Setting up an Anniversary Clock

3/22/2016

Anniversary clocks have a pendulum that rotates back and forth. Hang the pendulum (it may have four balls, a disk, or figurines) on the bottom block of the suspension wire. The pendulums on some anniversary clocks cannot be removed easily. These clocks usually have some kind of lock that keeps the pendulum in place during transport. Usually there is a thick, stubby, brass lever between the base of the movement and the top of the pendulum. Hold the pendulum and turn the lever until the pendulum is released. Some clocks have a lever in the front, under the base of the clock. Move the lever to one side to release the pendulum.

Once the pendulum is hung or unlocked, you must level the clock. If your clock has a small ring or cup under the pendulum, level the clock until the point of the pendulum is centered in the cup. Level the clock by rotating the leveling feet (you will see three knurled disks at the base of the clock) until the pendulum is centered, or by putting shims under the clock if it doesn’t have leveling feet. Once the clock is level, rotate the pendulum (1/2 circle) and release.

Note: Never move an anniversary clock without first locking or removing the pendulum.

9 Comments

Andrea A Yaudas

4/27/2019 06:50:33 pm

I have two anniversary clocks they're both 12 in tall , the suspension spring had to be replaced. So I have been buying suspension Springs cuz I don't know the right size I've asked several clock people they send me these Springs my clock will not run after I put them together. If they do run their way too fast and I've got it turn to the furthest point that I can turn the disc to make the clock slow down. The one clock I've had for 36 years. I haven't bent the wires I'm very careful when I'm assembling them and I don't understand why I can't get them to run right

Mike @ Wise Owl link

4/29/2019 12:13:25 pm

Hello Andrea A. Yaudas:
You might want to consider taking your clock in to a professional. The suspension springs used by various manufacturers varied quite a bit in thickness and length. Most clockmakers refer to a book to get the spring right. I use "Horolovar 400 Day Clock Repair Guide" by Charles Terwilliger. Once you Identify your clock, the book gives the proper spring thickness and a silhouette of the spring assembly so that one can get the top block, bottom block and fork in the correct positions. If the spring thickness is wrong, or the length is wrong, or the fork is put on in the wrong place, the clock either won't run or won't keep time. A new spring can also affect the "beat" of the clock. You want the clock to give a push to the pendulum at the same point of the spin in each direction so that the tick and tock are evenly spaced. Most anniversary clocks do 8 beats a minute, or 7.5 seconds between each tick and tock. It is almost impossible to get these even by ear. I use an electronic beat counter. Now even if the spring is perfect and the clock is in beat, if the clock has not been cleaned in a number of years, it may not keep time. Anniversary clocks run an entire year on one winding, so there is very little power that pushes the pendulum back and forth. If there isn't enough power, the pendulum won't rotate as far as it should resulting in the clock running fast. I usually will not replace a spring without cleaning the clock.

I hope this helps!
Mike

gonzalo

5/4/2020 03:55:55 pm

My HOLOVAR 400 twist clock stops after +/- 5 or 6 days. I've been told that the main gear moves an axle which has the end gear teeth broken.
How can you help me to get the right spares? How can I attach pictures of the clock?
Here in CHILE, there is a good clock repair fan but it is dificulta to replace the damaged parts.

Bernard C link

11/21/2020 09:38:08 pm

This is ggreat

Lois J. Pate

5/10/2021 08:33:20 am

I have an 8" anniversary clock that needs replacement, but I don't know where to order one. Do you do this type of work? Thank you.

Forat kamel

5/18/2021 12:24:31 pm

I would like to know about the products and prices

Victoria Addington link

7/20/2022 08:30:27 pm

It was most captivating when you mentioned that the clock must be leveled once the pendulum is unlocked. My friend told me that his old clock is malfunctioning. I think he should call a clock repair servicing expert to ensure other parts won't be affected.

Paul Belcher

12/28/2022 03:11:05 am

Hello.
I have just moved an anniversary clock from my mother in law's to our home. We disconnected the pendulum and carried it with a huge amount of care the two hundred yards home. I set the clock on the sideboard and with a small bubble level (an inch or so long) levelled the base forward/backward and side to side. Re hung the pendulum making sure it was/is hooked on to the mechanism which operates the gearing, twisted the pendulum a full rotation and gently let it start to spin.
The clock won't run for more than twenty minutes to an hour.
It was working fine at my mother in law's.
Please, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Tim

2/22/2023 03:06:31 pm

Hi I have this exact clock are you able to tell me more about it cheers

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