Expert: William J Perkins - 12/6/2009

Question
The chime mechanism for the melody and the time is out of sync. Is there a diagram to show how the gears should align?

Answer
I'm sorry, I have never heard of an Ansonia 745b Ezee Set, nor can I find a listing for it.  I suspect it to be Ansonia in name only.  In 1929 Ansonia sold all their stock, machinery etc. to Russia.  Thus marking the end of Ansonia.  Since then other manufacturers, mostly Asian produced products using the Ansonia name.  Perhaps that is the origin of the 745b.  In any case the problem you discus would more than likely a matter where the minute hand is no longer synchronized with release of the strike train at the proper moment.  To correct this deficiency is a simple matter if the construction of the clock followed follows American standards.  Presuming this to be the case proceeded as follows.  Move the minute hand to a position where you hear the click of the strike train release.  Allow the clock to run until it commences to strike, STOP THE CLOCK!  Note the position of the hands, lets use 5 minutes after 1 as the example.  The real time is 1 o'clock so you need to make the clock say 1 o'clock instead of 1:05.  Remove the minute hand either by removing the minute hand nut or the pin and washer that holds it to the minute hand shaft.  Once removed, turn the hand over,  you will note that the square hole that holds the hand in position on the shaft is in the form of a friction fit bushing.  Take a pair of pliers and turn that bushing slightly clockwise, test fit the hand to its shaft to see how much correction you have effected.  It will most likely take several tries to get it right.  Once you do have the hand pointing to 12, re fix the hand to the shaft with the hand nut or washer pin arrangement.  Once fixed to the shaft START THE CLOCK.  Set the hands to the correct time and your done.  Regards WJP