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Clocks, Watches/Grandfather clock chimes problem
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Question
Mr Newman,
My 40+ year old grandfather clock chimes (big bong sounds) the hour correctly when the clock reads on the hour (big hand at 12 o'clock), but the music chimes are off by some amount. At 15 minutes past the hour, I get the full 16 music chimes, and at 30 minutes past the hour I get only 4, etc.
Any idea how to fix this?
-Matt
Matthew, at some time the minute hand nut loosened and it and the minute hand probably came off. It was then reinstalled in the incorrect position. To correct it do the following:
You do not have to stop the clock to go through this procedure. DISREGARDING the position of the hands, turn the minute hand through the quarters until the hour chime (16 notes) plays and the hour strikes. Count the number of strikes. According to your observation, the minute hand should be at the 15 minute hand position. At this point do not move or turn the hands. Remove the minute hand nut and minute hand. Reinstall the minute hand pointing to the twelve, install and tighten the hand nut. I always use a pair of pliers to SLIGHTLY tighten the nut a little tighter than hand tight. This keeps it from loosening later. If the hour hand isn't pointing exactly to the hour, slip it around to the hour that just struck. Now, using the minute hand, set the clock back to the correct time. That should do it. Let me know if that works and if you have any more questions, get back with me.
John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
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Answers by Expert:
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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