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Question
I have an Alaron 21 day mechanical movement. This clock keeps time very well and chimes on the hour (strikes the time) and also once on the half hour. Most of the time it only strikes once on the hour and very rarely strikes the actual time. What can I do to resolve this problem. I appreciate any advice you can give me.
Thanks, Jerry
Hi Jerry,
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Your clock has a rack-and-snail strike mechanism. I have attached an illustration to help explain; it is a different clock from yours, but the basic parts are the same. When the clock is preparing to strike, the rack hook releases the rack, and the rack drops (pivots downward) so that the rack tail comes to rest on one of the steps of the snail. Which step determines how many hours are struck.
In the case of your clock, the rack is falling only slightly (as it normally does every half hour) instead of all the way to the snail. Thus, your clock strikes only one time. There are numerous possible causes of this problem, all related to something getting in the way of the rack and not allowing it to drop. To correct this problem, you would have to remove the hands, remove the dial and then observe the rack to see what it is hitting. It is very likely that it is hitting something that you definitely do not want to adjust, bend or move, such as the pin on the gathering pallet (a common cause of this problem). This may make this a case where it would be best to take the clock to a professional clock repairer. http://www.clockmasteronline.com
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Master Martin, I did as you said and observed the clock stiking with the dial face off. I didn't see any obstructions keeping the rack from falling all the way. I noticed however that the rack failed to fall fast enough to hit the proper place on the snail. A drop of clock oil on the pivot pin for the rack seems to have fixed the problem. Thank you very much. Respectfully Jerry | ||
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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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