AWCI Certified Clockmaker Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
- What is the primary function of a clock escapement?
- To store power in the mainspring
- To display the time
- To regulate the release of energy from the power source
- To wind the clock
Rationale: The escapement controls and regulates energy flow to the
oscillator, ensuring accurate timekeeping.
2. The pendulum’s time period depends primarily on:
- The weight of the bob
- The length of the pendulum
- The material of the rod
- The driving force 1 / 4
Rationale: The period of a pendulum is proportional to the square root
of its length, not its weight or material.
- What is the most common cause of a clock running fast?
- Weak mainspring
- Pendulum too short
- Dirty pivot holes
- Insufficient lubrication
Rationale: A shorter pendulum swings faster, making the clock gain
time.
4. A clock mainspring should be lubricated using:
- Machine oil
B. WD-40
- Clock mainspring grease
- Vaseline
Rationale: Clock mainspring grease is formulated to reduce friction
and prevent sticking.
- Which tool is essential for removing a clock hand?
- Balance tack
- Hand puller
- Mainspring winder
- Pivot file
Rationale: A hand puller safely removes clock hands without damaging
the dial. 2 / 4
6. The verge in a verge escapement functions as:
- The pallet mechanism controlling gear motion
- A winding mechanism
- The striking hammer
- A pendulum suspension
Rationale: The verge acts as the pallet component that alternately
locks and unlocks the escape wheel.
7. When re-bushing a worn pivot hole, the replacement bushing must be:
- Smaller than the pivot
- Slightly larger than the pivot with minimal side shake
- Oversized for easy movement
- Identical to the original hole
Rationale: Proper bushing size ensures correct endshake and
minimizes friction.
8. A movement described as “eight-day” means:
- It chimes every eight hours
- It runs for eight days per winding
- It has eight wheels
- It is wound eight times per day
Rationale: An eight-day movement operates approximately one week
between windings.
- What is the purpose of a fusee in early clock mechanisms?
- To improve escapement accuracy 3 / 4
- To equalize mainspring torque
- To amplify the striking mechanism
- To wind the pendulum
Rationale: The fusee compensates for decreasing mainspring force as
it unwinds.
- The “count wheel” is associated with which clock function?
- Timekeeping
- Striking
- Winding
- Escapement
Rationale: Count wheels control the striking sequence of the clock.
- Which cleaning solution is generally used in ultrasonic clock
- Alcohol and water
- Ammoniated clock cleaning solution
- Vinegar
- Mineral spirits
cleaning?
Rationale: Ammoniated solutions dissolve oil residues and tarnish
effectively.
- What is the most likely reason for a clock striking one hour
- Dirty escapement
- / 4
early?