400 day clock suspension spring

[Willow]

Is this normal for a Kundo 400 day spring i thought they are all flat, this one is twisted all the way down the spring but it looks like its meant to be like that. Also what is the purpose of the double sided key, thanks

[nickelsilver]

That spring is toast. The pendulum got spun at some point. Should be a straight flat "blade".

[Willow]

Thanks nickelsilver yes you confirmed what i thought but with it being my first 400 day i didnt want to take any chances

[watchweasol]

Well I have seen some springs but that.s the best yet as Nicklesilver said "toast".  The double ended key is from a clock with a brocot escapement (visible escapement) and the small end is used to adjust the pendulum length from the front. There is usually a small hole above the 12 marker and a small arbour to raise or lower the pendulum.    I have attached a picture of what the spring should look like.

[Willow]

Yes certainly can see the difference thanks watchweasol my 400 day clock book came today so impressed, with lots of information love it will have to get back on to cousins and order a new spring

[luiazazrambo]

If you order only the spring u will need dimensions from the Horolovar 400 day clock repair guide. Or from anywhere else if you can get it. You could take the measurements of the existing one but because the spring is twisted it is probably a bit shorter now. You will need to post a picture of the backplate for us to identify your movement. I could try to scan the right page for you but, I am not an experienced guy, my first 400 day clock is still on my bench waiting for me.

[oldhippy]

The springs used to come in a pack of three. With the help of your book you will be able to get the right length of the spring and the blocks and the position of the fork for the pallets.

[Willow]

Yes just got the book today and watchweasol told me what page to go to for the spring so I will order one my clock is all in bits at the moment ready for cleaning getting it back together that's where the fun starts probably be back on hear asking for help  good luck with yours

[Willow]

I am I right in thinking that I can use the size in the book as a template to put it together

[oldhippy]

5 minutes ago, Willow said:

I am I right in thinking that I can use the size in the book as a template to put it together

Yes that's right, same goes for the blocks and fork. 

[luiazazrambo]

Ahh I don't know how I missed that you got the book already.

[Willow]

Yes it came today all the best with your clock

[watchweasol]

Hi when you come to assemble the suspension  be very careful with the spring as they kink easy, attach the top and bottom blocks as per the drawing as per page 179  5E (use Horolovar springs as the book is based on their research)  and when satisfied they match then fit the fork. Once satisfied assemble the suspension to the clock and fit the rotorary pendulum and set up.  If you have the tool as old hippy mentioned it makes it easier as you are able to make miniscule adjustments.  Make sure the clock is level and the pendulum is directly on center at rest above the cup. On page 56 there is a grid for you to copy and use for setting the overswing / beat. Once you have set it up and working you will be hooked on 400day clocks   I love them  and have several plus some quartz ones. The wife likes them  they dont TICK  TOCK.

[Willow]

Have ordered the spring I have just got to figure out how to get the pin out at the bottom without causing any damage my wife is the same no noise and no striking in the middle of the night

[watchweasol]

To get the pin out  place it on a staking block or staking tool and press it out, sometimes just pressing it a little is enough for it to open and remove/reinsert new spring.

[oldhippy]

Be sparse when it comes to oiling the movement. They perform better. A good tip is to oil the inside of the pallet fork on each side where it makes contact with the stem of the pallets, nothing more then using your fine watch oilier should be enough.  it also will prevent any fluttering. (fluttering) when many escape teeth escape at the same time.   

 

[oldhippy]

35 minutes ago, Willow said:

Have ordered the spring I have just got to figure out how to get the pin out at the bottom without causing any damage my wife is the same no noise and no striking in the middle of the night

If you mean the pin in the bottom block, there is no need to remove it, just unscrew the two screws, remove the old spring, insert the new so it is touching the pin, make sure it is all proper to the diagram in the book and screw tight. I found a good way of fitting these springs and screwing it tight was to use my watch vice to hold the blocks in, Be very careful with the pallet fork when screwing it tight do not kink the spring. 

[Willow]

Thanks for the advice