Silk suspension

Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 1:45 am     Post subject: Silk suspension

I have for repair an old french clock with silk suspension.
At least it was supposed to be... Sent to a not very professional guy for repair, he removed the original silk suspension and tryed to build a spring suspension in place. Clock didn't run, and the collector owner of the clock got furious!
Now the clock is in my hands, but I have not a clear idea about what material should I use or where can I get this silk suspension. How thick? Any special characteristic should be observed?

If someone has experience with this type of clock and can help me I will apreciate. Thank you.

Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 12:54 am     Post subject: Silk suspension

Silk suspension is exactly what you might think. Instead of the usual suspension spring the pendulum is suspended from a silk thread.

Any movements of this type that I have seen usually have a short silk thread loop attached to the suspension post. The pendulum is hung from the silk thread loop in much the same way that it would have hung from a suspension spring.

Silk thread is not part of the average repair kit. I'd advise contacting your favorite seamstress.

Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 1:16 pm     Post subject:

We have some at our shop. as I recall I think we got if from Timesavers. or Empire. check out the clock part houses if you can't source it locally.

good luck