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400-day clock repair

Also known as Anniversary clocks (as they should run for a year on one winding), or Torsion clocks (a term I prefer but which is not widely recognised outside clockmaking circles). To my mind, 400 day clocks are much maligned and under-rated, possibly because they remain comparatively cheap and some repairers who do not fully understand the science and mechanics of clockmaking, find them too much trouble to set up. Unless you really understand clocks and know what you're doing, they can be a problem but not if you treat them with some respect. They also have a reputation for poor time-keeping but it's just a gradual accumulation of a few lost seconds each day because they are left uncorrected for months while most clocks are adjusted every week during winding.

Mainly German in origin, a great many of them are exceptionally well machined. Well, they'd have to be precision-made since on one winding, they will run fifty times longer than most clocks. This is not because the mainspring is fifty times bigger or stronger! It's because a single swing of the pendulum typically takes seven and a half seconds instead of a fraction of a second in many other mantle clocks. Having said that, unless you rewind them two or three times a year you'll find them losing a few minutes a week as the mainspring gradually loses power after six or seven months.

Some of the prominent makers include Gustav Becker, Jahresuhrenfabrik (who coined the 'anniversary' name), Kienzle, Kieninger & Obergfell (KundO), Badische Uhrenfabrik and Phillipp Haas. But there are many more. The pendulum of most Gustav Becker 400-day clocks takes the form of a heavy disc with two small weights that can be moved in or out to adjust rotation speeds. But more common is the four rotating balls type pendulum. Once you acquire one, you'll want more and they are likely to become a great investment. You should also buy the excellent 'Horolovar 400 day Clock Repair Guide' - the bible for these timepieces, which is full of detailed history and dating information. It costs about £25. Another excellent source of information for repairers is Mervyn Passmore's automated identification system - it's FREE!

My flat rate for repairing one of these clocks is £90 unless there is something special about it. That includes the usual full strip and clean, checks for wear, all re-bushing needed, and checks for correct alignment of wheels, pinions and pallets, and final setup to ensure it's in beat; PLUS polishing the movement, and making and fitting a new suspension. The only thing that's extra is the cost of a mainspring if a new one is required (about £35), which is seldom. And all paid for work is guaranteed for 12 months.

FOR SALE

400 DAY CLOCKS:

  • A typical antique torsion clock by Gustav Becker, Germany, with standard galleried cast brass disc pendulum and silvered dial c.1910
  • An early 400 day clock with pressed brass galleried disc pendulum from the Badische factory in Germany c.1890
  • A rarer anniversary clock with disc pendulum by Phillip Haas of Germany c.1910 before restoration
  • Another torsion clock by Gustav Becker with an unusual four balls pendulum c.1900
  • A typical 400 day clock by Jahresuhrenfabrik (JUF) with the ubiquitous four balls pendulum c.1915

 

 

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