The Forgotten Clock - Restoring a Beautiful Torsion Clock

[@troynasello2085]

Absolutely incredible. Ive seen the imitation quartz clocks with the geared down motor driven "torsion" pendulum but ive never seen a real one in working order in detail like this.iys just amazing how torsion is used like a coiled hairspring & a pendulum combined. Just fascinating. thank you for this video.

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

So pleased you found this interesting Troy! Yes, essentially the pendulum is acting like a very heavy free sprung balance wheel with a strung out, elongated hairspring. The clock train then optimises the torque to deliver super efficient escapement in terms of power reserve. The result is also very beautiful. All in all I think these are very cool. So pleased you picked up on this. Richard

[@troynasello2085]

@@richardperrettwatchmaker absolutely fascinating. It took a couple of times of watching the end , your shot of the pallet fork engaging with the escape wheel. I thought that you slowed down the camera frame rate until I realized it just ticked that slowly. 13 months is a long time! Strong, large mainspring with a very slow beat rate. Sheesh, the Germans! So smart.

[@paulcommute4739]

Richard my mother is overjoyed having watched the video and can't wait to get it recovered from you and set up. She sends her sincere thanks. all best Paul

[@torsiondell]

It makes a nice change to see someone else restoring torsion clocks properly, that’s all I do , I even get them sent to me from other clockmakers because most won’t touch them, when lining pivots up I either add screws loosely or pins to bottom as I find it makes it easier to handle and locate the pivots, nice work and thanks for sharing.

[@MrSilverSpecs]

12/21/23 Awesome. Have a 400 from auction. Runs well. Luv it. London Ont Canada

[@nottinghillad]

Everything about this clock is superlative - even the colour of the dial. Edit: And the music at the end was a perfect choice!

[@muckshifter]

WOW, memories, we used to have one exactly like that clock. 😃 You're missing the glass dome. 😉

[@paulcommute4739]

He does have it. It was in the box when I sent it to him

[@Evergreen64]

I love these old clocks. When I was a child I knew a few people that had these. Loved to watch them.

[@johnmonachelli5256]

If you dig clocks and watches i dont think this video can be beat! Also that would make a gorgeous wristwatch dial

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Thanks so much John! And yes it is a striking colour dial which would translate well into a watch... now there's an idea! Richard

[@stationplaza4631]

Hi Richard! Thanks for another lovely video. It's wonderful how brass looks just like solid gold when all polished up.

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi Station... Good to hear from you. Yes there is definitely something very satisfying about newly polished brass! Richard

[@heyheysaturday2492]

Very interesting to be a watch maker in life we all need someone who can build or service such mechanical parts

[@nevyen149]

11:37 I have that exact same clock pictured in the brochure. Same brass pedestal and glass dome...and exactly the same decoration on the face. Supposedly, my grandfather bought it for my grandmother. It wasn't working at the time she died, no one else in the family wanted it, but I couldn't just toss it out. Later, I began to believe the only (visible) problem was a missing pendulum spring...but there was a brand new one still in the package with the paperwork from the original sale. I was planning to relocate, and didn't want to have to move the clock intact...so I didn't fix it at the time...but this video has made me want to get it running again. The winding key was actually rescued from the trash by absolute accident. While closing out my grandmother's home, in a completely unrelated box of junk, I found a neat looking key...and again, no one else wanted it. I thought was for tightening those really old-school roller skates onto your shoes, and I kept it just because I like keys. It sat in a box of found keys for a few years...until I gave a bit of a look at getting the clock fixed. I had a moment of horror when I realized there was no key which had been found with the clock. I actually had both the clock and key in the same house for a couple of years before it dawned on me to put the two together and realize I'd had it the whole time. Not to gush too much...I am a fan of old things and am delighted to learn someone in the world is still interested in, and repairing these kinds of gems. On the other hand...I hate you...because I see the level of cleaning I need to do to do this job justice.

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi nevyen ... honesty I think these clocks are pretty straight forward to work on. Maybe you could buy a very inexepensive one from ebay to practice on before attempting the work on the heirloom. Very pleased that this struck a chord with you and thank you for taking a few minutes to share such a nicely worded and interesting comment. Richard

[@philiphodge4254]

Great to see a clock of this type. Very nice and a job well done! 👍🇬🇧

[@andrewdeacon4384]

I used this exact same mainspring winder for the first time today. The segment showing use of it made it so much safer for me to follow along. Many thanks for such a well produced video.

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi Andrew... Very pleased this was helpful. Thank you for taking a moment to say so. Much appreciated. Richard

[@PurpleTT99]

Wonderful restoration Richard. I'll be honest the segment where you removed the spring had me hiding behind the sofa, but I knew you'd have it all under control. Beautiful clock that deserved your care & attention; it came out ready to please a good few more generations of owners.

[@jerrybertram9618]

Thanks for the video Richard, very helpful. I’m a retired electrician and enjoy repairing/saving anything mechanical or electrical. My wife an sister in-law inherited 2 400 day clocks, a Schatz # 49 and a Forstville clock. I was able to repair both with KZbin help replacing suspension springs and lower blocks. Very fussy set but both are working again. Thank you.

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

This is so good to hear Jerry! By coincidence just had to alter the time on mine as it had lost a minute or so (in about 3 weeks.. to my shame I did not put ut back an hour last week and only noticed the error today). These clocks are a little joy I think and great that you have got two going nicely. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience. Much appreciated. Richard

[@federicoprice2687]

Richard, another brilliant vid! I was especially interested as I own three of these Kundos. They had been gathering dust for about 40 years as well so I decided to have them restored about a year ago. Ouch! I thought the bill was a bit steep, but now that I've watched this video, I appreciate the work involved So thank you... My next project is to get my French comtoise going again - I had to move it to decorate and probably buggered the thing when I replaced the pendulum. Hey ho! If you're ever passing near Exeter give me a knock - I'm ex RN but understand a bit of Army!

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi Frederico... I think these torsion clocks are something of a 'bug' for some folks. It was interesting that you have three. I think they are very collectable. Good luck with your Comtoise clock! Richard

[@theapexrayyan1512]

Your voice is so relaxing helps me fall asleep😅. Imagine you did audio books 😊

[@leahrowden3939]

I’m not actually into clock restoration videos, but I do love your voice! It’s so soothing and relaxing.

[@lucasdcofficial]

It’s amazing 🤩 & finest your work; congratulations. Fraternal greetings 🖖 from Argentina 🇦🇷: .

[@jatco84]

What a fabulous looking movement..and great job on restoring that piece to spec. Looks great..love those clocks..and working on them has to pleasurable...A far cry from wristwatches. Excellent job there Richard. Love your vids. Kudos..and seasons greetings to you..and yours.

[@WrightsW5]

It was good watching this, and a bit of an emotional feeling, when I saw the name from a distance I thought it was Kienzle, my mom has a Kienzle clock, non-working, it was the first thing my mom and dad bought for themselves straight after they were married in the 50s, it worked for many years, then stopped working and has been non-working for many years, so this was a sort of parallel to my family situation.

[@johnmchardy1229]

I have a collection of these including one from Joseph becker. Not the early ones but a later one with a 4 ball pendulum. I have Kundos Kern Schatz and even a Jahresuhrenfabrik late 1800's. They all have their own time keeping regime. The Schatz 1000 day clock after winding has gone for over 2 years. I moved house a few years ago and some need to be set up or a new Torsion spring. I took them on because they are precise and it feels so good when they come to life.

[@brucebarlow6604]

Great work Richard and keep well from New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@MinuteMen-lo2zw]

the blue table is awesome.

[@MostlyIC]

its beautiful, such elegant simplicity, looked on eBay for something similar, but only see much more ornate versions that I don't appreciate as much.

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

Ah all the screws go into a tea egg... that'll make a nice cuppa ;)

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

Great video :)

[@beautifulsmall]

You completely skipped the hard part, adjusting the pallet. would love to see that in detail. nice restoration and a great looking result.

[@wildernessofzinn17]

This is fantastic. An actual mechanical torsion pendulum!. These clocks are fascinating. Now you're just showing off 😎😎 Anyway, on a kind of unrelated note...at the start of the video, at the 57 sec. mark, I saw an alarm watch with a beautiful blue dial lying in the background as you were unpacking the clock. May I ask what that is?. It looks like an alarm watch of some make, but which one had a blue dial like that?. Cool!

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi Wilderness of Zinn... Me? Show off?! Haha! I guess in a way I am.. However I am really just trying to show the ingenuity and beauty if these clocks which you have picked up on. The watch you mention is a chronograph by Sugess with a Chinese chronograph movement which I featured in my last video.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/borVfmV7eLBlgM0

[@wildernessofzinn17]

@@richardperrettwatchmaker I was just teasin'. 🤪🤪I love your videos. Heck, I don't remember seeing that watch in a past video. I will go back and take a peek. Thanks

[@c.cabanilla8963]

A review of on orient diver would be incredible from your perspective sir!

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi c. cabanilla ... I don't really make review videos at the moment but maybe a restoration of a old Orient Diver plus compasion to a modern one might be of interest to a lot of folks. Interesting. Thanks. Richard

[@c.cabanilla8963]

@@richardperrettwatchmaker actually your idea is spot on. Orient had an original world timer diver in the 60s and a reissue. They also released a model called the king diver in those same years I believe.

[@GK-rw2op]

I got this same clock for my best friend in the 70's and it too stopped working

[@Aco747lyte]

That clock video was absolutely wonderful and so interesting, but Richard, please could you tell me where you bought that splendid blue tabletop from? I have the same trestles. My late husband bought them many years ago from Ikea. And that clock you got up and running again looks terrific. What a wonderful story. Best, Wendi 🌻

[@michaelleskoske7723]

Great use of a tea ball for holding small parts.

[@shemp308]

I do these clocks professionally! And you did a good job, except you put the suspension spring bottom block in wrong. The pin needs to be under the spring washer so that the sping has tension on it in the locked position.

[@TailSpinRCSpain]

Surprised that the hands were held on with a pin, very old school.

[@johnhannon]

Hi Richard. Very nice work with the clock. You mention in the video that a list the solutions you use for cleaning the clock parts is on you web site. I can't seem to find the information. Would I have to be a member to view it? Thanks!

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi John... Here it is ... www.richardperrett.com/watch-repair/my-watch-parts-cleaning-regime ... Hope it is helpful. Richard

[@johnhannon]

@@richardperrettwatchmaker Thanks! Sorry I missed it.

[@philandeswilliams1975]

💪🏿Congratulations to the Happy Couple, together after all these years.🏆🤵🏽👰🏽🏆 💡 It takes a Long & Happy marriage like this to get all the use out of your good wedding gifts!🕰

[@vivexpress6846]

Where is glass dome ?

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi VIV Express.... In the dishwasher!!! . I think I do some follow up shots with it on on my website... www.richardperrett.com. Well observed! Richard

[@rodvickery9169]

Hi Richard what next. Sorting out Big Ben?

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi Rod... I wish! Some folks beat me to that recently! Richard

[@akimbogaming9334]

The mainspring is about as strong as an 8 day clock. It runs for 400 days because of how slow the pendulum ticks

[@allanrichards3752]

A nice restoration. Out of interest did you lubricate the main spring. If so what did you use. I think these clocks can stop because the spring unwinds so slowly that the coils stick together and power to the train is lost. They can be very finicky sometime, its like they are determined not to run.

[@turbyoulance]

wow

[@relogiodeparede7]

Hello! Congratulations on the work done. where can i buy this steel wire or hair for the movement of this watch?

[@Матрица-д5п]

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

[@niallsmith2823]

Nice clock, what’s the significance of Haycastle Cross? Good pub at the Inn?

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Well spotted and deciphered Niall. Richard

[@legacywatchguy8333]

Not exactly hi-beat movements are they? Nice work!

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi Legacy watch guy... Yes, nice and slow for sure. Richard

[@stevem.1853]

Never seen one in this color... would it be considered verdigris? Wonderful job as always 👍👍👍

[@kti5682]

My first impulse was to say Paris Green but checking with Wikipedia the clock is not looking yellowish enough for it.

[@luigimaione6663]

👍👍👏👏

[@AngusMacKinnon-xm5ko]

Simply BRILLIANT Sir! I was fascinated by this podcast, but I am too butter fingered to play around with clocks; maybe pulling a pin from a hand grenade but springs and things; I will leave to the experts. Many thanks for a wonderful programme!

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi Angus... Thank you! Very pleased that you enjoyed this and its a few years since I pulled the the pin on a grenade so I am going to stick to clocks and watches. Thanks again for taking a moment to leave such encouraging feedback. Richard

[@AngusMacKinnon-xm5ko]

@@richardperrettwatchmaker LOL Major. The last time I pulled a pin on a grenade was 1966. I really enjoyed watching you patiently pulling that clock apart. I doubt I would have had the patience to do that but heavens above I'd like to try. I have subscribed to your channel so please keep me informed when you take something apart again. I have no problems dismantling them but crikey; fitting them all back together again is another story. Kindest Regards. Angus.

[@boydsargeant7496]

Nice job Richard! Surprised no pivot issues? All the clocks I work on have have elongated pivot holes in the main plates, I’d like to see your approach to this problem.

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi Boyd ... these clock tend to show very little wear due to the very slow release of energy. Every thing turns really slowly and only one mainspring's worth of energy is forced through the mechanism a year which is way way less than most clock. It's energy that creates the wear so less energy/day is way less wear. These are really nicely designed clocks and probably some of the most beautiful out there. Hope this explains and thanks for raisning. Richard

[@boydsargeant7496]

@@richardperrettwatchmaker Many thanks Richard! I might look at getting one!

[@bufdaman]

Would have been nice to hear it

[@awdturbopowah773]

Great work Richard! It was wonderful watching you bring this neat old clock back to life. Quick question for you: at 20:50, what is the black metal arm attached to the clock? Is that to help you get it in beat? I'm just used to the standard timegrapher 😅. Cheers! 🍻

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi AWDTurboPOWAH... it's a special tool by horolovar for assisting with putting a torsion clock un beat. Richard

[@awdturbopowah773]

@@richardperrettwatchmaker Thank you! Starting small with watches, maybe some day I'll work up to clocks. 😄

[@dazzfromaus4797]

Here in Australia our remaing watch.makers.are.disapearing at.a.raite of knotts as most of.them.have retired and have no one to take.thier place sadly. Please.if you can afford it please take on an apprentice so that he or.she may carry on the trade in the future etc.

[@BigFuckingPig]

Incredible timepiece!

[@jeff-pe4qh]

Can throw that brasso in the garbage get yourself a tube of Flitz and never look back

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi Jeff... This sounds like a 'top tip'... think I shall try your advice. Stay tuned. Thank you. Richard

[@donaldknapik2706]

THIS is EXACTLY why I love working on mechanical pieces. Fantastic work and thank you for the insight on letting down the mainspring.

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi Donald ... very pleased you found this interesting. Proper handling of the mainspring is pretty important for safety and clock performance and reliability so I thought I would include a succinct section on it. Glad you found that helpful sir. Richard

[@cgnicolis]

Growing up in the '70's-'80s, my mother had a friend named Roberta Terwilliger. It wasn't until a year or so ago, when I started developing an interest in clocks and watchmaking, that I discovered that Roberta's husband Charles was something of an authority on 400 day clocks. Great video, thanks!

[@TheDagda1000]

I've just ordered Charles' book "Horolovar 400 Day Clock Repair Guide". It's the "go to" publication for servicing torsion clocks. I've worked on clocks and watches for a few years, but this is the first torsion clock I've been asked to look at. Wish me luck!

[@alaindrolet_atlt_2019]

It’s an absolute pieces of art !! See you working on small clock is so interesting, love the shiny resullt, congratulations for this great restoration and of course thank for sharing. Best regard from Canada !! ✨👌

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Alain... Very good to hear from you sir! Very pleased you enjoyed this as I hoped folks might find it an interesting diversion. Greetings from UK to you in Canada. Richard

[@kirjom2505]

Love your video and your voice is calming :) this is asmr for me.

[@madr8b]

Very nice work. Thank you for showing this beautiful clock.

[@steveblake8766]

298 thumbs up You should be wearing your own brand watch in your videos. Better advertisement. Just a thought.

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi Steve... Good to hear from you sir! Mostly I do for just that reason but sometimes I shake it up a little by wearing something I have made another video about (in which there is another advert for my own brand!) Richard

[@jonka1]

Please drop the loud and intrusive musical entertainment. It jarred badly when it interrupted my open concentration on your work.

[@raymondjhorology]

Richard , I am a huge fan of this channel and your amazing work. Thank you much for this content. I do have a question though. I recently bought a vintage Helbros Deep sea diver 100 quartz , and it runs incredibly fast. +15 seconds a minute fast! I’m not sure what to do or where to start because I love this watch but I want to be able to use it correctly. If you see this thank you in advance sir 🙏

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi Raymond... Thats an interesting watch. I just looked it up and the one I found had a certain AP royal oak thing going on. Please contact me via my website www.richardperrett.com/contact/ and I will follow it up. Richard

[@chrispenn715]

I bought my parents one of these from my first month's pay about a million years ago. Unfortunately they threw it away when it stopped working......

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Bless you for buying one of these beautiful clocks for your parents with you first wage. I bet they loved it and nothing lasts forever! Great feedback Chris. Richard

[@ohger1]

I would never attempt one of these.

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi John-Del... Honestly they're a breeze. You do need the Charles Terwilliger book but other than that and some careful regulation I think you would find it not that much unlike any similar sized single train clock. Richard

[@ohger1]

@@richardperrettwatchmaker Hmmm...

[@brianmccord7387]

May I ask how you put it in beat? Is there a way to connect this clock to the timegrapher behind it?

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi Brian... Towards the end of the video there's a short clip of a special tool attached to the suspension unit. This is used to rotate the unit carefully whilst listening for the drop of the pallets and watching the swing of the pendulum. The timegrapher is not involved. Hope this is helpful. Richard

[@minicooper2572]

Didn’t know you done jigsaw puzzles,but congratulations

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi Mini Cooper... Good to hear from you! Richard

[@Richard22444]

Très interessant , toutes ces informations , sur ce genre d' horloge !

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Merci beaucoup Raminagrobis c'est un plaisir et merci d'avoir pris un moment pour laisser cet excellent commentaire. Richard

[@jirom5176]

大変興味深い映像でした！ 美しく再稼働した時計に 感動しました✨ 私は日本製のVintage Anniversaryclockを所有しています。 動画が参考になりました。 多くの事を学びました😮 日本から感謝を込めて…

[@philspencelayh5464]

Another great video. An elderly aunt had one of these, same make I think 1950s and as a small boy I was fascinated by it so I inherited it, its running still but I find it goes better wound twice a year and its nothing like as accurate as my pendulum clock, needs tweaking as the weather warms up. I noticed the spring that you fitted was temperature compensating, was that what would be fitted as standard or an upgrade?

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi Phil.... Great comment! It's highly likely that your aunt's clock is fitted with a bronze suspension spring as all the original torsion clocks were. These are not very good at stayong constant in varying temperatures and are consequently not good time keepers. But who cares when there are this pretty! Thanks for the feedback. Richard

[@1959Berre]

Hi Richard. I inherited a Kundo "Electrochron" clock from my late mother. It is not the 'real' thing, as it is powered by an electric motor (1.5 V) that winds the mainspring. So, no winding key. It stopped running many decades ago. The torsion spring is fine. I cleaned and oiled the pivots as good as possible without taking the clock apart. (I just don't have the nerve) Now it seems to run okay. It has been ticking away for 24 hours. Though, it loses 8 min a day. I have no idea how many turns on the adjusting wheel it takes to make it run 1 min faster per 24 h. Is it one 360° for 1 minute?

[@KentnDebi]

Class work as always Richard. What a beautiful piece 👍 A bit like me...not worked in 40 years 😉

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Haha! These are very attractive clocks Kent for sure. The interesting bit going to be tweaking the regulation to see it I can make this one keep good time. Good to hear from you. Richard

[@chalkie2685]

I am repairing a Kern 400 day clock. But, the three pins holding the dial are missing. Do you know what size they are. It would be a great help Thanks

[@donaldasayers]

Ever since I was a child I have loved these types of clock. But on becoming an adult I have not found one I like, devoid of the typical Black Forest gargoyles and gilded flourishes. That one is nearly there. I shall just have to wait til I can afford an Atmos.

[@ricardoescalante4644]

Amazing job máster, I love this kind of videos. Huge from México, thanks for all

[@nigelnightmare4160]

What weight of oil is best for these Kundo clocks?

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Hi Nigel, I use Moebius D5 for all but the escape wheel which is very low torque so i use 9010 on that. Nothing on the anchor pivots. Hope this is helpful. Richard

[@nigelnightmare4160]

@@richardperrettwatchmaker Very helpful, thank you.👍 I'm used to mantle clocks 2 and 3 train mainly but I have two Kundo 400 day clocks that I am in the process of restoring. Basically the same as yours mechanically, according to the "400 day clock book", but polished brass and in a glass rectangular carriage case & roman numerals on the face.

[@Nefville]

Couldn't they make a clock like this that adjusts the amplitude automatically as the spring winds down as a way to maintain isochronism? Maybe I have no idea what I'm talking about or maybe its been done but it seems like an interesting idea to me.

[@res00xua]

I have one of these like my grandmother had but haven’t gotten it to work. Maybe this will help my watchmaker get it.

[@stevegavin3327]

This is chunky style compared to a watch movement,is it not jewelled on the pivots because it’s a stationary timepiece and has massive power reserve so fiction isn’t a factor?

[@Daud76]

Long time no see, my friend. 😊 Hope you are well and yet another job well done!

[@andrewdeacon4384]

At 16:33 you are applying a grease to the pivot on the first wheel - I'm guessing this is a light mainspring grease?

[@billmea5593]

The one thing I want to watch your video for was to how to release the tension in the spring and then you don’t even show it. What’s up with that?

[@ronjohnson6406]

My grandparents had one of these clocks. I as a child was fascinated by it. They promised me that it would be my inheritance. The clock stopped working some years before they passed away, and my inheritance was a quartz replica. Oh, how I wished that they would have just kept the broken clock.

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Oh no! That was bad luck Ron! I think the nature of these beautiful clocks serves to amplify the difference between mechanical and quartz. Maybe you could find one on ebay that would remind you of 'the real one'. Thanks for sharing. Richard

[@culturevulture3382]

Nice to 'ave you back Richard

[@richardperrettwatchmaker]

Nice to be back Culture Vulture and thanks for saying so! Richard

[@kaleembaigmohammed1141]

Good job

[@fredericoazevedo5599]

Congratulations! The restoration is marvellous!

[@feistyhuman3579]

Elegant work! It’s great that the BG and his wife wanted it repaired rather than binned.