Expert: Martin Meyer - 12/1/2009

Question
Hello!

I recently purchased a Schatz Royal Mariner 8 day Ship's Bell Clock. Above the 12 is a fast/slow lever. Above the 6 is a bell with the number 8 inside. There are 2 holes for winding. On the back, there is a screw for the on/off for the bells. I believe it's from the 50's. I have no idea on how to set it!

Someone said the bell setting is done by moving the hour hand. Another said NEVER to touch the hour hand. Another said when setting the time, using the minute hand, to pause at the 12 & 6 of each hour, for the bells to sound.

Also, should the bells be turned OFF while winding, or doesn't it matter? I am worried I will break it! Any help/info would be GREATLY appreciated!

THANK YOU!
Deborah R.  

Answer
Hi Deborah,

Sorry for the delay, I wanted to double check something. You set the clock simply by turning the minute hand. The clock is supposed to be designed so that you can set by turning the hand backwards. However, I have heard reports of occasional problems with this, so it may be a little risky. (This is what I needed to confirm.) If you set by turning the minute hand forward, you should turn the clock to "Silent" first. Otherwise, you should stop at each strike point and let the clock strike. Avoid touching the hour hand. It occasionally gets bumped when turning the minute hand, and then the clock strikes the wrong number of hours. To correct this if it does happen, count the number of times the clock strikes, and simply move the hour hand to that number; you can do that in either direction.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com