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Clocks, Watches/Hands not in synch with chimes

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Expert: - 9/8/2009


Question
I just purchased a second hand Howard Miller clock from the Goodwill.  It is the Medford model.  The chiming mechanism works great but the hands move together when trying to set time.  How can this be fixed?  I hate to take it to a repair shop as I only paid $7.87 for it.  Thanks so much for your help.  Susan Atlanta GA

Answer
Susan, I cannot recall ever having run into this problem before.  Are you saying that when you turn the minute hand the hour hand moves equally also?  That would be that if you make one complete turn of the minute hand the hour hand also makes the complete turn?  Does the clock run okay?  I wonder if someone glued one of the hands because it was loose.  The minute hand is on a center shaft and the hour hand is on the hour tube which goes over the minute shaft.  You might try removing the hand nut and pulling the minute hand off. (Remember to put the minute hand back on in the same position as you removed it.  It fits on a square shaft and only one of the four positions is the correct one.  That is what synchronizes the minute hand and the chimes.)  It could be that the hour hand wasn't pushed on far enough and it is binding with the minute hand.  But that results in causing the clock to stop.  But maybe the hour hand is so loose that it slips with the minute hand, which isn't very likely.  After you have removed the minute hand, check to see if the hour hand is fairly tight on the hour tube.  There is a gear arrangement behind the dial for the hands that are a 12:1 ratio.  When the minute hand turns around 12 times the hour hand makes one revolution.  It could be that the gear is slipping, but this is unlikely.  I just don't know.  Let me think a little more on this.  Really, I don't know what other questions to ask at this time to try to determine what might be wrong.  In the meantime will you confirm what I understand (above).  I will then inquire on my Internet Clocksmiths Group and see if anyone can offer any ideas on something I am overlooking.  It might be that you will have to take it to an experienced clockmaker.  I know that you probably got a very good deal on the clock, but the repair bill would be the same if you had paid $100 or more for the clock.  If the movement is beyond economical repair, it might have to be replaced and I will have some further options for you.  First, get back with me on the questions above.


John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama

Clocks, Watches

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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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