Clocks, Watches/vidette chimes

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Expert: Martin Meyer - 9/13/2008


Question
A friend gave us an Vidette chiming wall clock circa 1890 we think. It runs fine but we are having trouble with the hourly chimes. They chime sometimes, sometimes not. The chimes are not always in sync with the hour, IE chimes two times at 3 PM. How do we set this up correctly>

Answer
Hi Richard,

If your only problem is that the clock strikes the wrong number of hours, and the hours struck are always off by the same amount (e.g., always strikes one time less than it should), then the solution is a simple adjustment. Please see my recent answer "Melinda - changing strike on a briton grandfather clock" for the explanation.

However, if the hour strike sometimes doesn't operate at all, or if the number of strikes that the clock is off by varies (e.g., sometimes one time less than it should, other times 2 or 3 times less), then there is an internal problem in the movement, and you should have the clock serviced by a professional clock repairer.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com

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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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