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Clocks, Watches/wrong bong on the hour

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Expert: - 12/4/2009


Question
Hi, I have a grandfather clock, with 3 weights and chains, I pulled chains to start again, like I alway have and for some reason it bongs wrong hour time even though it is the correct time.  example if the time is 8 it only bong 7 times on the hour.  All 15 minutes chimes are working correctly.  Can you tell me what the problem might be?  Thanks Kim

Answer
Kim, the hour hand was probably slipped during resetting the time.  Below are the instructions for correcting this"


SETTING THE HOUR HAND TO MATCH THE STRIKES:

If the hour hand is not pointing to the hour that strikes, probably the only
thing wrong is that the hour hand on your clock was slipped out of position
when setting the time or something like that.  To bring everything into the correct operation, move the  minute hand through the quarters, letting each complete it's tune until the hour chime has finished and the hour has struck.  Count the number of strikes. Then slip the hour hand to the hour that just struck.  Now turn the minute hand to reset the clock to the correct time.  The chimes might not be in sync, but they
should correct within one to two hours.


If this doesn't do it, get back with me and we'll look elsewhere for the problem.


John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

Clocks, Watches

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John Newman

Expertise

As much as I would like to offer values of clocks, I am not a certified appraiser and will not venture into giving an unresearched guess. There is very little published information on what I consider to be the value of "modern production clocks". Considerations are what the clock originally sold for, the condition of the case and movement, and particularly the area in which you live, the demand and the economy. ALSO, WATCHES ARE NOT MY FIELD. However, I can advise the clock owner on proper maintenance of a clock to keep it running, small corrections and adjustments and how to move a clock without damaging it. I can also advise on obtaining parts for clocks. It helps if you can send any information on the clock movement which is usually found on the back plate of the movement. I have been a clockmaker for about 35 years and was plant engineer in the mid 90's and later operations and engineering consultant at Emperor Clock Company in Fairhope, Alabama. I now have my own clock shop.

Experience

One of my greatest accomplishments was traveling to China to assist a clock factory in building clocks to the standards which we required. With the proper specifications and quality control, some beautiful clock cases were built. The factory people from the wood carvers to the plant manager were very congenial, friendly and I left a lot of wonderful friends when I returned from my trips.

Organizations
Chamber of Commerce Small Business Committee

Publications
Horological Times, a publication of the American Watch and Clockmakers Instute. Collaberated column author, with Photos and ideas for clock movement conversion article.

Education/Credentials
Associate of Science Mechanical Engineering Technology Emperor Introductory Clock Repair (Eventually taught a portion of the class after becoming employee)

Awards and Honors
Small Business of the Quarter (Prattville, Alabama) Leadership Class of 2009 (Autauga County, Alabama)

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