Clock Mystery

[abstibus]

I have a Vienna wall clock by Gustav Becker that has been silent for about two years and has suddenly started up again on its own.
(I was not able to find a clockmaker who could take a look and tell me what was wrong, so I had more or less given up).
As far as I know, it has not been moved at all. It gave me quite a shock to hear it chime this morning.
Could anyone suggest why it might suddenly decide to start?
Could anyone also suggest a clockmaker in N Ireland who might look at it for me?
Many thanks.

[RATTER15]

The workings of any clock involve very fine pieces of very precise engineering all working together, if something slipped out of line or maybe a small bit of dust or dirt got stuck in the workings it is possible that it has cleared itself, maybe a change in temperature or humidity has caused a minute change somewhere, you will probably never know unless it happens again and you somehow get it fixed.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Is this a wind up ?

[abstibus]

Thanks, Ratter.
There are old superstitions about clocks stopping, but I have never heard of one about clocks starting!
I'm just delighted it has started again. The chime is so lovely.
A-m

[maggiebee]

The hand(s) of God?

[Old_Geezer]

Has Uri Geller been on the TV recently ?
I'd have thought any local clockmaker would suit.

[stewey]

Being a bit of an amateur horologist, I think that you might have a very interesting regulator clock. If you want to do some research on it, this is a good place to start: http://www.nationalclockrepair.com/Gustav_Becker_Clock_History.php
You will have to find a qualified watch/clock maker. Please don't just dump it off at your local jewelers!...Goodluck.

[abstibus]

Stewey
That is a really interesting link. Mine is a very 'handsome' one with two brass weights and a tiny second hand set within the main dial, which has a crown with a cross above, the initials GB and an what looks like an anchor. The hours are in Roman numerals and the second hand in 'normal' figures.
I have to say I have never looked too closely at it, but since I posted about it earlier today, I have found a qualified clockmaker who will collect, give it any needed TLC, return it and set it up. I will have to wait about six weeks before he can come, but I'm quite happy with that.
Thank you for such an interesting reply.
a-m

[stewey]

Pardon the pun, annemollie, but it does take time to give these antique clocks the TLC that they deserve, so it appears that you have found a good person to work on it. Ask him to write down any information that he finds regarding the clock: serial number, movement number, etc.. Then do more research on it and enjoy its company:)

[stewey]

I just read your last post again. He's making a house call to work on it? He should really have it in his shop so that he can disassemble it, clean and oil it, and set it running so that the running and chiming trains are in synch. He can't do all that in your house.

[mazie]

Just found this anne, don't know if it's any use to you

http://www.antiqueclockspriceguide.com/labelstrademarks.php?lm=Gustav%20Becker

[abstibus]

No, stewey
I should have made it clear that he is going to collect it. I told him I would be very reluctant to take it down or transport it myself in case I damaged it.

[murraymints]

I have someone in annually to clean my grandfather clock..200 years old or thereabouts ...checks the weights chimes etc....

[stewey]

Alright...much better...Cheers.

[abstibus]

Thank you, mazie, for taking the time to find this for me.
From being just something that hung on the wall and that I walked past every day, the clock has taken on an identity of its own.

[mazie]

I wonder how old it is Anne, do you know?

[aelmpvw]

murraymints, i don't believe that your clock cleaner is 200 years old or thereabouts

[murraymints]

Ae......he looks very dusty....for sure ! Lol

[coccinelle]

I remember my mother putting a ball of cotton wool with ether meths inside the mantel clock which she said cleaned it and kept it running. When she died we kept the clock but didn't bother with it it was only a few months ago when we realised it didn't work that we put a cottonwool ball with meths on inside and hey presto! Wonder if something like that's been near your clock...

[stewey]

You might find this of interest:
http://mb.nawcc.org/showthread.php?91355-Newbie-question-What-exactly-IS-a-Vienna-Regulator-clock&highlight=gustav+becker+clocks

[stewey]

Also this:
http://mb.nawcc.org/showthread.php?98398-Gustav-Becker-Wall-Clock
As shutterbug says, scroll down to post #15 on his enclosed thread.