Expert: William J Perkins - 6/23/2009

Question
We just had an expensive overhall done on this 'heartbeat' of our home - 15
bushings replaced, a spring replaced and something done with leather to the
chime mechanism. Its once wonderful loud tick is softened and the much
loved resounding bing-bong is soft and struggling. The clockmaker
(registered) says that, given time for the leather to dry out, the voice will
return. Sound plausible? Is there a "break in" time? It does now keep perfect
time. Trouble is, I think of it as a chimemaker more than a time piece!  
Thanks so much for your opinion.

Answer
I'm sorry, to me this is nonsense.  You are supposed to wait how long for the chimes to sound right?  They should sound right now, and for years to come!  
As far as the ticking is concerned the repair person can adjust this by his depth setting of the escapement.  I am sure he has set it for maximum efficiency, not knowing retention of the loud ticking was an issue.  I would have done the same thing, however, the sound can most likely be increased by increasing the depth of the anchors bite and adjusting for the change in efficiency by raising the pendulum a tad.  Work with the person, I am sure he will gladly make whatever adjustments you want.  Best regards WJP