How to adjust time, fast - slow

Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 7:45 am     Post subject: How to adjust time, fast - slow

HI. I have a little clock, pretty standard 50's type wind up movement with a little lever on the back + or -. The clock was running slow so I cleaned and oiled it and now it's running fast. Adjustment of the lever doesn't seem to do anything? I removed the cover and the lever works against a little coil spring inside. Is there anything I can do to make to fast slow lever have some effect?
By the way, how can I post a photo?

Many thanks in advance[/img]

Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 11:45 am     Post subject:

make the hairspring bounce inbetween the gap.

there is an esplanation of how to post pics in a previous thread.

Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 10:18 pm     Post subject:

Sorry, not sure what you mean about making the hairspring "bounce" in between the gap? Many thanks for your reply

Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 11:06 pm     Post subject:

'the little spring inside' as you call it is the hairspring you need to adjust.

It should be touching one side/end of the slot/hole then the other as it oscilates back and fro. Using tweezers move the spring end by the pinned end a thousand of an inch to make the spring touch both sides.

Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2009 11:37 pm     Post subject:

Now I understand thank you. So I assume by tensioning the spring, it advances the time keeping? I want slow it down a bit so you're saying you can pull the spring out from pinned end a thou to slacken the spring slightly? The clock was gaining around 10mins every 24hours without any tension on the spring (the advance retard lever was not actually touching or tensioning the hairspring spring) Rgds Craig

Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2009 12:55 pm     Post subject:

by unpinning the end you can let some of the hairspring out or push in a bit. this will also regulate the timekeeping - out=slower in=faster. The trouble with this method is that you may have to move it about a millimeter or two to have an effect and will also put the clock out of beat slightly which you would have to correct afterwards too.

the way the 'tension' on the hairspring works in the hole/gap on the regulator is by tighting the spring against the metal - letting it move a bit will cause it to slow. I would use this method unless you can put the clock in beat .(an even tick both ways).
By saying 'a thou' i was making sure you didn't put too much pressure on the delicate spring which could break easily if you don't take care. This would put you in lots of bother if it broke. the hairspring is usually made of steel - some bronze which is prone to breaking if too many 'bends' are made.
Make do with few as poss and regulate by moving the regulater to fine tune.