A grandfather clock works by force of gravity. The force of gravity allows the weights to drop at a given pace. Each weight that is hanging has a different weight that allows different functions of the clock to work. One of the weights allows the pendulum to swing back and forth. The other weight or weights will run the count/strike and the quarter hour chiming. The weights are suspended either by chains or cables. The weights will continue to drop throughout a 7 day period. The grandfather clock will then need to be wound back up by either pulling the chains or using a crank to wind the cables.