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Question
I have a grandfather clock with a new Hermle1161 053H movement. The
issue that I have is that all works well until the hour 12 is reached and the
clock strikes "1" instead of "12". ie at the 11th hour, it will strike "11", the
12th hour it will strike "1" and at 1 o'clock it will strike "1" again. All is then
normal until the 12th hour and the cycle repeats itself.
I would most appreciate your help in identifying the cause of the problem.
Kind regards,
Tasso
Hi Tasso,
)
The problem with your clock is related to the strike mechanism, which is called a "rack and snail". The rack is a long lever with a row of small teeth on it. At its other end is a "tail" which drops onto the snail, a circular, stepped part mounted on the handshaft. The rack tail must land on the correct spot on the correct step of the snail for the clock to strike the correct number of hours.
In your case, the snail synchs to its adjoining gear in a position which is too far clockwise, causing the rack tail to come to rest on the highest step of the snail, which is 1:00, rather than on the deepest step, which is 12:00. When the minute hand makes one full rotation to 1:00, the rack tail again comes to rest on the highest step, just a little farther along it.
You can see in the attached photo that the rack tail is dropped, preparing to chime, and resting on the deepest, 12:00, step of the snail. Note also that it is resting on the clockwise-most part of that step. This is the correct position for the 12:00 strike.
You must adjust the snail to be in this position. To do this, you have to first remove the movement from the clock, remove the hands, and remove the dial.
You can see in the photo that there is a silver-colored washer barely visible beneath the widest step of the snail. An E-clip holds this washer on. You must remove the E-clip and washer, being careful not to turn any of the gears while doing it. Once you do this, you can lift the snail straight off and replace it in the correct position, as shown in the photo. Be very careful not to turn any of the gears while doing this, because what you are trying to do is re-index the snail relative to the gear beneath it. Then replace the washer and E-clip, and reassemble the clock. Your clock should now strike the correct number of times at all hours.
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Answers by Expert:
Martin Meyer
Expertise
Can answer repair and service questions for most types of clocks, antique and modern, mechanical and battery. NO watches, appraisals, identification, history, dating, or questions about cuckoo clocks. Website for Modern and Antique Clock Repair: Clockmasteronline.com
Experience
24 Years as owner and repairman of clock repair business, 28 years in the field. Factory Independent Service Center for Howard Miller, Ridgeway and (formerly) Sligh Clocks. Specializing in Fine Antique Longcase (grandfather) clocks. Clock repair Website: (Please remove "Not" from the address - this is a spam protection): www.NotClockmasteronline.com
Organizations
AWCI (American Watchmakers and Clockmakers Institute) and NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors)
Publications
Am also an Expert in the "AllExperts-Antiques-Antique Clocks" Category.
Education/Credentials
Trained by a former Rolex Asia watchmaker, and by a Master Watchmaker/Clockmaker.
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