Expert: Martin Meyer - 8/14/2009

Question
Old Seth Thomas clock, double weights (time - chimes), how are the chimes set to coincide with the time?
I find no model number, supposedly clock is 75 to 100 years old, runs perfectly as long as it is wound.  Weight strings come up through the top on pulley's, needs winding every day.  Paper instructions not readable.

Thank You.

Answer
Hi Pat,

There are several different methods of synchronizing the strike with the time, depending on your clock. On antique clocks, it is possible to damage the movement if you try to use the wrong method and force the hands.

If the hour hand is not too tight on its shaft, the easiest method is to count the number of times the clock strikes, then move the HOUR HAND ONLY to point to that number. (This is also the best method to use on modern clocks.) When you do this, the minute hand will not move, because the hour hand is a simple friction fit.  Sometimes on antique clocks, the hour hand has become very tight on its shaft due to corrosion.  In this case you will have to be very careful or use a different method.

Some antique clocks have a wire hanging down behind the dial on the left side. It usually extends just below the bottom of the dial, and its lower end is not attached to anything. To correct the strike, push this wire up, and the clock will strike. Each time you push the wire up the clock will strike one additional hour. Repeat this until the clock strikes the correct number of hours.

A third method, and this is most risky, is to move the minute hand forward until the clock strikes, then when it has completed striking, move the minute hand backwards to about :20-:25 before the hour, then forward again to the hour to make it strike. Each time you do this, the clock will strike one additional hour. Repeat until it strikes the correct number of hours. You will feel some slight resistance when you move the minute hand backwards, but if you feel any sudden solid resistance, STOP IMMEDIATELY and do not use this method, or you can break internal parts in the movement.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com