My Grandfather's clock

[cedargrove]

I have recently developed an interest in mechanical clocks, and decided to spend some time looking one that I would be happy with. I really like glass cases whereby I can see the movement, and was considering a vintage Atmos clock.

Coincidentally I also recently found out that my Great Great Grandfather was a watch and clock maker. I was fortunate enough to locate an 1880s carriage clock that he retailed, with his name on the dial, and in full working order. It arrived today, and I really couldn't be happier.

[Crown and Caliber]

Absolutely incredible. What a remarkable piece of history, too. I'm envious.

[cedargrove]

Absolutely incredible. What a remarkable piece of history, too. I'm envious.

Thank you very much.

I'm still in partial shock that I own this.

It's sitting on a shelf in my bedroom ticking away, and gonging every half hour. It was a pleasure to fall asleep to the ticking, and the chime did not wake me up at all. Fortunately my wife finds the sounds quite pleasing too, so in our room it will stay for awhile. It also kept very good time overnight.

[John MS]

Congratulations on finding a part of your family history that is also a lovely clock.

[cedargrove]

Congratulations on finding a part of your family history that is also a lovely clock.

Thanks John.

[cedargrove]

I gave the clock a full wind 10.5 days ago and it's still running and chiming. The clockmaker indicated he replaced the mainsprings with high quality German springs during service, so this likely explains why it's running more than the expected 8 days.

It is also running 8 minutes fast after 10 days. Not sure there's much I can do about it because the adjustment on the balance wheel is already pushed close to the slow side. But for a 130 year old clock I can live with a few minutes off and I'll just adjust once per week.

Still in awe of this clock, and really enjoying it.

[cedargrove]

Well my clock stopped.

I know it did not wind down as I had only wound it a couple of days earlier, and the first thing I did when I notice it stopped was to wind it. I gently nudged the balance wheel with a pegwood stick (which is how I originally started it) and the balance wheel oscillated for several seconds and slowly came to a stop, but the escapement wheel was not moving at all. Looking through the glass it appears as though all the cogs and pinions are properly connected. I emailed the vendor a couple of days agao but have not heard back yet. Regardless he is overseas so I will not send back to him despite the one year warranty.

Ultimately I will find a good clockmaker here to take it to, but was wondering if there is something more simple I should try first. I am not adverse tinkering with it myself if someone siggested a relatively easy fix, however the fully wound spring might pose a concern. Any advice would be appreciated, or recommendation for a Toronto area clockmaker.

Thanks

[IornMan]

Now that's a master piece love this clock my grand parents also have one of these Grandfather clocks at their place and simple love the bog old pendulum.

[selskihf]

you could manage to keep remarkable memories of your "Great Great Grandfather", I wish I could have done the same for my grandfather.

[terrancelee]

Can't help you with repair info, but think this is just an awesome find for you. Wish I were so lucky!