Expert: Martin Meyer - 2/24/2009

Question
I bought a Waltham double winding tempus fugit wall clock at a second hand store.It is a 31 day clock.  The clock works fine. I have never had a clock like this before. I wound both places. But when it is supposed to chime, you just hear a clicking from the hammer, I think the chime is missing. This is not an antique clock. Could you tell me what you think the problem is and if it is the chime, how do I get it fixed? Thank you.

Answer
Hi Christine,

Both the gong and the hammer should be visible just below, or slightly behind, the dial. The gong is most likely a coil gong, but may also be a straight rod. If a coil gong is missing, you will probably be able to see either the round mounting plate where it broke off, or screw holes in the case back if the entire assembly is missing. A missing rod gong may not be as obvious, especially if there is a wood frame around the dial, because it is mounted high up on the case back. If there is no dial frame, you may be able to see the rod gong mount near the upper right corner of the case back, and therefore may be able to see if the rod is broken off or the whole assembly missing. However, in both cases, the hammer should be visible just below or behind the dial.

If you find that the gong is not missing, and if you can see the hammer lifting and falling each time the clock strikes, then the hammer is simply out of adjustment. The hammer wire (shaft) is soft brass, and can be carefully bent so that it contacts the gong. The at-rest position of the hammer should be 1/16" to 1/8" away from the gong. When adjusted to this position, the gong should sound properly.

If, when the clock strikes, the hammer does not move at all, or just barely moves the slightest amount, the problem is internal in the movement, and must be addressed by a professional clock repairer.

If the gong is broken or missing, you can find replacement gongs at any good clock materials supply house, such as Timesavers (www.timesavers.com) or Merritts Antiques (www.merritts.com). Both rod and coil gongs are available. The screw holes on the replacement gong will probably not line up with the original ones, so you may need to drill a new hole in caseback.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com