German immigrant Paul Lux created the Lux Clock Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Conn., in 1914. During the Depression, the Lux Company produced about 3,000 Pendulette clocks per day, in scores of different shapes and designs, many of them novelties. Now collectors' items, Pendulette clocks were known for their small size, low cost and high quality.
Pendulette movements use a revolving drum. While the mainspring drives the escape wheel, energy transfers to the pendulum, which is secured to the drum shaft, also known as an arbor. The pendulum weight swings wider than most clocks due to its light weight.
Lubricating the clock once every two years with a fine machine oil will keep the mechanism running smoothly. Clock oil is available at a jewelry store or watch repair shop.
- Clock oil
- Set of small screwdrivers
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Instructions
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How to Oil a Pendulette Clock
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1
Remove the back of the clock by taking out the small machine screws.
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2
Look for the wheel arbor pivots, the round parts that rotate back and forth.
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3
Place a drop of fine machine oil designed for lubricating timepieces on the center of each wheel arbor, and at the point where each aligns with the brass plates that drive the timekeeping functions.
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4
Oil the revolving drum at the point where it attaches to the pendulum.
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5
Place one drop of oil on the center of each gear.
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6
Add one drop of oil to the point where the teeth of one gear mesh with another. The oil will disperse across the teeth as the parts continue moving.
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7
Replace the back cover and set the time, if necessary.
