Gustav Becker Anniversary Clock Set-Up

[johnf600]

I have a Gustav Becker Anniversary clock with serial number 2065461 which I believe dates it at about 1898 -1900.

The clock has been working OK recently but after cleaning, etc and the fitting of a new suspension wire I am having difficulties getting it to run. It runs very well for about 15 minutes and then stops. I believe this is due to the fact that the pendulum is not getting the 'push' from the main spring. Looking at the anchor pin it is very jerky as it moves from side to side and I don't know where this inconsistency is coming from. Also the fork attached to the suspension wire seems to have very little displacement. It would be useful to know just how much displacement is normal (in mm not degrees!).

I should be very grateful if anyone could cast some light on where I should go from here. I'm very reluctant to play around with the pallets, partly because I can't get at them without dismantling the gear train and then I can't observe their operation.

Best regards,

JohnF

[Geo]

Welcome to the forum John. This is a question for the clock experts who I'm sure will be along shortly with some answers.

[oldhippy]

Not the easiest of clocks to get in beat. In fact many clock repairers won't touch them.

Its hard without seeing the action, but I will do my best. There shouldn't be hardly any distance or play between the suspension pallet forks and the long stem from the pallets, to stop the jerking put a very tiny drop of oil both sides of the long stem, this will stop the jerking. A little oil on both pallet faces. I know you said you fitted a new suspension spring, are you sure you have the correct one and that it isn't bent in any way and it is the right length. You need to have the forks at the right height There is a book which I highly recommend about these clocks. I think it's called  The Horolovar 400-day clock repair guide. Also a very good tool for getting the clock in beat link https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/horolovar-beat-setting-tool. How did you go about cleaning it? Try this first and let me know.

[altaka]

Hello John,

First things first, never adjust the pallets, their set from the factory, maybe polish the impulse faces slightly. Also check to see that the pin lever has not worked loose in the verge/anchor. Should only be checked when its removed from the plates, the pivots will break like glass.

 

Like OldHippy says, the suspension spring must be the exact thickness and length, and the fork must be positioned perfectly according to the horolovar book specifications, and the mainspring should be wound

 

Setting up proper beat takes more patience then watching paint dry.

Make the pend stand still, put tape on base and mark as neutral position

turn pendulum horribly slowly until you see it escape a tooth, mark this position

turn pend the other way until it escapes, mark this.

The distance from each mark to neutral should be equal, if not, you need to turn the top Saddle assembly a microscopic amount until it is correct. Realize each adjustment will require new marks

After proper adjustment, you will see that not only does the pendulum swing enough to cause escapeing, but you will also see it overswing the mark, this is very good. A total rotation of 270 degree's is great. This shows good power coming through the train to the escape wheel.

 

Once you have it in beat, a half bottle of Wine is in order

 

Beat Rate is adjusted with the knob on top on the pend bob. Don't be surprized if the etched arrows are in correct for Retard or Advance. In a perfect world the knob should be in the middle at the correct beat rate according to horolover specs

If the beat is too fast and you can't slow down with the pend knob, you can sand the suspension spring length below the fork with Crocus Cloth, polishing cloth. If you didn't put in the correct suspension spring to begin with, don't expect Crocus Cloth to fix it.

If the beat is too slow, you put in the wrong suspension spring

Finish off the rest of the Wine

 

Forks that flutter are usually adjusted too low on the suspension spring a micro amount

If the fork is too high it will reduce the total swing of the pendulum, but not flutter, you need to find the sweet spot in between.

Any adjustment to the fork or spring throws out the above adjustments, do it again, and again.

 

Also as the mainspring and oil ages along with dirty pivots, this reduces tolal swing of the pendulum until the swing cannot cause escapement any longer

If you've gotten this far, you might be wondering if the clock will run an entire year. To test this, let down the mainspring and put 1.5 winds on it. It should barely be escaping. If it does, pat yourself on your back, your done.

 

Now you know why most clocksmiths will not touch anniversary clocks, too much labor, not enough money

I think its time for my nape

 

Al Takatsch

Jefferson ClockWorks

[Geo]

Excellent description Al, thank you for posting. I have two anniversary clocks needing attention, it looks like a case of wine will have to be purchased shortly! :)

[oldhippy]

Excellent description Al, thank you for posting. I have two anniversary clocks needing attention, it looks like a case of wine will have to be purchased shortly! :)

Agree Geo a very good in depth description. After reading it, it reminded me of some things I'd forgotten. The book I mentioned has pictures of the back plates and pictures of the suspension springs including where the fork should be put, the length and strength of the suspension spring. If you are going to undertake repairing these clocks its a clock makers bible. 

[Geo]

I've had the book for about four years now, and like you I highly recommend it! :)

[oldhippy]

I've had the book for about four years now, and like you I highly recommend it! :)

Have you not repaired your two or is it you haven't had time enough. Or don't you like repairing them,many people don't. :D

[Geo]

I'm like a butterfly, I keep flying from one interest to another. I will get around to it though.

[clockboy]

I have repaired/serviced many anniversary clocks & for them to run everything has to be correct. The thickness of the suspension spring is also very critical to thick/thin & you can never get the clock in time. Gustav Becker use .004" suspension springs.

The book I highly recommend is 400 Day Clock by Charles Terwilliger.

I did have a conversation a few years ago with a fellow horologist who hated working on them. However he recommended fitting a stronger spring if all else fails. I have never tried it but it would help.

 

 

[altaka]

Thanks Guys,

The horolovar book sells for $27.00  at the link below

http://stores.thehorolovarcompany.com/horolovar-400-day-clock-repair-guide/

 

I've seen these books go for 75.00 or more for a used book on ebay or amazon so don't pay too much.

[oldhippy]

I think that's the book I had but a much older one.

[johnf600]

Gentlemen,

Many, many thanks for your comprehensive advice on how to set up my anniversary clock. It will take a little time to work through everything  but I will start on this soon and report back on progress.

I've already opened a bottle of wine in anticipation!

Best regards,

John

[oldhippy]

I've just found this video about fitting a new suspension spring and using the 400 Day Clock by Charles Terwilliger.

[oldhippy]

I forgot the link here it is.

[clockboy]

Excellent Vid. Notice how important it is to get everything nice & squire In the exact position & no kinks whatsoever with the spring. 

[oldhippy]

Excellent Vid. Notice how important it is to get everything nice & squire In the exact position & no kinks whatsoever with the spring.

Oh yes its very crucial. I'm not to keen on how he goes about holding the blocks. I found the best way was to hold them in my watch movement vice.

[clockboy]

Noticed today Cousins are offering 400 day clock mainsprings for approx. £4.00. which is a bargain. 

[Geo]

Noticed today Cousins are offering 400 day clock mainsprings for approx. £4.00. which is a bargain.

Thanks for posting CB, I could do with one.

[clockboy]

Thanks for posting CB, I could do with one.

Yep I was thinking i do with one to :D  :D

[oldhippy]

Whats the normal price for 400 day clock mainsprings?

[clockboy]

I used to purchase the springs from Meadaw & Passmores paying from approx £6 to £8 depending on size. To save on postage I used to purchase two & keep one in stock.