You are here:

Clocks, Watches/How many turns to wind an old clock?

Advertisement

Expert: - 12/9/2009


Question
I just bought an older Howard Miller Key wound chiming mantel clock. It is keeping good time so far but I'm afraid to wind it - How many turns should I do it and what are each of the 3 holes for on the front face- I know one is for the time and one is for the chiming. all i can see in the back is 340-020A? I also got a Seth Thomas Wall Clock key wound would it wind the same way? Thanks for any advice. Carolyn Combs  

Answer
wind all spring driven clocks till they are tight and do not wind further --if you want them to run the week-- or wind them every day 1/7 as much as needed to run the week as designed. no fear

the center keeps it ticking the left the hour strike and the right the quarter chimes

340-020 is the German company Hermle's part number for the mechanism, they made it for HM

the direction to turn the key to wind clocks varies with manufacturer and age- they only turn one way, so try both directions.

Clocks, Watches

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Kenneth Saunders

Expertise

any mechanical clock question -no watches- no battery clock questions and no appraisals-ie: "how much is my clock worth?" type questions please! Attach a photo if possible and note all markings on the rear of the mechanism- thanks 40 years as a professional clock repair person- still a full time clock repair service owner

Experience

40 years as a professional clock repair person- still a full time clock repair service owner.

Organizations
NAWCC

Education/Credentials
above----------

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.