Pendulum Clock Parts

One of my earliest childhood memories is of summer vacations at my grandparents' house, being woken up to the melodic chiming sounds made by a huge and ancient pendulum clock. I remember being captivated by the rhythmic movement of the pendulum swaying side to side, almost hypnotic in its motion. As I grew older, all I wanted to do (the desire for which was increased by strict prohibitions), was to take apart the timepiece to check out the various clock parts that made up this magnificent time keeper. Of course, that was never allowed and all I have is a theoretical knowledge of the working of the clock and the different clock parts.

Invented by Christiaan Huygens, a Dutchman, in 1656, the pendulum clock was based on the principle of isochronism which was discovered by Galileo Galilei. The theory of isochronism states that regardless of the size of the swings of the pendulum, the period in which one swing is completed by a pendulum is approximately the same. This theory which formed the base of the making of the pendulum clock was the reason that pendulum time clocks were known as the most efficient clocks till almost the 1930s. The invention of the pendulum clocks in 1656 paved the way for the invention of the longer and narrower clocks known as grandfather clocks in 1680 by William Clement. Efficient clock parts made this time piece a standard all across the world for almost 270 years.

Clock Parts of Pendulum Clock

If you own a pendulum clock, and are curious about the various parts of the clock and how the clock movements with the pendulum occur, then in this article, we will tell you all about the various clock parts and how they function. All pendulum clocks, if mechanical in nature, have the following components.

• Clock Face: The clock face is the indicator that allows us to figure out how much time has elapsed, depending on the periodic rotation of the escapement. This is the dial that indicates to us, the users of the clock, the time at any specific moment, with the help of rotating hands.
• Weight: The weight is the power source of the pendulum clock. The weight is attached to a cord to turn the pulley that in turn moves the hands to show us the time, because it has been wound.
• Gear Train: The pendulum clock gears which together comprise the gear train are connected to the weight with the help of a drum. They are also connected to the hand of the clock. Each gear is a different size, regulating the speed of the different hands to which they are connected. There is another gear train that is connected to the weight in such a manner that it regulates the speed with which it falls. Effectively, the gear trains are responsible for controlling the speed at which the weight falls and the speed at which the hands move.
• Escapement: The escapement is made up of the pendulum, the anchor and the toothed gear. The escapement is what ensures that the pendulum swings at timely intervals and that the gear train moves a fixed distance every time. Every time the pendulum swings, one tooth of the gear is allowed to move. The anchor touches the gear in two places and engages it, making the tick-tock sound in the process. The anchor also just touches the pendulum to ensure that it is constantly swinging.
• Pendulum: The last and the most important of the clock parts is the pendulum itself. It is a round weight that is attached to the end of a metal rod. The swinging of the metal rod causes the pendulum to move back and forth.

There are many pendulum clocks that also include parts like calendar dials to show the date and the month, moon phase dials that show the phase of the moon, a striking train that strikes a number of times every hour to match the time, etc. Electromechanical clocks have battery operated clock parts like a solenoid that gives the pendulum the impetus it needs, a switch instead of an escapement, etc. Pendulum clocks electronics needs to be understood in case you own a quartz pendulum clock. These are not actual pendulum clocks but have the pendulum as a decorative element. In case you own a torsion clock, then an integral part of the time piece will be a torsion pendulum. A torsion pendulum is a wheel with 3 chrome balls on metal spokes that are decorated and hung from a torsion spring. The rotating movement for torsional pendulum clock is such that the pendulum rotates on the vertical axis of the torsion spring; the spring reverses the direction of rotation causing the oscillation of the pendulum.

Even though you now know what the different clock parts are, do not attempt any kind of pendulum clock repair on your own. Knowledge of the parts does not necessarily mean that you know all about pendulum clocks. In case you need to make some pendulum clock adjustment, take it to a horologist or a clock maker who would have an expertise on the subject. There are pendulum clock kits available in the market that will enable you to make your own pendulum clock, but it may not have the beauty and elegance of an antique piece. If you are looking for an authentic pendulum clock, rummage at garage sales or flea markets. You never know when you may find a piece you will treasure.