Regulation
A number of factors can affect the timekeeping of a clock (temperature, balance
etc.). No matter how well a clock may have been overhauled, final adjustment is
almost always necessary.
The longer the pendulum, the slower the
clock will run.
Most pendulums have a small rating nut under or
in the bob, and small adjustments should be made as necessary.
Do not
alter the pendulum more than once in 24 hours and remember that spring driven
clocks may run slower as the spring unwinds. Keep a note of the amount of
adjustment made and the resulting affect.
Some clocks, particularly
heavy French ones, have pendulum suspension systems that allow regulation
without moving the case. A watch or double-ended key will fit the arbor
protruding through the dial near the numeral 12. Generally, rotation of the
arbor in a clockwise direction shortens the effective length of the pendulum,
thus making the clock run faster.
Never move a clock with the pendulum
attached, as this will put it out of beat, damage the delicate spring on which
the pendulum is suspended and may cause expensive damage to the escapement.
This document is © copyright M&P 2005
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