Expert: Martin Meyer - 10/24/2008

Question
I have an old (read sentimental) clock made by the United Clock Corp in Brooklyn, NY.  I repaired the defective wiring and the clock runs fine.  How do I set the clock to the correct time without taking it apart and manually seting the hands?

Answer
Hi Howard,

Your clock should have either back setting or bottom setting. If it has back setting there should be a knob on the back of the clock, usually in the center. If the knob is missing, the threaded shaft should still be there, as it is part of the movement.

If it has bottom setting (on some wall clocks), there should be a shaft extending down from the movement inside the case, then ending in a knob outside the bottom of the case. It is possible that this shaft is missing, because it can be an extension of a short shaft inside the movement, and so can be removed.

I don't know of a source for these bottom setting shafts, but there are many old non-functional clocks of this type around, and you could probably find one cheaply for the part. Setting knobs are available from most clock supply houses, often in assortments so you can find one with a compatible thread. Note that these knobs are very often left-hand threaded.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com