Expert: William J Perkins - 9/29/2008

Question
I have an old mantle clock that chimes on the quarter, half and on the hour. It chimes so nicely but when it strikes the hour there is only one strike no matter what the time. It has 3 winding spots at the bottom of the face and I don't really know what each one does, but it runs well if they are all wound. The winding mechanism on the right always seems to be tighter than all the rest and i never wind it much. I have moved the clock and I read somewhere that it needs to be either tipped on the back or front because it must have been tipped when moving. I hope that you can help me.
I am anxiously watting your response
Carol

Answer
I have never heard of tipping a clock to correct any deficiency, strike or no.  Before going into a probable solution I will explain the three winding positions.  As you face the clock the winding arbor on your right is for the chime train, (plays the melody) the center one for the time train, (move the time keeping hands) and the one on the left, the strike train, (announces the hour and half hour).
From your description I am inclined to believe something is awry with the counting mechanism.  If you will tell me the kind of clock you have I can determine the nature of this installation and provide you with a possible solution.  Regards WJP