Vintage Clock Parts Guide

Pendulum Swing Distance in Urgos Movements — How to Diagnose and Improve Swing Amplitude
Pendulum Swing Distance in Urgos Movements — How to Diagnose and Improve Swing Amplitude
Introduction When servicing an Urgos movement, one common question is whether the pendulum swing is wide enough for stable operation. A narrow swing may indicate power loss, verge misalignment, or... Read more...
How to Create an Even Patina on Brass — Safe, Controlled Brass Darkening Techniques
How to Create an Even Patina on Brass — Safe, Controlled Brass Darkening Techniques
Introduction Brass clock parts often develop uneven tarnish or discoloration over time. When restoring a clock, you may want to create a uniform patina that looks aged but clean. A... Read more...
How to Regulate a French Swinger Clock — Accurate Timekeeping With Pellet‑Weighted Pendulums
How to Regulate a French Swinger Clock — Accurate Timekeeping With Pellet‑Weighted Pendulums
Introduction Swinger clocks are often said to be inaccurate, but properly adjusted French swinger clocks can keep dependable time. These clocks use a pellet‑filled pendulum chamber to regulate the rate.... Read more...
How to Make a Replacement Verge Using an Existing Anchor as a Template
How to Make a Replacement Verge Using an Existing Anchor as a Template
Introduction Worn verge pallets are common in antique clocks. Deep ruts, poor past repairs, or incorrect geometry can prevent proper lock, drop, and impulse with the escape wheel. When adjustment... Read more...
Fixing Over‑Swing in Quartz Movements With Fake Pendulums — How to Reduce Pendulum Amplitude Safely
Fixing Over‑Swing in Quartz Movements With Fake Pendulums — How to Reduce Pendulum Amplitude Safely
Introduction Many quartz clocks use a decorative quartz pendulum driven by an electromagnetic coil. In narrow cases, the pendulum may swing too widely and strike the sides of the case.... Read more...
How to Tumble Clock Chains — Safe, Effective Methods for Cleaning and Polishing Chains
How to Tumble Clock Chains — Safe, Effective Methods for Cleaning and Polishing Chains
Introduction Tumbling is an effective way to clean and polish rusty or tarnished clock chains without hand scrubbing. Clock repairers have developed simple methods using plastic bottles, dryers, and mild... Read more...
Lantern Pinion Repair — How to Restore Worn or Broken Lantern Pinions Correctly
Lantern Pinion Repair — How to Restore Worn or Broken Lantern Pinions Correctly
Introduction Lantern pinions are common in older American and European clocks. They use hardened steel trundles held between two brass shrouds. Over time, trundles wear grooves, bend, or break, causing... Read more...
How to Replace the Click Spring in a Hermle Sprocket Wheel
How to Replace the Click Spring in a Hermle Sprocket Wheel
Introduction Hermle movements use a compact click and click spring system inside the sprocket wheel to control winding and prevent reverse rotation. When the click spring breaks or weakens, the... Read more...
Casting Lead Weights — How to Safely Cast and Size Clock Weights for Proper Operation
Casting Lead Weights — How to Safely Cast and Size Clock Weights for Proper Operation
Introduction Many antique clocks use lead weights to power the time, strike, or chime trains. When original weights are missing or incorrect, the clock may run too fast, too slow,... Read more...
How to Reassemble a Clock Movement — Step‑by‑Step Guide for Safe and Accurate Reassembly
How to Reassemble a Clock Movement — Step‑by‑Step Guide for Safe and Accurate Reassembly
Introduction Reassembling a clock movement requires careful alignment of the plates, correct positioning of the gear train, and proper installation of the escapement, levers, and motion works. Using a movement... Read more...
Hermle Chime & Strike Setup — How to Correctly Set Up Hermle 340‑020 Chime and Strike Trains
Hermle Chime & Strike Setup — How to Correctly Set Up Hermle 340‑020 Chime and Strike Trains
Introduction Hermle movements, especially the 340‑020 series, require precise alignment of the chime and strike trains to ensure correct quarter chimes and hour strike. Proper setup involves positioning the Hermle... Read more...
Repairing Spring Barrel Teeth — How to Restore Damaged Barrel Teeth Correctly
Repairing Spring Barrel Teeth — How to Restore Damaged Barrel Teeth Correctly
Introduction Spring barrel teeth can break from overwinding, metal fatigue, or sudden mainspring release. When teeth fail, the clock loses power or jams the gear train. Repairing spring barrel teeth... Read more...