You are here:

Clocks, Watches/Clock chimes out of sequence

Advertisement

Expert: Martin Meyer - 3/14/2009


Question
Hello. I've been able to correct problems in the past with clocks chiming out of sequence by either (depending on the clock) moving the minute or hour hand. I now have a clock that will chime some hours in the correct sequence, and then skip an hour. For example, it may chime 1 thru 6 o'clock correctly, then chime 8 times at 7 o'clock. Moving the hands around doesn't seem to help thus far. The clock also often chimes twice on the half hour. This isn't an old clock. It's Korean-made and dates to the 1960's or 70's, and has a nice antique look to it. Any idea as to why it skips a hour in the chiming sequence and chimes twice on the half hour? Thanks.

Answer

Rack and Snail
Hi Hans,

Korean clocks generally have a "rack and snail" strike mechanism. I have attached a photo of this mechanism on a different clock, but the basic parts are the same.

When the clock strikes, the rack hook lifts, which allows the rack to fall. The distance the rack falls is determined by which step on the snail the rack tail comes to rest on. The clock then strikes, and the gathering pallet revolves and picks up one tooth of the rack at a time, until the correct number of hours has struck and the rack hook drops down into position again, thus stopping the striking.

What is happening in your case is the rack hook is not stopping the striking action. This is most often caused by the hook falling into place, but then bouncing immediately back up, which allows an extra strike or more. There are a number of possible causes of this problem, including both wear and parts out of adjustment, and the diagnosis and repair of the specific problem will need to be done by a professional clock repairer.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentAn incredibly detailed answer with a photo no less! Thank you so much. Your expertise is greatly appreciated. Hans


  • Ask a Question

Martin Meyer

Expertise

Can answer repair and service questions for most types of clocks, antique and modern, mechanical and battery. NO watches, appraisals, identification, history, dating, or questions about cuckoo clocks. Website for Modern and Antique Clock Repair: Clockmasteronline.com

Experience

24 Years as owner and repairman of clock repair business, 28 years in the field. Factory Independent Service Center for Howard Miller, Ridgeway and (formerly) Sligh Clocks. Specializing in Fine Antique Longcase (grandfather) clocks. Clock repair Website: (Please remove "Not" from the address - this is a spam protection): www.NotClockmasteronline.com

Organizations
AWCI (American Watchmakers and Clockmakers Institute) and NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors)

Publications
Am also an Expert in the "AllExperts-Antiques-Antique Clocks" Category.

Education/Credentials
Trained by a former Rolex Asia watchmaker, and by a Master Watchmaker/Clockmaker.

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