aNNIVERSARY cLOCK rEPAIR
Anniversary Clocks
Anniversary clocks have unique qualities that separate them from other clock types. They get their name from the fact that they are designed to run a year on a single wind! The next obvious difference that sets them apart is the rotating, instead of swinging pendulum. These types of pendulums are called “torsion pendulums”. They are also known for their beauty; the shiny brass, the glass dome and the light reflecting off the rotating pendulum makes them quite attractive. A lesser-known quality is that they don’t “tick”. Truth is they do, but they are so quiet you have to have your ear within an inch or so to hear it. Early marketing for these clocks touted this quality. It is important to remember that all clocks, in their early configurations, made quite a loud ticking sound that may have bothered a small segment of the population, making this a potentially important selling point. Many anniversary clocks were given as gifts to newly married couples. Winding the clock each year on their anniversary gave the clocks a romantic quality, reminding the couple of another year of wedded bliss.
Most Common Anniversary Clock Style
There are two main styles of anniversary Clocks, shown here on left and right. They also make a mini version of the more common style that is about 2/3 the normal size. Kundo and Schatz were the most prolific brands.
These clocks can be easily damaged if not handled properly. There is a very delicate “suspension spring” that the pendulum hangs from. If the clock is moved without first locking or possibly removing the pendulum, the suspension spring can be damaged and cause the clock to fail. When we repair these clocks, we always take the time necessary to inform the owner of proper handling and operation to prevent damage.
Coach Style Anniversary Clock
We Repair Anniversary Clocks
Up until the mid 1980’s all Anniversary Clocks were key wound. Around this time the manufacturers began to make battery operated versions that could sell for much less and were also more accurate. Most often these were made of brass plated plastic with plastic domes instead of glass. Unfortunately, most of these battery-operated versions cannot practically be repaired.
If you have a key wound Anniversary clock that needs repaired, please give us a call. We offer two levels of repair; a lesser expensive, basic tune-up that, unfortunately we cannot guarantee and a complete overhaul with new mainspring and suspension spring that we can guarantee.
