Gustav Becker torsion clock help

[KB2025]

Hello watch and clock enthusiasts,

I am new on this forum as I am new in the clock repair world.

I inherited a Gustav Becker 400 day torsion clock in non-working condition (due to missing suspension spring) that I'm trying to fix and I need you expertise to identify the clock and the spring that I would need.

While I spent some time trying to look up the model on the internet, I was not able to find a correct answer, so I really hope you can help me with this.

What's confusing (according with the information from the internet) is that it seems to be a mismatch between serial number from the back plate, and the logo on the unit (please see the attached pictures).

According with the serial number (539) it might have been manufactured between 1850 and 1860; however according with the logo, it might be between 1925-1933.

Any help with the correct identity is greatly appreciated.

And, of course, I would appreciate any information regarding the torsion spring I need for the repair, and any other useful information that will help me to correctly install it.

Thank you in advance for your help!

KB

[RichardHarris123]

Hello and welcome from Leeds, England.  Clocks aren't my thing but someone will help you soon. 

[Dell]

Hi KB2025  & welcome 

your bandstand Gustav Becker like all GB’s are supposed to take 0.004” torsion spring but all the GB’s I have had to have a thinned down 0.0045” , Gustav were notorious in that they had only half the serial number sometimes and other stamping all over the place , I think being a bandstand it was probably made in the 20’s.

The most important thing about a torsion clock is it has to be as friction free as possible as it needs to run for a year so it will need stripping, cleaning including mainspring removal, use oil to lubricate mainspring not grease, here is my video on how I thin a torsion spring also some of my other videos may be helpful.

All I restore is torsion ( Anniversary) clocks if you need  help just shout.

Dell

 

[KB2025]

Hello Dell,

Thank you so much for your quick reply and for all the information provided.

Funny enough, I was aware of how to thin a suspension spring because I watched YOUR video last night... and I honestly had an 'AHA' moment

Considering that the spring is (mostly) missing, any suggestions abut how long it should be or where the fork should be installed? I know it's going to be a lot of trial and error, but a good starting point would be ideal.

Thanks again,

KB

 

[Dell]

11 hours ago, KB2025 said:

Hello Dell,

Thank you so much for your quick reply and for all the information provided.

Funny enough, I was aware of how to thin a suspension spring because I watched YOUR video last night... and I honestly had an 'AHA' moment

Considering that the spring is (mostly) missing, any suggestions abut how long it should be or where the fork should be installed? I know it's going to be a lot of trial and error, but a good starting point would be ideal.

Thanks again,

KB

 

The book doesn’t give measurements for a lot of clocks including GB’s I start by fixing top block & hanging it on the saddle then put pendulum on something on base approximately 1/4” (6mm) thick then cutting the torsion spring 1/2 way between hook on pendulum that will give you the correct length but the fork position is trial & error I am afraid but try to start a bit to low as with the fork to low there is more chance of it running than when to high I usually start with the fork just below 1/2 way between top of backplate & top of saddle, if you get fluttering (escape wheel dropping more than one tooth as a time ) then raise the fork by 1/2 to 1mm until it stops fluttering, don’t worry about time keeping until the clock runs.

By the by make sure you get a long torsion spring because most places sell standard length but for a bandstand you need the longer one, what part of the world are you in because then I may be able to tell you where to get torsion spring from.

Here is a picture of my Kern & sone bandstand.

Dell

[KB2025]

Hello Dell,

Thank you again for all your suggestions; it's a great starting point! And yes, my plan is to make it run and later be concerned about time keeping accuracy.

I live in the US and I was planning to order the torsion springs from thehorolovarcompany 0 0.045 is also available in 7.25"; however if you have other suggestions, I would be more than happy to learn something new - I will also need a key, and that particular model (long, 4mm) is sold out.

 

Thank you again,

KB

[Dell]

As you are in the US then the Horolovar company is the ideal place , they may even have I complete torsion spring including top, bottom, blocks & fork if you want to go that route, at the very least they may be able to tell you where to add the fork.

Good luck Dell