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[Weslemkoon]

So pleased to find you. Looking forward to help with winding my father's Gustav Becker Anniversary Clock. This looks like the place!

[oldhippy]

Thank you for your introduction and welcome to this friendly forum.

I can help you with the clock. 

[vinn3]

welcome to the forum.   do you work on watches also?  vin

[Weslemkoon]

Good morning and thank you for the welcome. The clock in question is a Gustav Becker anniversary clock #2088178. It was purchased by my grandfather. My father who recently passed away (93 years old) had no memory of it ever working.

I took it to a friend who's hobby is working on antique clocks and lamps. He got it as far as running for 15 minutes at a time. I then spent a month hand spinning the pendulum and bit by bit and it would run longer and longer. Then it ran non stop (a bit fast) for almost a year. Now it has stopped again and I was thinking maybe it was time for a winding! I put in the key, but it seems so stiff I'm afraid to force it, as I have no idea how hard I should try to turn it.

So that is my question. How stiff is the key to turn?  Thank you for taking the time to read my long-winded question.

ps I have done minimal work on watches, years ago. I have a ridiculous number of watches, though not many antiques.

[oldhippy]

Winding any type of clock should not be stiff. In your case, it could be the clock is fully wound. Could you post a few photos so I can see the movement?

[Weslemkoon]

Sorry for the delay. I will get those pictures soon. It has been running now for about a year, so I don't think it could still be fully wound, but I really don't know how it works. I just tried to turn the key and it moves a bit looser now. Counterclockwise, correct? What exactly do you want to be included in the pictures, angle, etc.  

 

[Weslemkoon]

[oldhippy]

From what I can see the clicl and ratchet wheel are on the outside of the plate, that is good it  makes it easer to let down. If you have never let a clock down it wood be better if you bought one of these. You do not want to harm yourself or damage the clock. 

https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/mainspring-let-down-tool-with-3-key-shafts

 

[Weslemkoon]

Thank you for the information about the tools to "let down" the clock. It sent me to a lot of reading and videos. I won't be doing anything right now because, wait for it.... the clock is running again! I know it isn't fixed, and I'll have this happen again, but when it does, I'll start with the information you gave me. I look forward to reading more on this site. Thank you

[oldhippy]

That goes to show how temperamental those clocks are. The bible on repairing those clocks is Charles Terwilliger Horolovar 400-Day Clock Repair Guide. You can pick up old editions on ebay and amazon.   

[Weslemkoon]

I'll look for it, because we all know, I'm going to need it  ; )