjustments.