More expert advice from Charles Harris of The Empire Group on keeping time, and the timepieces that allow us to do so.
Question 1:Dear Charles,
My wall clock is running fast all the time. I heard it has something to do with the pendulum. How can I adjust it to keep time?
Amanda
Dear Amanda,
You are correct, timekeeping is adjusted on the pendulum. The longer the pendulum the slower the clock will run, the shorter the pendulum the faster the clock will run. You adjust the nut on the bottom of the pendulum right to go faster, left to go slower in 1/4 turn increments until the clock keeps time.
Charles
Question 2:Dear Charles,
How often do clocks need to be cleaned?
Steven
Dear Steven,
That is a great question. All mechanical clocks or mechanical watches need to be cleaned or serviced once every five years to prevent them causing damage due to wear.
It’s as important as changing the oil in your car.
Charles
Question 3:Dear Charles,
I have a water resistant watch, is it still water resistant after I have the battery changed?
Mike
Dear Mike,
The short answer, probably not! You should always have the watch tested by a watchmaker to determine if it is still water resistant.
A professional watchmaker will re-lubricate the gaskets in the watch and test it for water resistance. That is the only way to know if it is water resistant.
Charles