Expert: Martin Meyer - 10/29/2009

Question
Verichron wall clock made by Harris and Mallow, the clock chimes 2 more times than it should example for 9 o'clock it will chime 11 times for 10 o'clock it will chime 12 times etc. My question is how do I get it back in sink... it keeps good time? Also is there any where I can get a owners/instruction manual?

Answer
Hi Robert,

If the clock strikes the wrong number of times, you correct it as follows: turn it to strike on the hour. Count the number of times it strikes and move the HOUR HAND ONLY to point to the correct number. The minute hand will Not move. The hour hand (unlike the minute hand) is a friction fit and can be moved forward or backward without affecting the minute hand or the strike mechanism. Occasionally the hour hand is tight on its shaft, so move it gently so as not to break it. When you are done, make sure that the hour hand is not hitting against either the minute hand or the dial, both at the center of the hand and along its length. Once you have synchronized the strike in this way, you can set the time the normal way by turning the minute hand forward, stopping to let it strike at each strike point.

(Note that this method works on virtually all modern clocks and the great majority of antiques. There are a few very old clocks, usually mid-1800's or earlier, for which this method may not work, and COULD POSSIBLY DAMAGE the clock. If you feel a sudden solid resistance when trying to move the hand backwards, stop immediately and have a professional clock repairer make the correction. Also, some small clocks, such as carriage clocks, may have very thin and delicate hands which could easily break. These should also be serviced by a professional repairer.)

Instruction manuals can be very difficult to obtain. Many "companies" are really just trademarks or brand names, not manufacturers. Also, clock companies are frequently bought and sold by other companies, just as are companies in general these days. So tracking down the actual manufacturer can be difficult or impossible.

The most current address for Harris & Mallow that I can find is 651 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE, Lakewood, NJ 08701. I could not find a website for them.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com


http://www.clockmasteronline.com