How do you wind them properly?

Most French movements have two winding arbors on the dial. The right side drives the timekeeping while the left powers the strike. Turn the key smoothly without forcing it until you feel firm resistance.

I bought a set where the side urns seem much lighter than the clock itself, is it normal for them to be different weights or should they all match?

The central clock houses a heavy brass mechanism and thick glass. These functional components add significant mass that the decorative flanks simply lack. Foundries often hollowed out spelter urns and bronze figures to save on raw material. Finding a stark weight difference between the pieces is standard across most antique sets.

Where does the pendulum go?

Access the back door of the clock case and look for a narrow gap behind the mechanism. Hook the pendulum bob onto the thin metal suspension spring hanging down from the top. Give it a gentle push to start the tick.

When putting the trio on a mantelpiece is there a rule about how far away the side pieces need to sit from the central clock to look right?

Spacing depends on the width of your chimney piece. Keep the side pieces equidistant from the centre. Leaving breathing room prevents the display from looking cluttered.

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Victorian Clock Garnitures

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An antique clock garniture features a central mantel clock flanked by two matching ornamental pieces, usually urns or candelabra, designed to dress a chimney piece in a unified style.