slow pendulum

Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 10:22 am     Post subject: slow pendulum

Got an "in beat" wall clock which runs very slow. Have managed to get it to run on time but only by fastening 4 AA batteries almost at the top of the pendulum rod as "ballast". Movement is clean and both pendulum rod and bob are original items. Any ideas folks?

Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 1:00 pm     Post subject:

If you are sure the movement, pendulum and rod are original and the bob is at it's uppermost adjustment, there must be an escapement problem. Does the pendulum swing wide or barely move? Does the escape wheel skip a beat occasionally? If it does skip a beat, you must check the escape wheel and verge bushings for play, or...you may be able to adjust the verge closer to the escape wheel.

Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 1:10 pm     Post subject:

Wow
Took me a while to get the movement in beat but now it tick / tocks just fine. Doesn't miss a beat and pendulum has a short but steady swing. With the extra weight on the rod it seems quite happy but I am concerned about additional wear this could cause. Only other way to get it to keep time was to push the bob up much higher than the threaded portion of the rod and wedge it with a matchstick! This isn't a long term solution however as the clock is a "free swinger" and the movement would not fit in the case with the bob in this position - hence my use if ballast!

Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 9:42 pm     Post subject:

Something is wrong. Sounds like someone has replaced the original movement with a short-drop mantel movement or replaced the escape wheel. Can you post pictures?