Expert: Michael Radi - 12/9/2009

Question
Hello, I hope you can assist me and appreciate any advice you can offer.  I have bought an Enfield Westminster Chime clock - see link http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Art-Deco-Westminster-Chime-Light-Oak-Cased-Mantle-Clock_W0...
and was wondering if you could advise me on how to 'set it up' i.e. place the pendulum, set the pendulum going, winding etc.  I have contacted the seller but not heard back yet.  Hope you can help and all the best for Christmas.  Rgerads Philip

Answer
The clock should be wound once a week. Wind up all of the mainsprings until you feel them get really tight. It is OK to wind them all the way up so long as the clock is in good running condition.
The pendulum hangs on a wire or leader inside the back. Simply hang the pendulum on and push it to one side to start the clock. If you set the clock on a mantle and can't reach inside to start the pendulum you can tilt the clock or move the case left or right until it starts swinging.
You should be able to move the minute hand backwards to set the time but if you go forward either turn the chimes off or stop each quarter and wait for the chime to complete its cycle before advancing to the next quarter.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Michael