400 Day Clock Repair

[@madhessian3030]

This video is very inspiring, my wife recently decided she wanted to refinish an old lane cedar chest that had been sitting in the corner for years , after finding a key that would unlock the chest we found a treasure trove of old family heirlooms of her mothers , one of the treasure's found was one of these 400 day clocks , i instantly took a liking to this clock and started trying to figure out why it wasn't working, first thing i noticed was the pendulum spring was broken ,also that it appeared to be very dusty and dirty around the inner workings , not knowing anything about these types of clocks ( or any clocks for that matter) i dusted it off cleaned the glass cover and put it up on my "collective cool guy " shelves and thought that one day ill have it repaired, i came across this video and i have to say that after watching, you have inspired me to put my fears of lack of knowledge and apprehensions of the wifes wrath when one day she comes home and find her mother's clock in a pile on the dinning room table, i have decided to take the plunge into fixing it myself , your video is very concise and informative, the do's and don'ts helpful, and information on where to order parts a big help , i also found that there is a lot of information to be gleaned from the comments section and helpful people that can be contacted for " picking their brain" on trouble shooting along with your abundant knowledge, thank you for posting this video, and i hope you won't mind me bothering you in the future with "stupid questions" as im sure I'll have plenty, thanks again for the inspiration and confidence you have given me, im ordering the book for parts this evening to get me started on the right path

[@mherzog7]

Thanks, this is why I make these videos. Feel free to ‘pick my brains’ with any questions. If you send me photos of the back plate I might be able to identify it and tell you what parts you need. Send it to my gmail.

[@carolyndifonzo8428]

My grandfather had over 100 anniversary clocks and worked on them for over 20 years. I was fortunate enough to inherit one of his clocks, but could not get it to run. Your video is really helpful and very informative. thank you for sharing. Hopefully, I will be able to get mine to run too.

[@mherzog7]

That's great! Good luck with it.

[@jayyoung5423]

Great job my man! Grandparents had one...as a child I was mesmerized...now I need one.

[@wireworks616]

You did a great job. Doesn't it feel great when you get a little coaching and info from others. It really opens up the field for your hobbies. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@mherzog7]

Thank you

[@alang1909]

Great video to watch. Your explanations of what you were going to do and the results were easy to follow and understand. Thanks!

[@mherzog7]

You are welcome, glad you liked it.

[@johnsharpe734]

Thank you for such an informative video, a clear explanation on how these type of clocks work and how to fix them.

[@mherzog7]

Thank you, I’m glad you liked it.

[@oldtimer4863]

I have restored and repaired I have lost count of how many of these clocks. You have started right by obtaining the book it is the bible of these clocks as you say all the info is there. If you want to repair these clocks correctly you need to buy a clock mainspring winder so you can remove the spring from it barrel, clean it and be able to put it back. All the parts need to be cleaned and dried. Always fit a new suspension spring. These clocks run on very little oil, I recommend Windles clock oil. Buy the 400 day beat setting tool, it makes fine adjustment easy. A tiny drop of oil on both side of the inside of the fork will help the pallet rod to work better. Alway use the correct tools, removing those screws with snipe nosed pliers is not recommended, you do not want to slip and damage any brass, use a pair of wide smooth jaw pliers. The clock can take weeks to settle down, I have known them to stop after months working. Keep the clock on a flat surface away from where you walk in your home and away from pets. If you have any questions just ask. I have around 30 years as a clock restorer.

[@mherzog7]

Thanks. Mainspring winders are a bit costly, and as I repair these for fun, not for a living, I am holding off on getting one. I have one more I plan on repairing, if I run into any problems I will reach out to you.

[@ПашаПитецкий]

Дякую вам за працю, хай щастить, треба навчатися у вас

[@peaceshepherding529]

I have a question, Sir. The hour hand of my clock points halfway between numbers, halfway past the correct number, when the minute hand reaches the hour. Thus, at half past, the hour hand is then pointed directly at a number - the next hour’s number. Might you suggest a way I may correct this? This Anniversary Clock is a cheap version & had unwise transport. It was a street giveaway. It’s battery operated with a plastic base & plastic backing behind the face. The housing of both the mechanism & battery also seem to be plastic. (Though the face is pretty & has filigree hands.) Unfortunately the battery was left active in it & the clock was sitting slightly tilted upon clothes ~with some pendulum movement. I then made the mistake of driving it home this way: The battery & pendulum both intact & the clock slightly tilted upon cloth in a box. Inauspicious. But so far it seems to keep time fairly accurately. The only labels: Nishin Clock Industrial; Quartz; Made in Japan. Your best suggestions are welcome. (If best to leave as is, I will heed that. Yet if a potential repair may be easy, though delicate, I’m willing. Please advise.) ~With Thanks!

[@petestuart6584]

​@@peaceshepherding529 Generally the hour hands are held in place by friction, so you should just be able to move the hour hand to the correct position by your finger.

[@petestuart6584]

On another note, before you even attempt to work on the clock or move it, always make sure the pendulum has been detached from the suspension spring. These springs are quite delicate and only the slightest bit of movement could put a bend in it and you will then need to fit a new one! Also when setting the pendulum in motion, please don't do it as been shown in this video! The pendulums really only have a maximum total rotation of about 360/365 degrees. If you spin it greater than that, again you risk damaging the spring. The main problem with these clocks, is that power output at the escapement is so small that smallest error you have with it will bring it to a stop. Try and get them 'in beat' first and then go from there.😊

[@khossossykhossossy7955]

Great job! Kudos to you for your determination and tenacity. I remember when I first started working on those clocks I was ready to give up and it took me many many hours to figure them out. Once i did

[@mherzog7]

Thank you!

[@sad62864]

An absolute treasure in the world of KZbin. I am a VERY novice horologist, making several "bone head" mistakes along the way of gaining knowledge. This video has, in the words of another reviewer has inspired me to put my fears of lack of knowledge and apprehensions aside. I have three anniversary clocks to repair. I now know what NOT to do in the course of repairing them.

[@mherzog7]

Thank you! Good luck.

[@Paul-ul5ef]

Hi Mark! Thank you for making this in-depth video with the additional troubleshooting you provided. I really want to repair a clock that has been sitting unused for more than 30 years at my parents' home (I have the one you showcased at 1:40 -- Schatz '52). I've never repaired a clock before and from the research I've done, this seems like a quite challenging clock to begin with. However, this clock belonged to my great-grandma who brought the clock with her from Germany in the 1950s. This is the last remaining item my mom has from her grandma, so I'd really like to restore this clock and present it back to her on her birthday. As stated prior, I've done some research using the book (Bible*) you showcased and I found that I need a replacement part called the Schatz Standard 52, which I am having a lot of difficulties finding. Being that I have no expertise with sourcing clocks and their parts, I was really *really* hoping you may be able to provide a direction I could research in. Thank you for your time, Paul

[@mherzog7]

Hi Paul, I assume you are referring to the clock with the diamond dial. Mine is a Konrad Mauch, not a Schatz, but different companies made the same shape dials. You can get any parts you need from Horolovar, call them at 740-277-7083. Ask for John, he can confirm which model you have, and you can order parts at 'stores.thehorolavarcompany.com'. Good luck, and email me if you have any questions.

[@terrypack7537]

Great job , very impressed with this project. Clocks are so fascinating.

[@mherzog7]

Thank you very much.

[@pauldyck4596]

Congratulations on getting the two clocks running. Particularly impressive is how you replaced the broken anchor pin. One thing I would have done as old timer mentioned is take the mainspring out of the barrel and clean it and lubricate it. I ended up making a mainspring winder based on plans on the NAWCC website and ideas from KZbin videos. To run for a year on a winding these clocks are designed to run on very little power and if the mainspring is dirty the added friction might be enough to stop the clock.

[@RastroIguana]

Good nich mark, mi inglish is very limitated, very good video. No limits four you. Tenkiu so much, increibol Mark.

[@sputnik4216]

Something else to try, reverse the suspension spring, that is take the top and bottom blocks and reverse locations. I have found a slight deformation when at the top will stop the clock but flipping it and having that at the bottom end seems to buy another life for it.

[@muzzaresarf5038]

Fantastic video, this answers a lot of similar questions that my clock is suffering. If spring is twisted replace it, followed by a good clean out, then adjust the beat of the clock… see how I go ok🧐🇦🇺

[@mherzog7]

Thank you, and good luck!

[@stephenwallenhaupt4357]

This video provides a great overview ot repairing and adjusting 400 day clocks. You did a great job of demonstarting and explaining. I have worked on large and small pendulum clocks. A friend asked me to look at his 400 day clock (a family heirloom) which is in great shape except for a broken pendulum release spring. The face of the clock is a diamond shape as is one of the clocks that you repaired in this video. I have had no luck in identifying the clock in order to obtain the appropriate replacement spring. Would you share the make of your diamond shape clock and perhaps the replacement spring required? Thanks, Stephen

[@mherzog7]

By diamond shape you mean the square one, yes? If you take a photo of the back plate I can identify it for you and tell you which spring you need.

[@garypeterson6114]

I'm getting ready to get one of these clocks going. I thought I would start by cleaning and oiling, but watching your detailed video, I realized it is most likely no where near in beat. I have questions on how you did that. At approx 26:30 you said the clock ran for only 7 minutes. Then at 27:15 you said you needed to wait for it to settle out for an hour. Could you clarify what was done to extend the run time? Was that it getting it partly in beat, or did you do something else? Also you talk achieving symmetrical swing - same swing to the left and right - by adjusting the set screw. And then talk about a what might be a separate tuning - same overswing in each direction. Are those two separate adjustments or is adjusting overswing the only thing needed? If they are two separate adjustments, how is each adjusted?

[@mherzog7]

I was not clear in my explanation. I had adjusted the saddle a bit, which I did not mention. It improved the running but I had to let it go for close to an hour so the pendulum slows down to a steady back and forth period. That is when you can fully check for being in beat as well as if it is running slow or fast. Some clocks will settle down in 10 minutes, some take longer. I feel that you can be confident in a steady rhythm after an hour. If it stops, you have to adjust the saddle again. I posted another 400 day clock repair video that I think gives a more clear explanation on how to put it in beat. Here it is, start it at 38:00. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g529q5J3otWsrsk. I also realized that although I talk about adjusting the saddle, you can't see it in the video, but I found another video that clearly shows the saddle. Briefly, as the pendulum swings, you mark the spot where it clicks, first moving left, then right. The pendulum keeps turning after the click. You then mark the spot where it finally stops, both to the left and right. The distance between the two should be close to the same. This is the saddle video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpTXnnp_lMR5opY. Good luck, and thanks for watching!

[@garypeterson6114]

@@mherzog7 Mark, I so appreciate the quick and detailed response. With your info, I was able to get a family heirloom clock running that hadn't for 25 years. I don't have a beat amplifier and couldn't hear the tic, so I used the method described at about 2:40 in the second, saddle video you pointed me to. I'm sure it is not as precise as the overswing method, but it at least could be used to get the beat in the zip code to run long enough for the overswing method. Likely obvious to some with experience, but I learned and then read elsewhere that I needed to use very small adjustments and leave the adjustment mechanism fairly tight between trials. Loosening and tightening the adjustment mechanism was enough to throw off the alignment. 1 degree of adjustment seemed to give 10-20 degrees of overswing change. This was the first time I've fixed a broken clock. Seeing it run makes me want to jump into and try another! But first I'm going to use some of your videos to adjust the speed and clean and lubricate. This particular clock had started out in very good condition. Even though it had been in storage for many years so it was much easier than the ones you have done.

[@mherzog7]

@@garypeterson6114 I'm happy you got it working. Fixing them can become an addiction. You will find some really beat up ones at local thrift stores, and if you offer $10 to $20 they will likely take it. Each time you fix one, you get better and it gets easier. Good luck!

[@lindaeads2824]

Great Video. I have a 400 day clock. The wire broke & it didn’t 0:03 work after I brought it home from my mother’s home about 300 mile journey. I feel inspired to clean and repair, thanks to your video. Question: what did you use to clean the brass finish? I don’t want to use harsh chemicals. Thanks

[@mherzog7]

I use a metal polisher like Brasso or Noxon.

[@stephenjones5160]

Was you able to do anything with the older German clock?

[@briantreiber]

Excellent Video Thanks for sharing. Mine does the same thing, the pendulum swings for about 10 minutes then stops. I believe my main spring might need to be replaced.

[@mherzog7]

Did you let down the spring and then just wind it 3 or 4 turns?

[@briantreiber]

@@mherzog7 No, I will need to give that a try. It is fully wound up right now. What is the name of the tool that you used to wind down the spring. Not sure if using the key is a smart idea.

[@mherzog7]

@@briantreiber Do not use the key. You need a let down key. Here is a link on how to make one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2fcnqakhs2Sj80. He makes it more difficult than it is. Here are a couple of links to videos I made showing how to use it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kH2wZpSGjLGheck, go to 9:30; and kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2S5o2Vuf99gh8U, go to 4:40. Just keep your fingers away from the key so they don't get whacked when it spins down.

[@halnwheels]

@@mherzog7 A let down key is the only safe way to remove the power from the gear train. A butterfly key will spin out of your fingers and hurt you and the clock. You must do this before separating the plates or removing the anchor. Some anchors can be removed without separating the plates, but you must let down the power even so. After I clean and lubricate a clock movement, I assemble it without the anchor so I can see the running of the train with a couple of clocks of the mainspring. When I'm satisfied I put the anchor in and check the action. Finally, I add the suspension unit and pendulum and observe the action of the escapement. I only give the pendulum 180 degrees of rotation from rest to initiate the motion. This is more than enough and any more is unnecessary. Mark's description of setting the clock in beat matches what I do.

[@andyknapp4891]

Hi Mark, this is a great video - so helpful! I have a virtually identical mobile which my father brought back from Germany following his natural service there around 1950. It's my first go at this (I was unable to find a local repairer) and all has gone to plan apart from on reassembling the spindle coming out to the hands is not locking/keying on the clog which drive the minute hand. Without the hands on I can see the central spindle rotating as expected. There's a lot of play between the hour hand and the locking nut. It all looks the same as you have there however it was very easy to remove the hands in the first place so maybe there is a missing component. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[@SpencerParenteau]

I have a fairly new anniversary clock (forestville) I inherited from my grandparents (i think it was bought in 93). Its battery operatred though, and i put batteries in it works pretty good so far. But it makes some kind of tapping noise (hard to explain, but alomst like bouncing a marble on hard surface - t.t.t.t.t.t.) Going to let it run for a while and see what happens i suppose.. but would love to get it running. It looks like its got a winding hole on it though.. would that just be a battery back up? Would it maybe just need to be wound? I dont have the winding tool though.. maybe i can just take the back plate off and wind it with some plyers or somthing. Any tips or advise on what to look for would be greatly appreciated.

[@mherzog7]

Does it say quartz on the dial? If so, you have a quartz clock, and the sound could be from the quartz movement. If not, I am not sure what a battery would be for, if you see arbors that would be turned with a key. Can you send me photos of the front and back of the clock? Send to [e-mail]. I might be able to tell you more once I see it.

[@SpencerParenteau]

@@mherzog7 Hey thanks for getting back to me Mark! I'll send some photos and video to see if i can catch it making the sound. Its not like a movement sound that happens the entire time (it is a quartz movement). It does look like there is an arbor to wind though.. wasnt sure if it was just something to adjust the dial with. But it does have a battery.. would it be an electric movement? This clock is from 1993.. so its not that old.. I'll shoot you an email and with the pictures though and we can take it from there.

[@petersincak5212]

Nice video - how did you clean parts ? do you have video about it - maybe it is simple - but as a non clock person - I have no idea

[@rosieeinarsson4326]

I like how you straightened out the hour hand, can you elaborate on your method.

[@mherzog7]

I just carefully adjusted it using a fine needle nose pliers.

[@muzikmon5477]

Thank you for posting such an informative, clear video on 400 day clock repair. This has been extremely helpful to me. I recently picked up a broken Schatz 400 day clock from a thrift store which seems to have a very similar problem in that It runs for about 15 minutes, then stops. The mainspring seems fine, so I'm not sure where the problem is yet (though I suspect the suspension spring might be messed up). I'm new to all of this, so I don't have a sonic cleaner yet. Are there any in particular you recommend?

[@mherzog7]

For sure you have to replace the suspension spring. If you don’t have the Horolovar book, send me a photo of the back plate and I can identify it for you. Once you have replaced it you have to put the clock in beat. If it still doesn’t run you have to check if the spring is fully wound. If so you have to let it down, then wind it halfway, see it it runs. You don’t have to use an ultrasonic cleaner. You can soak the gears in hot soapy water and use a tooth brush. It just takes longer. Good luck.

[@muzikmon5477]

@@mherzog7 Hi, I was able to identify the spring I need, thank you for offering. Your message got cut off. Hot soapy water and use a... ?

[@mherzog7]

⁠toothbrush

[@muzikmon5477]

When you took the clock apart did you open the mainspring barrel to clean and oil the mainspring, or was that step unnecessary?

[@mherzog7]

I did not need to

[@jeffwinick6799]

Hi Mark, Enjoy your KZbin videos and have learned a lot about my anniversary clock. I am, however, experiencing a problem with regulating it. As I turn the disc to slow it down, I have noticed that the bottom of the disc does not touch the top of the pendulum arms. My understanding is that the disc needs to push down the arms in order to spread the pendulum balls to slow the clock down. Is there something that I'm missing?

[@mherzog7]

I'm not sure what you mean by the disc not touching the pendulum arms. Is it a disc or a ball pendulum? If it's a ball one, the way it works is when you rotate the dial clockwise it slows the clock down, counter-clockwise it makes it go faster. The disc is attached to a long screw which makes the balls move either away from or towards the center of the clock. You should be able to see the balls moving if you turn the disc far enough in either direction. A quarter turn will change the time approximately 4 minutes per 24 hours. If you can send me some photos of it I might be able to give more advice. You can email me at [e-mail].

[@daniellunning3929]

All these clocks may need cleaning and bushing. Like and movement with brass plates and steel shafts

[@FLOYDian_Expeditions]

Hi, i have a kundo anniversary clock. But it is running fast and gaining time. I have tried to slow it down woth the rotating lever above the pendulum. But it is still going fast even at the slowest setting (i can't make it any slower). Plz help regarding how to fix it

[@mherzog7]

Hi, email me at [e-mail] and I can tell you what you have to do.

[@mherzog7]

Ok?

[@sidecarbod1441]

The suspension spring that you have is probably too thick, you can get the spring in many different thicknesses. Apparently it is possible to thin the spring down by pulling it through a folder up piece of wet and dry paper but that sound like a pain in the a55 to me, I'd rather by a thinner spring, you need a decent micrometer to measure the thickness of the spring that you currently have.

[@jisake1]

I found my first Kundo. Replaced the spring based on the book in this video. What I find is every so often you can hear a flutter. When it flutters, the minute hand advances. Make sure you listen to it closely. I re-leveled and so far not fluttering.

[@andrewmorton9327]

I have the middle clock with exactly the same fault. Thanks to your video I now know that it's probable that the pendulum has the wrong beat.

[@mherzog7]

Very good, but you might need to replace the suspension spring

[@ThaiNguyen-gb4od]

I want to buy the hair fiber and the accessories that come with it. Do you sell?

[@mherzog7]

If by hair fiber you mean the suspension spring, I do not sell parts. I get mine from the Horolovar Company. If you call them in the US at 740-277-7083 they can help you identify what clock you have and what spring and accessories you need to order. But you should purchase their book, 'Horolovar 400 Day Clock Repair Guide', as it will show you exactly how long the suspension spring has to be (you have to cut it) as well as answers to any questions you have on how to get one of these clocks running. Good luck

[@sidecarbod1441]

Setting the beat is critical if you want the clock to run well, in my experience the pendulum needs to swing around 3/4 of a turn, you can get away with less but the beat can become even more critical because there will hardly be any over-swing. A large over swing means that the escapement is putting quite a lot of energy into the pendulum which is no bad thing. The distance between the fork and the top clamp seems to determine how much swing you will get, the bigger the distance the less swing you will get. Having said that the escapement can only supply a set amount of energy into the pendulum so you can't just set the distance to be tiny as there might not be enough energy to swing the pendulum far enough in each direction. I use a set of digital callipers to set the gap and I will make 0.25mm adjustments. The suspension spring is also critical, even the slightest kink especially at the top will stop the clock working well. (if the kink is between the top clamp and the fork then you have no hope of getting the clock running!). The spring needs to be nice and central in both the top and bottom clamps, each clamp needs to be at 90 degrees to the spring, not clamped at an odd angle. The fork need to have a ting gap between it and the rod that it locates in, if you watch its 'action' you can tell if there is a gap. Personally I start my clocks by carefully rotating the pendulum 1/2 a turn from its 'at rest' position, it will then swing one full turn when you release it, it should then settle down to a 3/4 swing after several minutes. I have had a clock running with less than 1/2 a turn swing (approx 1/4 each way) but it does not look nice! The downside of setting the clock up with a large swing is that when the main spring starts to run down there might not be enough energy to swing the pendulum, I've heard that in reality these clocks will rarely run for a year without being re-wound anyway. All of the 'gumph' that I have posted up is just what I have either read of found out by messing about with the clocks that I have, I'm no expert!

[@mherzog7]

I have had success by following the recommendations made in the Horolovar book, ‘400 Day Clock Repair Guide’. I give the pendulum one full turn from a dead stop. I find that tilting or adjusting the position of the fork does not work for me. I position it as it is illustrated in the book; there is one for almost every clock. The positioning of the saddle is more what influences the amount of overswing from one side to the other. And more important than the overswing being the same amount each way is that it has to be same amount after you hear the click of the escape wheel. I use a beat amplifier for that. Slight adjustments to the position of the saddle is how you get the clock in beat.

[@sidecarbod1441]

@@mherzog7 The position of the saddle will allow you to get the same amount of over swing each side way, it won't really control how much actual over swing you get, it can only 'even it out' Not everyone has a copy of that book which is why I mentioned the fork height, it might help other people get a 'decent' swing out of their clocks!

[@mherzog7]

@@sidecarbod1441 How much of an over swing is not the issue. It just has to be the same, from the escape wheel click to the point the pendulum stops, almost like a mirror image on each side.

[@sidecarbod1441]

@@mherzog7 I never said or implied that the amount of over swing is an issue, what I did say was that it has to be the same each way, in other words the clock has to be 'in beat'. And fact I believe that the book does mention the amount of over swing, it should be at least 1/2 an inch in each direction, one inch in total, if it is less then something in robbing power from the clock and it is likely to stop when the main spring starts to unwind and lose power. (This info was obtained from a PDF doc on the web that refers to the book). The thing I said is that I don't like the look of it when the pendulum only swings 1/2 a turn! (By over swing I'm not talking about the amount of swing each way from the at-rest position, I'm talking about the overs swing after the escapement wheel drops a pallet)

[@robertohara9483]

I don't understand, it wasn't working so you changed the spring and it still didn't work. So you stripped it down and cleaned it and from what I can see it still didn't work and then all of a sudden it was working with no explanation on how you got it running. I have one that is identical to yours with the same problem but having watched your video I still don't know how to get it running. Did you take it to the shop and get them to start it for you?

[@mherzog7]

I explained how I got it running. You have to put the clock in beat. Till then, all the cleaning and lubricating won’t be enough to fix it. But if you don’t clean and lube it properly, it won’t run even if you get it in beat.

[@robertohara9483]

@@mherzog7 Hi I am not sure that putting it in beat will do the trick. I think I need to start with a new spring but I don't want to lay out a lot of money in getting it going I am going to sell it on ebay if i can get it running. Where did you buy the spring from I cant find anywhere in england that sell them?

[@mherzog7]

Yes, if the problem lies with the spring, that changes everything. Are you able to wind it, have you tried to let it down? I get all my parts from The Horolovar Company.

[@robertohara9483]

@@mherzog7 From what I have read the spring seems to be the main stumbling block. If they aren't too dear Ill try that, if that doesn't work Ill sell it for parts only try to recoop my outlay. It is fully wound and the main spring is in tension. And it does work for 15 minutes or so then stops again.

[@mherzog7]

@@robertohara9483 If you have or can fashion a let down key, let the spring down and wind it halfway, then see how long it runs.

[@najibbrot3600]

great vids, can I use a fishing rod/wire instead of a spring??? thank you

[@mherzog7]

No you can not.

[@realAmericanWoman]

Where can one buy parts?

[@mherzog7]

Hi, I watched your video of the Schatz clock. A good effort. Are you looking for parts for that? A few pointers on what you did. First, getting the suspension spring with the top block, fork and bottom block already assembled makes it a lot easier, as putting those parts on is one of the hardest things in restoring these clocks. Second, you can not remove those parts by holding the spring in your hand. It will get bent and twisted. Once it is bent or twisted it will not run for long. You need a new spring. You have to place the spring on a flat surface and loosen, never remove, the screws, to slide the parts onto the spring. There really was no reason for you to undo the top block or the fork. It did not sit in the proper position to engage the anchor pin because you are missing the saddle. Also, you bent the spring when you tried to attach the pendulum, if you look closely you will see the bottom block is bent to the side. Regarding the missing saddle, which is the part that the top block fits into., the fact that you got the clock to run at all is quite lucky, I imagine it did not run for long because without the saddle you can not put the clock in beat. As far as where to get parts, contact Horolovar, they can help you to identify your clock and tell you what parts you need. Their number is 740-277-7083. Ask for John or Dave. All in all, a good first time effort, I did not know what I was doing the first time I tried to repair one of these. A great help for me was their book, Horolovar 400 Day Clock Repair Guide, but unless you plan on working on others, it might not be worth getting. Feel free to ask me any questions, I have a couple of other 400 Day Clock videos which you might find helpful. Good luck!

[@realAmericanWoman]

@mherzog7 definitely it is missing the top saddle.thank you a bunch for the detailed info and your time! I did buy another clock, a different model for parts, but it was not the same. Now I will fix that other one up, it only needs the string and a dome

[@mherzog7]

Good luck!

[@AlejandroMartinez-m1y]

Hola dónde puedo conseguir el libro. Saludos

[@mherzog7]

ebay. Libro guía de reparación de relojes Horolovar de 400 días de aniversario - Décima edición

[@orchardwatchandclockrepair8346]

These are ar fabulous clock. And do not suffer from wear on the pivots /sink well as fast as other clocks dew to the slow turning of the pinions..

[@TheReal1953]

A couple of suggestions if I may.....I call these 'frustration clocks'. Assume the mainspring is weakened because these clocks sit forever wound without running. Take the mainspring out of the barrel. 98% of the time they can be 'barred' in the opposite direction of the coil and they're again rejuvenated. DON'T mess with that little adjustment on the plate that moves the anchor/saddle in the escapement. Look for broken teeth on the escapement wheel. Buy a beat adjustment tool! If you're going to do a lot of these buy a beat amplifier. When starting one of these 'in beat' don't twist the pendulum so that its rotation exceeds 360 degrees. You're only going to prolong the agony of waiting for your repair efforts. Assume the 'handler' before you did everything wrong. ALWAYS look for missing parts...the more expensive the clock was, the more minutia in little parts. My favorite are Schatz anniversary.....just done more of them. Get those little adjustable stand 'feet' and put the movement on its side for repair. The better ones have hooks too so that you can test hang the movement. Don't use WD40 on anything inside a clock. If you want penetrating oil, mix acetone and ATF 50/50. Check ALL your pivot holes for wear. If they are elongated, you have problems. Fixable but requires specialized tools. Ultrasound everything with a clock movement solution like Timesavers sells. Try not to use pliers with teeth...clock makers have tools without teeth. Re-oil all pivot holes. Non-chiming clocks have a very simple movement. I would suggest facing the hands side down with the repair feet. Remove the 'top' plate slowly, leaving your gears in place. Take a pic with your phone of all the gears in their respective places. Your dial faces are usually held in by keepers inside the 'top' plate. Also, the movement can be removed without disturbing the 'towers'. As you discovered, there's a 'waffle' washer under hands gearing....DON'T lose that!

[@mherzog7]

Thanks for the advice. I have a few questions for you, too lengthy to put here. If you would not mind contacting me at [e-mail]

[@ThaiNguyen-gb4od]

yes, it is the suspension spring and the accessories to hang the spring. Thank you

[@ESHANABROOK]

I have one like the one in the middle and was able to get it running but it flutters....it keeps running though. Work in progress.

[@mherzog7]

According to what it says in my 400 day clock repair guide, “fluttering usually takes place when the fork on the suspension spring unit is positioned too low on the suspension spring. You may be able to solve the problem by raising the fork slightly”.

[@Матрица-д5п]

Привет, Марк! Очень красивые часы, интересное видео. Хотел спросить, у тебя есть книга Horolovar 400 day clock? Меня интересуют электронная версия этой книги. Спасибо

[@mherzog7]

Thank you. I am not aware of an electronic version of the Horolovar 400 day clock book. The only electric ones are powered by batteries, with very inexpensive quartz movements.

[@Матрица-д5п]

@@mherzog7 Подскажите нужно ли смазывать вилку торсиона и анкерный стержень? Спасибо.

[@mherzog7]

@@Матрица-д5п No

[@bobmclaughlin7276]

One of the most inportant things to have is patience.. Lots of patience... The suspension spring needs to be "in beat. Simply put, the pendulum swings the same distance from when the pallet releases a tooth on the escape wheel, in both direction of swing.. By adjusting the position of the top block, either way. By very small amounts.. Then watching the escape wheel and motion of the pendulum... This is where the patience comes in

[@daniellunning3929]

My grandfather used a microphone to make sure everything ran even. And to discern the clock he was working on. From the scores of others all running 😂 I miss that sound so much

[@EasyVistaPak]

How to get new suspension spring

[@mherzog7]

Call the Horolovar company at 740-277-7083. Ask for John, tell him what clock you have and he will tell you which suspension spring you need. If you send me a photo of the back plate, I can let you know as well. Send it to my email.

[@TUCBER]

bonjour I still work on it; I change two springs torsion. Now I juts need mainspring. But who can change it for me in France? Regards. Bernard.

[@mherzog7]

The two companies I use are timesavers.com, email them at [e-mail], and Horolovar, email them at [e-mail]. They both have mainsprings, I do not know if they ship to France. Note: Horolovar can identify which mainspring you need, call them at 740-277-7083.

[@jisake1]

I am a little surprised in your video how much you spin the pendulum. Would seem you would distort the spring. Observed one clock the spring was coiled after someone spun that much.

[@mherzog7]

You are correct. That was before I learned that you start the clock by turning the pendulum one full revolution and let it go. Fortunately the spring did not distort as it has been keeping perfect time since then.

[@TUCBER]

Hello. Bonjour. I get this clock from my old family in Praha. I have to change string. Did you have email of the Fabrick in Germany? Name is Jahresuhren fabrick Anniversary clock. Thanks . Berny. I get the same than yours.

[@mherzog7]

I do not. But you can contact the Horolovar Company, in the US, at 740-277-7083. They can tell you which suspension spring you need.

[@slunt3123]

No mention of removing the mainspring and cleaning it. Most of these movements had been idle for so long, the mainspring is either completely dry or stuck together with old oil. Without properly removing the mainspring, cleaning it and proper lubrication, the clock is not going to run for long.

[@mherzog7]

That is correct. However, the mainsprings on these two clocks are in good shape, as both have been keeping perfect time for close to 1 1/2 years. I wind them a little bit every 4 months to keep them from running slow. That will occur if you let the spring wind down too much.

[@slunt3123]

The reason I always service the mainsprings is because by design these clocks have mainsprings that have no extra power. Any drag on the mainspring can cause the clock to stop. At the very least, the cap should be removed and the lubrication inspected.@@mherzog7

[@slunt3123]

I would think with less power, the clock would run fast since the pendulum would weaken, reducing rotation with less power. With the shorter rotation, the escape wheel teeth would be released at a faster rate.@@mherzog7

[@jorglanganki6116]

The Jahresuhrenfabrik, which means the Company that produce this Clocks, was August Schatz&Söhne, Triberg/Schwarzwald.

[@Rbs35405]

Awesome!

[@TheRealChuckNorris]

They may not work, but they will still be right twice a day.😊

[@mherzog7]

True

[@jerrypeal653]

I find these clocks to be a giant size pain in the buttocks, I’ve fixed a couple of them but they were a challenge.

[@mherzog7]

Very true, some are easier than others.

[@adattamentorestaurobeograd5704]

Top

[@thoainh8812]

Da

[@2hungchannel384]

i have one but it runs so fast i don't know why ? Can you help me thanks

[@КиберЛучик]

Hello, you need to replace the suspension spring with a smaller thickness. The thicker the spring, the faster the clock goes. Changing the thickness of the suspension spring by 0.0001" changes the time by 4 minutes per hour.

[@sputnik4216]

Yes, the suspension spring may have been changed by prior owner and it is too thick. An 0.0032 in a miniature sized clock can run up to 12 hours fast in a day! If you can caliper the spring, note its' thickness and you can then sand it down with 1000 grit sandpaper and get it down to 0.00021-0.00023 if you can measure that finely. Fold little sandwich-like pads with the paper to squeeze and pull the spring thru you will get there. I have done this several times. It takes hundreds of strokes but it'll work. Of course you could just BUY the right spring but what's the fun in that!

[@jerrypeal653]

Sometimes the suspension spring breaks and people just reattach the pendulum and now the spring is to short , I’ve fixed on that was like that .

[@mherzog7]

Your best bet is to get the Horolovar 400 Day Clock Repair Guide book, as it will tell you exactly what size suspension spring you need, and not just guess on one with a smaller thickness. The proper size also has to be cut to the proper length. All that information is in the book.

[@orchardwatchandclockrepair8346]

These are ar fabulous clock. And do not suffer from wear on the pivots /sink well as fast as other clocks dew to the slow turning of the pinions..

[@orchardwatchandclockrepair8346]

These are ar fabulous clock. And do not suffer from wear on the pivots /sink well as fast as other clocks dew to the slow turning of the pinions..

[@orchardwatchandclockrepair8346]

These are ar fabulous clock. And do not suffer from wear on the pivots /sink well as fast as other clocks dew to the slow turning of the pinions..

[@orchardwatchandclockrepair8346]

These are ar fabulous clock. And do not suffer from wear on the pivots /sink well as fast as other clocks dew to the slow turning of the pinions..