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Question
In trying to mimic Big Ben should the Westminster chime or the "Big Ben" bongs begin EXACTLY on the hour?
Hi Ralph,
On most modern grandfather clocks, the minute bushing (brass center piece with a square hole on the minute hand) can be adjusted so that the minute hand points exactly to the hour when the clock chimes or strikes.
It's really a matter of preference whether the minute hand is adjusted to be exactly at the "12" when the hour chimes begin, or when the hours are struck. As the clock plays a full 16 note Westminster melody on the hour, some seconds elapse between the the beginning of the chime and the final striking of the hours. I generally set up clocks to begin the chiming sequence as close to the exact hour position as possible. This, of course, causes the hour strike to sound perhaps 10 seconds or so past the hour. A generally accepted guideline for accuracy is for the clock to begin chiming (or striking) within 20 seconds of the precise hour position.
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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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