Pendulum regulator key

Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2007 4:31 pm     Post subject: Pendulum regulator key

I have an 8-day "Gilt" French Ormolu mantel clock, with porcelain panels and face, cherubs to the sides, and gilt - or what seems to actually be brasswork - case. It runs well, and strikes the hour and half-hour. I have nearly got it adjusted correctly, but it's a laborious process adjusting the pendulum length.

Although there is a screw that fastens the pendulum bob in position, there is also a suspension adjustment mechanism at the top of the clock frame. The spring suspension can be lengthened or shortened by moving up or down a threaded clamp round it.

The clamp adjuster is moved by turning a toothed wheel that engages in a another at right-angles on a shaft which runs through a very small hole in the face of the clock above the 12. The outer end of this shaft has a squared section to engage in a very small diameter key of some kind - which I don't have!

My query is, what would this key have looked like? I have what I assumed was the original movement winding key which doesn't have any extra key built-in.

So to adjust the clock without this other key, each time I have to take out the movement - bell off, pendulum off, undo the two case screws, and withdraw it so that I can manually turn the adjusting wheel a tiny bit at a time!

I'd love to be able to do it from the front of the clock without dismantling it every time. As I'm in the UK, specific US suppliers might be tricky to contact. It's also difficult to estimate the tiny dimensions of the squared section of the shaft...

What might my next step be, in your collective opinions?

Thank you for reading all this way...

Dave

Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 10:31 am     Post subject:

This is an easy one dave. most times you would have a two sided key. one end to wind and turn the key around and make your adjustments to the time. I would suggest that you go to your local repair shop and buy a set of watch winding keys. They will come in a large variety of sizes. All you have to do is find the right size and you are golden. A large well known retailer for repair tools in europe would be Jules Borel. good quality and they are based in Germany I believe.

good luck.

Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2007 5:33 pm     Post subject: Regulator key

cooter77 pretty much answered your question. Apparently the original key was replaced with another at some point. The original key would have been doubled ended with a small end that fit the regulating arbor. Since you are in the UK I would think that a local clock shop, jeweller or antiques shop has seen many French clocks over the years and should have access to, or knowledge of, where to get a correct size replacement key.

Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2007 5:47 pm     Post subject: Pendulum rating key

As you can see above, I've learned a possibly more correct nomenclature!

Thank you both for your advices. I have sent off for a set of watch winding keys from a UK Internet site (tickintime.co.uk), and I hope that the smallest (00 - 2mm) size will fit. I rather think I may need an 000 size key, which isn't in the set!

I'll let you know if I'm successful.

Regards

Dave

Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 1:09 am     Post subject: Update

The set of watch winding keys arrived today, and hurrah - the No.6 key (of 12) is a perfect fit for the rating arbor!

Thanks for all your help.

Dave

Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 3:28 pm     Post subject:

good to hear, glad we could be of service.