My 400 Day Anniversary Clock is Running Too Fast (or Slow)

Anniversary clocks are fascinating to watch as they run and even more enjoyable when they show the correct time.  However I often hear people complain that they keep lousy time.  Due to the billing that 400 day clocks need only be wound once a year (hence the name "anniversary clock") and 1000 day clocks once every three years, people come to expect that they should keep accurate time during those intervals as well.  The problem is that these clocks were not designed for that level of accuracy.  They were primarily designed to run a long time on one winding.  Modern alloys for suspension springs have reduced their sensitivity to temperature changes, however it still takes patience to regulate them to an accurate speed.

The disk at the top of the pendulum (the twirly thing at the bottom of the clock) is used to adjust the speed of the clock.  Unfortunately, this disk sometime seems a crude of a tool for such a delicate task.  The disk usually has arrows on the top to remind you which way to turn it to speed the clock up or slow it down.  However, unless you can read French the arrows may not help you.  Just remember this: when looking down at the top of the disk, turning it clockwise will make the clock run slower; counter-clockwise will make it run faster.

How much you turn the disk when you first start to adjust to the speed of the clock is pretty much a guess.  You may try a half-turn if the speed is really off.  Then check the time in a half hour and see if you need to make an adjustment.  Each time you make an adjustment to the disk, set the hands to the correct time.  As your accuracy improves, your adjustments will become smaller and your intervals between checks will be come larger.  If you go a week without making any adjustment, you are dialed in pretty tight.  Any adjustments after this will be a hair's width.

Bonus Tip

Even though your clock may run for a year or more on one winding, wind it every two to three months instead.  This will keep the tension on the main spring more consistent and will improve the clock's accuracy.  I have a mini Schatz 400 day clock on my desk and I wind it very two months.  At that time I also adjust the hands to the correct time and make a VERY small adjustment to the disk discussed above. 

Remember that patience is the key to regulating an anniversary clock.  Your reward will be a treasure that keeps pretty good time and that both young and old will enjoy watching.

Why Does My Clock Keep Stopping?

There are several reasons why a clock keeps stopping.  It may have worn out parts, broken parts, or simply need a good cleaning.  These are issues that can be addressed by your local clockmaker.  If the clock is in working condition but still will not keep running, it is out of beat.  This is a problem you may be able to solve on your own.

When a pendulum regulated clock is running well, you will hear it tick.  The loudness of the ticking will vary among clocks, but a clock in beat will produce a even "tick tock" sound.  The "tick" and the "tock" will have an even rhythm between them.  One will not sound longer than the other.  A clock that is not in beat will have an uneven rhythm in the the ticking and will run no longer than 10 or 15 minutes.

To put a clock in beat, you can have a clockmaker come to your house to adjust either the pallets or the crutch.  However, he will charge a service fee.  Another solution is for you to try to level the clock to where it is in beat.  This is possible with a wall or mantel clock, but a grandfather clock is going to require the attention of the clockmaker.

For a wall clock

Start the clock and listen to the ticking.  Much like straightening a picture on the wall, tilt the clock to the left or right while listening to the beat.  Does it sound worst or stop all together? Tilt the clock in the other direction.  Keep adjusting the clock to the left or right until you achieve an even beat.  If it keeps running, congratulations!  You've just avoided a service call.

For a mantel clock

The clock must be level from side to side and front to back.  First level the clock from front to back so that the pendulum is not rubbing either the back of the case or the rest of the clockworks.  The pendulum must swing without rubbing of hitting anything or the clock will stop.  Next, start the pendulum swinging and listen to the ticking. If the ticking is uneven, lift the right side or left side of the clock listening for an improvement in the beat.  When you have decided which side needs to be raised, use card stock or coins under the feet to keep that side at the correct height.  Verify your adjustments by listening for an even beat. If it keeps running, congratulations!  You too have just avoided a service call.

Which Winding Hole On My Clock Does What?

Spring-driven and cable-driven clocks can have up to 3 holes on the dial.  These holes are for winding the clock.  The location and purpose of these holes are usually the same for all clocks.  We will discuss all three types.

One Winding Hole

This is a 'time only' clock.  It does not chime or strike the hours.  Winding the arbor in this hole will give the clock power to keep time.

Two Winding Holes

This is a 'time and strike' clock.  The hole on the right is used to power the time train and make the clock keep time.  The hole on the left is used to power the strike train, which make the clock strike at the top of the hour.  Some of these clocks will also strike once at the half-hour.

Three Winding Holes

This is a chiming clock.  Not only will it keep time and strike at the top of the hour, but it will also chime on the quarter-hour.  The hole in the middle, near the '6' powers the time train which makes the clock keep time.  The hole to the right powers the quarter-hour chiming and the hole on the left powers the striking at the top of the hour.

The direction in which you need to turn the key or crank varies between different makes of clocks.  However, it will be quickly evident with your clock as to which way is the correct direction to wind the clock.  It you try winding the clock in the wrong direction, the key simply will not turn.  Turning the key in the correct direction will produce a clicking sound.  Continue until it will not wind any further.