Kern mantle anniversary clock stops in ten minutes?

I figured out a way to release the spring tension. I ran the clock forward for 72hrs using the minute hand. That gave me enough slack that I slightly turned the winding key with one hand & held the rocker lock mechanism back & slowly released the tension. It was wound so tight that the winding key was almost flying out of my hand.
Anyway....now I'll see if being over wound was the problem.
Thanks

Charles Johnson
June 2014

My anniversary clock had a bad suspension wire so I replaced it with the recommended wire. Now I set it where the lever goes equal distances R & L. But it'll run maybe 10 minutes then slowly stop. I checked the winding & it's so tight the shaft will turn only enough that you know it isn't frozen in place ...micro-micro turn!
If it's overwound, how can you release some of the spring tension without doing damage. I've done it on other items like toys, very cheap clocks but it was a hit & miss on the damage. Being able to only rock the winding shaft a micro turn, I can't hold back the catch & let it unwind a little.....any suggestions?
I can fix anything but this is my first Anniversary Clock to work on. I read everything I can first then do what I can.
Help if you can.

Charles Johnson
June 2014

Hi there viewers i got the Kern Clock fixed by replacing the suspension wire and lubricating the moving parts,slowly but surely i adjusted the time setting until it was pretty spot on and it was ok. Ive now had three to look at all needed new suspension wires and the timing reset electronically. I know that they are a touchy clock to fix and get right but can't help but love the old things and now looking to purchase one myself,preferably one that needs T.L.C.to keep.

Ken Turnbull
March 2012

Sound like overwound clock.
Could also be the hair spring weak.
May just need cleaning and re-balancing.

Be prepared for a fair sized bill from clock shop, then you might get a suprise if it's simple solution and cheap.

Advice from an intelligent first class watch/clock repairer whom I worked with said 'Never fully wind a timepiece then you won't have problems, as long as it's cleaned at least every 4-5yrs'. He was right. I guess you didn't hear him.

It's a shop job

Bob
January 2012