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The Daily Insight

How does a self winding clock work?

Author

John Peck

Updated on April 03, 2026

A patented clock mechanism automatically rewinds the main spring each hour by the small electric motor. A contact switch mounted on the clock’s center shaft is activated after the clock has run for one hour and the main spring is rewound one revolution. This rewinding occurs each hour.

Can you over wind a grandfather clock?

Luckily, the truth is that you can’t over-wind your clock. Over-winding is basically a myth! Let’s take a look at what actually causes a clock to quit running or chiming after winding it up… A clock mainspring is made of spring steel and is about the width of a ruler (but not quite as thick).

Should you stop a grandfather clock before winding it?

Wind weekly, or as necessary. Almost all grandfather clocks are made to run for seven or eight days without winding, so winding them on the same day each week will ensure that it never stops. If your clock stops before its regular winding time, however, you may need to wind it more frequently.

How do you rebalance a grandfather clock?

To do so, turn the feet clockwise to lower the corner and counterclockwise to raise the corner, until you bring the bubble in the circular level to its center position. The adjustable feet can be turned by hand while your helper slightly tilts the clock case, which will relieve the pressure on the adjustable foot.

Is self-winding the same as automatic?

An automatic watch (also known as a self-winding watch) allows you to use your mechanical watch without having to wind it each day. Manual wind watches are not self-winding like an automatic watch and therefore require that you wind them by hand or sometimes with a special tool in order for the watch to operate.

Why won’t My grandfather clock stay running?

Your clock needs to have an even “tick”. If the tick sounds comparable to a guy walking with a limp, it won’t run. The pendulum needs to travel an EVEN distance after each tick. If it doesn’t, it will stop.

Why is only the middle weight dropping on grandfather clock?

If the clock is running but not chiming, then only the center weight will drop. Typically, what we find is that the grandfather clock has not been serviced and the oil has dried up in the movement and therefore the chiming side of the clock is hung up, or worst, worn out.

What are the 3 weights for on a grandfather clock?

The three weights provide power to the hour strike (left weight), time (center weight), and chime melody (right weight).