Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 10/13/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello,
Just purchased a new Howard Miller 611-120. No sure of the movement's model number but it is a three weight Westminster chime with auto night shut off feature. While using the auto night shut off feature, the last chime is 9:45pm. No chime or strike till 7:15am. At 7:15am the clock chimes the hour and strikes seven times. At 7:30am it chimes the 1/4 hour. At 7:45 it chimes the 1/2 hour. At 8:00am it chimes the 3/4 hour. Usually by 9:00am it is back to normal. Since it is under warranty, I do not want to attempt to fix it. I was just wondering what could be wrong. I'm hoping a simple adjustment by a qualified clocksmith will take care of the problem??

ANSWER: if it is under warrantee get it fixed. The internal gearing is off so it is doing this - should do 1/4 after at 7:15 - but it is not and is going through its' normal resetting so that 9am and on is correct.

Most folks pay extra to have a chiming clock and do not shut it off ANYIME night or day! Try it - in one night you will not hear it anymore.

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QUESTION: Thank you for your quick response. This sounds like a major service call (movement removal from clock??). Do you think the clocksmith be able to complete this service at my home or will the movement have to be serviced at a shop? After the clock fails to chime/strike at 10:00pm, if I force the 10:00pm chime/strike by moving the auto night lever to chime at 10:00:30sec, the clock chimes properly at 7:15am the next day. I guess the problem is in the final auto night time countdown gear assembly?? One things for sure is I am not too happy having someone disassemble a brand new clock (finger prints/scratches/possible damage)....  Thanks again.

Answer
I agree with your thinking here - HM most often just sends out a new movement to replace the old rather than depend on the skill of the repair person to diagnose and properly fix it. It should shut off AFTER 10 pm. The internal gearing on the front of the mechaism is assembled one tooth off in allignment probably. You can call HM directly and ask their opinion with the warrantee etc. www.howardmiller.com