Ansonia "Repeater" Dressor Clock Repair

[ChrisBeattie]

Hello all - I have a question on a Ansonia "Repeator" Dresser clock that I am currently working on.

When I wind it; it does not start running. I try to give it a gentle jiggle or shake and it still does not start running. As soon as I give a gear on the time side a slight touch it takes off running. Would this be a problem with the mainspring, balance spring, or something else. I can't see anything else wrong as it runs non-stop once it starts running. It does not appear to be a friction problem as everything moves freely when it is running. The only problem I am having with it to this point is getting it started running after winding it.

My best guess would be that the mainspring needs to be replaced as it may not have the power it needs to get it started. But if this is the case then why does it run smoothly and accurately once it is started?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Chris Beattie

[ChrisBeattie]

Hello all - I have a question on a Ansonia "Repeator" Dresser clock that I am currently working on.

When I wind it; it does not start running. I try to give it a gentle jiggle or shake and it still does not start running. As soon as I give a gear on the time side a slight touch it takes off running. Would this be a problem with the mainspring, balance spring, or something else. I can't see anything else wrong as it runs non-stop once it starts running. It does not appear to be a friction problem as everything moves freely when it is running. The only problem I am having with it to this point is getting it started running after winding it.

My best guess would be that the mainspring needs to be replaced as it may not have the power it needs to get it started. But if this is the case then why does it run smoothly and accurately once it is started?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Chris Beattie

[newcat]

Chris,
It could be numerous things. Most due to wear, often subtle that needs to be corrected. Even if the spring wa set there would be enough energy to run the clock for a while.
Some of the possible problems could be pallet wear, staff wear, out of beat, rough pivots, bearing wear, etc.