Spinning Ball Pendulum

Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2010 12:09 am     Post subject: Spinning Ball Pendulum

Well, it has come to a point my my Grandfather's life to hand the clockwork down to someone and it has become me, but I have little to no knowledge about his clocks. I am currently working on one of clocks, but I am unsure of its true name. The clock is in a glass "case", has "Westminster" written in the center and is supposed to have a sort of spinning ball pendulum on it, but the spinning ball pendulum is missing. I was wondering if someone could direct me to a page that sells said spinning pendulums and I am looking for a more official name for the part. Thank you for helping me out!

Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2010 3:02 pm     Post subject:

There are not many movements that feature a spinning pendulum. Klockit has searched for one for about 7 years now, and we have finally found a battery-operated (quartz) version. Klockit will offer this movement in the Fall (available after August 2010). While you might have to consider replacing the entire movement, this may be an option if you should not have any luck finding the proper pendulum. Unfortunately, the pendulum will not be offered separately.

Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2010 10:41 pm     Post subject:

Thank you. Now, from what I can tell from his other clocks that are so similar, the pendulum is pretty much controlled by an electromagnet, having it rotate about 180 degrees each direction, once per second. On a different note: The clock I am working on has little more than the word "Westminster" printed on the face. I also understand that the chime it uses does the Westminster chime. Is this a coincidence, or would the name of the clock maker actually be Westminster?

Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 1:02 pm     Post subject:

I am pretty certain Westminster would indicate the name of the tune that the movement chimes. At the very least, I am not familiar with any clock-makers with the name of Westminster (but admit that I am no expert).

Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2010 2:04 am     Post subject:

it would help if you could post some pictures.

Posted: Sun May 30, 2010 12:47 pm     Post subject:

Well, it appears that the part for the clock that created the spinning pendulum is an electromagnet set up, rather than an official spinning pendulum. Would this be purchasable from Klockit?

Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 3:43 pm     Post subject:

Again, if you can not find a pendulum replacement, the next option would be to look into replacing the whole movement (not just the pendulum). If this is the route you must go, it should not matter what drives the pendulum (as the part of the clock that drives the pendulum would be the part you would be replacing). Klockit will not be selling the rotary pendulum on its own. The pendulum would only be included with the rotary movement.

You do have some time to continue searching for the replacement pendulum in the meantime. Klockit's new rotary pendulum movement will not be available until August of 2010.