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Clocks, Watches/chime problem

Expert: William J Perkins - 7/8/2009

Question

I have a problem with a Sligh mechanical clock where the chime activation
seems to be disconnected. (small descending brass rod with brass ball on
end). I need to removed the face of the clock to look at the connecting end to
see what the problem is. Can you tell me how the hands are held on? It
appears to be a small nut with a brass bushing between the hands. What are
your thoughts and recommendations? I am up in Grand Bend, Ontario

Answer
You gave me a picture of the wrong part of the clock. I need to see how the hands are secured to their shafts. Since your Clock is in a Sligh case I presume the movement was made by Hermle. The hands on Hermle's are held on thusly. The minute hand is secured by a hand nut. Remove the nut form it shaft and simply pull off towards you. Allways note the original position of the hand before removal. The hour hand is held to it shaft via a friction sleeve which functions as bushing holding the hand to its shaft. Pull the hand straight back, apply removal pressure at the hands post position, never apply pressure directly to the hand, that will cause bending, again remember it original position. If when you try to restore the hour hand to its shaft and the friction fit has been lost, take a pliers and gently close the slot to where friction has been restore. In the event hands are not set up as I have described, copy down and send me all the data that is stamped upon the clock movements brass backplate. Better yet send me digital pictures of the backplate and the hands and dial, make the later a bit oblique so that I can see the set up. I am 99% sure the assumption of the movement being a Hermle is right on. Regards WJP

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