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About John Newman
Expertise
Because of the variations of clock values throughout the world, and particularly the lack of data on modern production clocks, I regret that I CANNOT DETERMINE CLOCK VALUES. ALSO, WATCHES ARE NOT MY FIELD. However, I can advise the clock owner on proper maintenance of a clock to keep it running, small corrections and adjustments and how to move a clock without damaging it. I can also advise on obtaining parts for clocks. It helps if you can send any information on the clock movement which is usually found on the back plate of the movement. I have been involved in building, repairing and restoring clocks for about 30 years and was plant engineer in the mid 90's and later operations and engineering consultant at Emperor Clock Company in Fairhope, Alabama. I now have my own clock shop.
Experience
One of my greatest accomplishments was traveling to China to assist a clock factory in building clocks to the standards which we required. With the proper specifications and quality control, some beautiful clock cases were built. The factory people from the wood carvers to the plant manager were very congenial, friendly and I left a lot of wonderful friends when I returned from my trips.
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You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Home Appliances > Clocks, Watches > Adjusting day and date change
Clocks, Watches - Adjusting day and date change
Expert: John Newman - 9/17/2008
Question
I have a German standing regulator which I got back in 1984. The problem is that the day and date changes around 5:30 am instead of just after midnight as it use to do. Time is good, moon phase is good, correct day, number and month work, just change late.
Is there a way I can make an adjustment to get things back in sync, or do I need to call in a pro?
Thanks, Larry
Answer
Larry, I would have some additional questions about the clock before being sure about what to do. But let's assume the clock does not have a chime or strike and the hour hand is the type that you can slip around. It is very probable that the hour hand was inadvertently pushed around to the wrong hour when the clock was being set. If it doesn't meet this criteria, let me know and we can start all over again. I might need some pictures of the clock.
Okay, the time is good and it really doesn't matter what time in the day the moon changes because the increments are so minute that we can't distinguish from one day to the next anyway. Let's don't be concerned about that. So, if it isn't a chime or strike, gently turn the minute hand around until the day and date function changes. According to your statement, that would be at 5:30 am on the clock. Now carefully slip the hour hand around until it points between the 12 and the one. That would signify 12:30 am. Now the clock is set to start changing the day and date around midnight and end up at 12:30 am. Since the time you do this is probably not going to be at 5:30 am, turn the minute hand to set the clock to the correct time. Remember, right after the day and date function changes it will be midnight. If you are setting it, say at 8:00 pm. you would want to run the minute hand around about 19-1/2 hours to bring it up to the correct time so it will subsequently change every midnight. If you do this at 8:00 in the morning, then you would want to run it around about 7-1/2 hours. I hope this isn't too complicated. Let me know if you have any more questions.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
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